Chapter 9: Politico—an Interlude

Tennis

Lonnie placed his shot perfectly, almost touching the net and landing in the corner of the tennis court. Bob Brandenburg chased the shot down and lobbed it back over the net. It would be easy to end it with a smash Bob had no chance of returning. Lonnie lined up on the ball and hit a long hard shot. Bob ran for it but it was gone long before he crossed the court. Just out of bounds. Lonnie smiled.

“Bob, you got me on that one. I need to learn to control those smashes. Six inches less and it would have been mine.”

“I’ve always had six inches on you.”

“Keep your six inches off me.” Both men laughed and shook hands. They collected their equipment and left the court. Rachel Hammond and Susan met them at the fence. Rachel went immediately to Bob and began massaging his upper arm.

“You’re so good! I love watching you. Shower up and let’s go dancing.”

“Shower yes. Dancing no. I have to be back to base by midnight and I don’t want to get there drunk.”

“How is your assignment going?” Lonnie and Bob walked to the locker room at the club. Bob was six years older than Lonnie and had entered the army as a second lieutenant at the beginning of the summer. In the early years of Lonnie’s attendance at Elenchus Schole, Bob had adopted him as a little brother. Bob protected Lonnie. Lonnie protected Liam. He wondered if Liam protected anyone. All of us.

“Mostly what I expected. Run errands. Push paper. Polish brass. But it’s good. Reveille is at five-thirty, taps is at nine-thirty. I know what I’m supposed to do and where I’m supposed to be every minute. I’m Johnny-on-the-spot with whatever the brass needs. Captain has said I’ll get my silver bar within the next year.”

“Way to go. If I have to serve one day, I want to serve under you.”

“I prefer women under me.” They laughed again and headed to the showers. “That’s a pretty little blonde piece you landed out there. Looks like a real tiger. Of course, Rache is like that, too. Great shape, tight as a glove, and ready any time.”

“Sounds like wedding bells.”

“Yeah. I figure when I get the silver bar, she’ll get silver bells. Promotion for both of us.”

“So, what’s the word on that situation in Kenya? Are we going to get involved in that?”

“It’s the only thing the senior officers talk about. We’ve all been issued new jungle fatigues. It’s only a matter of time. Ngana is pushing toward the capital and you know we’re not going to leave our allies in the lurch. I’m in for my career and combat service on my record would be a big boost to it.”

“Make the most of it. I want you for my Joint Chiefs of Staff when I’m president.”

“I’ll be there, Lonnie. You’ve got my word.”

The Deal

Lonnie was pleased. There were very few favors he could do for his older friend but making him look good in front of his girlfriend was one of them. And he hadn’t been detected by either of them. Not that Bob was bad at tennis. Lonnie was just better.

He waved goodbye to them with Susan under his arm and conducted her to his car. Susan got in and slid to the center of the front seat. She liked Lonnie’s big car. Maybe today would be the day to give him a blow-job while he drove. He’d be all fresh and clean from his shower.

“All right, sweetheart. Now where would you like to go? It was really nice of you to sit in the stands with Rachel. You deserve a big reward.”