Chapter 20 - Mad Dogs and Englishmen
A hearty pancake breakfast with an enormous serving of fruit and several cups of black coffee revived Lee somewhat. Still, he couldn't shake the depressing feeling that he'd learned a lot about Mel, but none of it was useful to saving Rachael.
Saul took him back to base and deposited him in a conference room where the boxes taken from Roger & Melanie's apartment were soon hauled in by two ensigns. A suitcase had been left waiting for them in the room.
"Melanie's stuff from the hotel," Saul explained. "The delivery receipt for Rachael's stuff and the photographer's prints will be here later. I've got a couple irons in the fire to follow up on. If you want to start going through the stuff without me, go ahead. Otherwise, maybe you should cat nap. You look wiped."
"I think it might be helpful to have Roger here to go through this stuff. He might understand or recognize stuff we wouldn't."
"Why don't you call him and take care of that? I'll be back within the hour."
Lee started to call Roger then remembered how snarky he had been with Admiral Nelson in the night.
"No apologies are necessary, Lee, except mine for disturbing your sleep. I should have known how little you had. Since we spoke, I've had your car and cash delivered to your hotel. Also, a courier will arrive tomorrow morning with your blues, a few changes of clothes, and a plane ticket."
"A plane ticket and my blues?"
"Did you forget? We have a meeting in D.C. on Wednesday with Farrow Industries and half a dozen congressmen. Angie switched your ticket so you can fly out of San Diego tomorrow night."
"Damn."
"I'd like you there, Lee. I may need your calming influence."
"Admiral, a friend's life is at stake. Can we delay it a week?"
"No, there are too many conflicting schedules at issue. Can't you leave for a day or two and then come right back?"
"No, I have a very limited window of time to clear Rachael."
"Lee, I've seen the news this morning. What exactly do you think you can do for Commander MacAdam given she's confessed?"
"I don't think she did it."
"Then why confess?"
"It's complicated."
"By what?"
"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and personal loyalties."
"Well, if you truly think you can help her, stay. You'll be a valuable resource for her as you've been for me. I suppose Chip will just have to grin and bear it."
"He'll forgive me eventually."
"Not soon, I suspect. How are Dick and Doris?"
"As you'd expect, although I haven't spent much time with them."
"I know Melanie was a handful at times, but it doesn't make it any less sad. I'll check in on them when I get back. I assume they'll be back in Santa Barbara by then. Do you know about funeral arrangements?"
"No, not yet. I'll let you know when I do."
"Lee, be careful."
"Of what?"
"Johnson. If he jumped in to help this fast, he may have an agenda."
"He always does."
"It might not be the same as yours."
"I know."
"Don't hesitate to call if you need contacts outside of Johnson's channels. I have plenty of friends in San Diego."
"Thanks, admiral. Just wish me luck."
"Good luck, lad."
Lee felt buoyed at the trust and faith placed in him by Nelson. Even if things did sometimes get wickedly tense between them, those times were exceptions. Lee called Roger next.
"Find anything interesting at my place?"
"Not particularly. I did find the brand new life insurance policy Mel had on you interesting, but not particularly relevant."
"Given what I do, it seemed only fair."
"Who paid for it?"
"Me."
"Just swear to me you didn't have a similar one on Mel."
"I swear."
"Good. Saul and I would like your eyes going over her stuff and the pictures. It could take a while, so you might want to bring a change of clothes."
"Maybe I could grab a room on base for the night?"
"If you want, I'm sure."
"Reporters are everywhere. I don't think my apartment would be any better than the hotel."
"No kidding. Saul took the phone off the hook right after we entered. It was ringing from the moment we arrived. I'll ask his secretary to get us both a room. I was planning on checking out too. Can't exactly afford the La Fortuna Hotel for long. Would you mind bringing my suitcase? While you're at it, pick up a package from Nelson at the front desk for me and my car since I took yours."
"I'll be there in about an hour."
"Just be careful with my car, buddy."
"Have you ever seen me mistreat a lady, Lee?"
No, Lee thought as he hung up without responding, he never had.