“I’ll keep you posted,” Sarah said, “Listen, one more thing. Willis called a little while go. Someone blew up the car that George Snapp was in. This is becoming deadly and I have ordered surveillance on both Lake and Barnett. I am placing them under our protection of the time being.”
“I’ll notify the President. I think he will want to know this as well. You make sure you watch your back. Make sure our own security keeps you covered,” he said.
“I don’t think they would come after me. I don’t know enough to cause them concern,” she said.
“When you’re dealing with crazy people, logic does not figure into the equation.”
“All right. I’ll take the necessary precautions. Does this make you worry about the operations of the department?”
“I’m not worried. You will handle things as well, if not better, than when I’m there. Call if you need anything,” he said.
“You can count on it. Be safe,” she said, not sure why she had added the last part.
“Sir. The item you ordered has been permanently damaged.”
“I see.”
“Would you like to order anything else now?
“No. I think I will see what happens at this point. You have checked on my other items haven’t you?”
“Yes sir. They are in good shape at this time."
“Okay. I’ll let you know if I need those items sent to the same place.”
“You know where the shipping center is. Just give us a call.”
“I certainly will. Thank you for taking care of the damaged item.”
“No problem. That’s what we’re here for.”
The general paced back and forth in the small terminal at the main facility at Groom Lake. He should be doing a thousand other things rather than waiting for that asshole Eller to arrive. He was coming in on a private jet, authorized by the President, directly to the base.
Devin looked out the window and could see the landing lights off to the south about two miles out. Another twenty minutes went by before the twin seat L39 Albatross rolled to a stop. Devin was surprised that Eller had come in this instead of one of the Citation X or Challenger 800 luxury business planes. Maybe Eller wasn’t as much of a pansy as Devin thought he was.
He could see him coming down the ramp and toward the door to the terminal. Devin had refused to be standing outside like he was waiting on some royalty.
“General Devin,” Eller said, extending his hand. Devin was surprised. He had forgotten that Eller was an inch taller at six foot three and built solid with very little flab. His handshake was strong as expected from ‘glad-hander’, as Devin called them. Everyone in Washington was a glad-hander in his book.
“Welcome to my world, Mr. Eller.”
“It’s a pleasure to be here. Nice to see you again.”
“I will have my men take your things over to the senior officer’s housing. They are not all that fancy but they are certainly a long way from the barracks facility.”
“Thank you. Boy, that L39 is some plane. I think the pilot enjoyed making my eyes pop out of my head. Mach 1.8 is a heck of a lot of g-force.”
“Yes, I’m sure it is. Well, if you will come with me, I have transportation waiting to take you to your quarters. You can wash up and put your things away. When you are ready, you can call and I will have transportation sent for you.”
“Actually general, I would like a Hummer supplied for my own use while I am here. I don’t want to waste time having to send for someone every time I want to go someplace,” Eller said.
“That may be dangerous. You know we have a bombing range attached to this facility. If you would happen to venture into one of those areas it would be deadly,” the general replied.
“I understand. I won’t go running off in the desert until I fully know my way around. If you would make the arrangements immediately I would appreciate it,” Eller said.
“Yes, of course. It will be there by the time you are ready,” the general replied.
It was not on his agenda to have this jerk running around on his base but he knew better than to get into an argument right off the bat.
“Good. I appreciate it.”
As they rode along, Devin pointed out various buildings were projects were headquartered, including the Skunkworks facility that did the work on special CIA projects.
“And where is the S-4 facility?” Raymond asked.
“About twelve miles in that direction,” he said pointing out the window.
“I am anxious to get started. Maybe we could have dinner and pound out a working schedule later?”
“I have several projects that I need to check on but I think around 1900 hours should work.”
“Excellent. I’m a late eater anyway,” Raymond said as they pulled in front of a square, stone and wood, two story house.
The house was much larger than he had expected. There was no grass or trees, only sand and a hard-pack driveway. His luggage was already sitting on the front porch.
“I’ll let you get settled. A Hummer will be here as soon as I can make the arrangements. I will have a detailed map in the vehicle for you as well. If we don’t cross paths again, I will see you at 1900. I will have the location marked on the map.”
