North Korean Blowup (33 page)
Read North Korean Blowup Online
Authors: Chet Cunningham
Rattigan, McNally and Walden had come off the walking wounded list and were on full duty. They still hurt in places but their wounds were healed well enough they could start toughening up. Lawrence was still at Bethesda Naval Hospital. They had all been to visit him at least twice. He was coming along well and would be paroled to them in another two weeks for light duty, no training. Chang had responded well to his upper thigh bullet wound and had been through Bethesda and was back with them on limited duty.
In his office in the SEALs quarters, Hunter, Bancroft and Senior Chief Chapman went over potential replacements who might fill Clayton Sanborn’s shoes. He had to be just the right SEAL who had been enthusiastically recommended by his commanding officer. He also had to have an FBI background check that went back to grade school. They had a stack of fifteen files on the desk. All had met the qualifications to join the President’s Platoon.
“What about Lawrence?” the senior chief asked. “He might not be duty fit for three months yet.”
Hunter looked at Chapman. “Our policy has been not to take on a temporary replacement. It’s too discouraging for the man being replaced, and can be crushing to the temp when he is sent back to his former outfit. No. We go a man short in Alpha until Lawrence is fit for duty.”
Chapman handed Hunter three files in neat manila folders. “Here are the three I like best out of the bunch. I suggest that we steer clear of married men. One married EM is enough. Can cause all sorts of problems.” He looked at Bancroft. “I was referring specifically to the EM, sir, no reflection on you.”
“I agree on the single or divorced man,” Bancroft said. “That should be one of our qualifications. You getting ready to leave, Senior Chief?”
“Yes sir. I have a heavy date, and if I’m late, she’ll kill me.”
“Get out of here,” Hunter said.
Hunter stacked the folders on his desk. “Let’s call it a wrap for today. It’s been a long one. I need to take a drive into Arlington myself.”
“Say hi to Beth for me,” Bancroft said. “Is it too early to invite you two over for a bar-b-q?”
“Much too early. See both of your tomorrow at oh eight hundred and we’ll select our man.”
Later, on the drive into Arlington, Hunter thought about Commander Beth Darby. They had been out three times, and he was becoming enamored with this lively woman. So far it had been light and fun, no strings attached, and platonic. Tonight they were having dinner at her apartment. He lifted his brows. Never could tell what might happen after the dishes were done.
He took the turnoff into her street and all of a sudden he wasn’t thinking about Beth, he was thinking about the three red hot problem areas in the world where there might be a need for the services of the President’s Platoon. In another week they would be ready to take on a new mission. He wondered what it would be. The Admiral had called that morning on the secure line and said that there was something brewing that might need their attention. He was to get his men into top shape as soon as possible. A tingling shot down his spine just thinking about it. Another action, but where?
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