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Show 141 "And J,," continued the Major, "haven't got a foot to stand on. I can't save your maid, Wilson - - not that I should. Why get my neck in a noose because of her? You'll have to let her go. Jennings" - - Sergeant Koontz had walked into tha outer office, his uniform immaculate, posture easy, and as Jennings jumped up to greet him he looked down in polite boredom - - "won't get promoted. Why up a Girl Guide who don't knnw clap from Christmas?" The Major walked to the window and looked out. Leaden clouds swept across, a flurry of drops spattered the pane. "Koontz'll have to call the wedding off. I'll have Kyoto return the papers. Tough luck, but that's it. Goddam it" - - his voice grew louder as a squall blew past - - "you get in a fix and expect me to pull you out. You've got it backassards. I should jump you, not help." The squall roared to a pitch, and the Major circled the room, his face black. In a minute he sat down. "Sir," said Sid, "what about the business this morning? The Warrant Officer was fit to tie." "The Major snorted. "That's nothing, and Satterwhite knows it. That's the ona place where he's out of line. Missing out on the liquor ration won't cut ice with Kyoto - - he won't even complain. He's just using it as a lever." His voice sank and changed timbre. His face relaxed; clearly mass was over. "Might remind Biggs not to squirt an officer" - - a chuckle moved below the words - - "even if ites an Engineer." When the meeting ended the officers dispersed. Sid cleaned off his desk and locked it; then taking his trenchcoat he walked to the jeep. |