Family Ties

“You’re a cool one, all right.

Danny said you were.”

“Not really. I’m scared out of my wits right now,” I admitted. “My mouth is so dry I can hardly speak, and I’m pretty sure I have more adrenaline in my blood than oxygen.”

He actually laughed at that, the first crack in his stern façade.

“But I’m willing to stand up to you because I think your daughter’s worth it.” I gave him a moment and then continued, “I once read that courage is

grace under pressure. I don’t know if I’m being graceful or not, but I know for a fact that I’m under a lot of pressure.

“So you think you’re demonstrating courage? As Hemingway said, grace under pressure?”

“I do, sir. I thought about this a lot when I accepted Christy’s invitation.

From what she’s said about you, I kinda thought we’d have this conversation.

You just… seem like the type, sir, if you don’t mind me saying so. And you’re pretty damn intimidating.”

He nodded agreement.

“But I came here anyway. I walked into your office, even knowing what I was about to face.

He thought about that for a long time. Then he finished his whiskey and savored it before he swallowed. He nodded at my empty glass. “Another?”

“I’d feel guilty drinking another man’s whiskey if we’re going to be…

“Thank you,” I said when he returned.

“Drink up.” He took a healthy swig himself.

“If you don’t mind, sir, I’d rather wait. The first was to steady my nerves.

At this point I need my wits more than anything.”

His eyebrows rose deliberately. “I believe Daniel was right.” He considered me for a moment. “Christy tells us you want to be an architect.”

I didn’t bat an eye at the change of subject. “Yes, sir.”

“Why not the military? Your father served, didn’t he?”

“Yes, sir,” I said. “But I want to serve my country a different way.”

“And you think building malls and country clubs is serving your country?” He scoffed.

“Then by all means, young man, enlighten me.

supply depots? Those were all designed by architects.

“Amateurs discuss tactics, sir, but the professionals discuss logistics.

Logistics start at home.” I paused for a heartbeat. “So tell me, Admiral, would you rather discuss the tactics or the logistics of serving our country?”

I sat back and swallowed hard. The lump in my throat didn’t go away, and my muscles felt twitchy from the effort of sitting still, but I’d made my point.