House hunting had seemed to be a waste. Every house they saw had something wrong with it. Most were badly needing updates. While others didn't look like there photos. Harm was going to give up when Frank called his cell. He was two blocks from the last house and had seen a house that was for sale by owner. He called the number on the sign. The gentleman happened to be home and was willing to show the house.
Harm guided the Lexus over to the house. Frank was chatting with someone out front. They were introduced to retired Air Force General Alan Stockwell. He was retiring to Florida to be closer to his kids and was trying to avoid all the Realtor fees of selling a house.
Harm was intrigued to say the least. Harm was given permission to wander around and look at the house. He liked what he saw. Everything was updated. There were six bedrooms and 4 bathrooms upstairs with an office downstairs. Harm thought there was no way even with his college fund he could afford to buy this house.
They all met back in the family room. General Stockwell asked "Harm what you think of the house?"
Harm said "the house was the best they had seen that day."
"Well here is a sheet on the house and since I found out you are Hammer's son, here is the price. He saved my live more than once over Nam. Least I can do for him. I will share those stories when we finish business."
Harm looked at the paper and price listed was $700,000. He was shocked this house was easily a million dollar home. He said "Sir that is much too gracious an offer. I can't do that to you heading into retirement."
"Nonsense. I am still making a killing on this place. It was my father's before it was mine. So take it or leave it."
"Alright sir I will take it. Depending of course the inspection but I doubt it will turn up anything. It looks great sir."
"Good then. Let's go to dinner and I will share the stories. I bet your mother hasn't heard these."
Trish was teary eyed already. They arrived at the General's favorite restaurant. It was a local Italian place. He shared how Harm's dad had saved his life once on their first year in Nam and then on the day before he went missing. Both times Hammer had taken a MIG out that was firing on the general. The second one the general was trying to get back to Saigon with a MIG trying to take out his other engine.
Harm was grateful for the stories and for the deal on the house. He also found out the General had named his youngest son Harmon to honor his father. It was by chance they had found this house or was fate with his dad guiding them.