BURY IT WITH THE BODY

 

It just had not occurred to him to make the connection.

 

You know, Howard knew about this all along?

That had to be the assumption.

We each took time to ponder our fates. One cannot throw caution to the wind, and blame the wind. This was a calculation, we each had to make.

 

…in our mutual, Best, Interest…

       

Of course…

There was something surreptitious about their meeting. Neither trusted the other much. Maybe that was it.  Or maybe some added protection for when you really need it? And you probably will. So go in with your eyes open, for Christ-sakes!

Your words are spoken aloud, as if they are thoughts. 

I…didn’t…

As long as you are aware, it is fine with me.

There is no need to keep them to myself?

None. ‘Eyes Open’.

I didn’t mean what it sounded like…

         Good. Now tell me about Howard.

Howard had a civilian job, an aeronautical engineer, and a damn good one, but he was also covert military. A spy working under the noses (and possibly the auspices of…) a ‘private military contractor’, with some ‘strong ties...’

There would be trips that required secrecy…sometimes one week, then three, five….and so on. If there was ever an emergency at home, whatever the reason or rationale, they had a phone number to call in D.C. They were to leave a message. That number would then alert the receiver to the call, with a callback number. Or, get it patched straight through, if possible. He was in the shit, chin deep. He was no mere engineer. He was in the shit.

That ‘old spy’ crap don’t fly in this day and age. “He got a number in D.C….?” So what? Anyone ever try it?

You’re doubting the man?

Probably an answering machine with remote access. Anywhere in the world…Probably had a second…maybe a third, marriage…Or he was an addicted adulterer.

I’ve seen pictures from the far east. Provocative pictures and Howard was in some. He had them, he showed me. I believe him.

Oh I believe him entirely when it comes to ‘the provocative’ nature of those photos. There is no doubt, but what do they have to do with him being a spy, or, maybe just a drunken businessman, acting a fool?

Howard was no one’s fool, sir.

         I said “acting a fool”, there’s a difference, a big one.

So you’re still suggesting he was a spy ?

         Am I?

Well, Yes. You lead me to believe that is how you’re thinking.

         It makes no difference, does it? 

Bury it with the body.

          Bury what?

        To Howard.

        To Howard.

V