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The confusion, which had lightly shadowed Therin’s face for the better part of the visit, gradually cleared.
“Watching my grandkids grow, I realize I want them to have it all or as close to getting it as they can come. Education is the foundation for making that happen.”
“Agreed,” Therin said just as the waitress returned with their iced teas.
“I’ve heard many impressive things about your work for education,” the general said when they were alone again. “Your work with EYES captured my interest especially.”
“Sir.” Therin nodded briefly.
The general’s posture softened when he leaned closer to the table. “We had our eye on EYES at one time. No one believed an organization raking in that kind of cash could be about as noble a cause as they claimed.”
Therin grinned. “And what do you think now?”
“I think it’s an organization I’d greatly like to be part of, but I’d like an insider’s view before I make my intentions public.”
Therin trailed his fingers along the tea glass, which had begun to sweat. “I could tell you what you already know and talk your head off about the organization’s missions and successes or you could see for yourself. I’m working to put an event in place—be happy to put you on the guest list.”
“Ha!” The general smacked his hand to the table. “Direct and no bullshit. Findin’ more and more to like about you every minute, son.”
“Sir? Offering your support this way…do you have any idea about the aggravation you’re letting yourself in for?” Therin asked once their sandwiches had arrived.
General Yale laughed aloud. His weather-beaten face had taken on almost the same magenta tint as the short-sleeved dress shirt he wore. “Son, I’ve been in aggravations my entire career. No reason why retiring should change that.”
“It’s just that throwing your support toward education will set a lot of folks on edge. You’re known as a hard-nosed military man whose allegiance has always been to the strengthening of our military first and foremost—everything else has appeared to have taken a backseat to that. Education, most of all.” Therin shrugged while removing the pickle from his turkey club. “The ones not set on edge by you suddenly changing your stance could send a lot of their financial support toward other causes and away from their usual interests.”
“And I’m hoping for that very thing.” The general took a swallow of his tea. “I recognize the danger our kids’ futures are in. In many ways I helped contribute to it. My timing’s piss-poor, but I’d like to try somehow to make amends for that before I leave this place.”
“General.” Therin leaned across to shake the man’s hand, commending his new ideals. “The event will be held in Vancouver—date is still to be determined. Should you prefer to keep your interest more discreet, I’d understand should you choose not to attend.”
“Hmph. I couldn’t keep it discreet if I tried. My staff works harder for me now than they did before I retired.”
“I thought they’d be back in D.C. or elsewhere?” Therin took a bite of the sandwich.
“You thought right. Their superiors may have changed, but their jobs are still the same. Many of my connections, the knowledge I hold about them and how to deal with them are still of interest.” He cut his roast beef on rye into quarters. “We meet from time to time to discuss such matters.”
“And one thing leads to another and soon you’re discussing your own…future plans?” Therin guessed, joining in when the general grinned.
“I had my staff do some checking.” Shepard Yale cleared his throat as his laughter quieted. “They all told me you were the man to see for the honest scoop.”
“Mmm.” Therin cringed. “Having a reputation for honesty can be a negative in the political game.”
“This is true.” The general regarded Therin thoughtfully. “I suppose I should ask if you’ve thought about what sort of aggravations you’re in store for. Bringing a hard-nosed general in on the noble bandwagon? If you didn’t have enemies before, you’re sure to have ’em now.”
“Well, sir, it’s like you said, I’ve been dealing with aggravations my entire career. No reason why my heading the noble bandwagon should change that.”
Laughter rumbled between the two men as they raised their glasses in toast.
“I shouldn’t have told you.”
“Baby, please, I’m very happy, only…”
“Only you’re concerned about me overdoing it.”
