Duty Recall Read online

  “Uh huh, that's what I'm talking about. “I'll talk to you later; I got to get over here and do some mingling.”

  “Roger that, sir.”

  * * *

  David decided to try hanging out discretely in various clubs, such as the “Cadillac Ranch” on Fort Bragg Road and the recently opened, “Dallas of Fayetteville” on Owen Drive. There were those “official” Commander's Call on Friday afternoon as well that was always planned in a side room in the Officer's Club. Drinks at the bar were sure to follow.

  His interest was not in drinking so much, nor was it in trying to pick up members of the opposite sex. No, he was quite content with Sherry and everything he wanted in a woman. But David discovered that there was no trouble finding those who were willing to part with their money for friendly bets on baseball and football games.

  With the Pirates leading the National League Championship series, three games to two, David was willing to bet that the Braves would pull off games six and seven. He even called the score for game six, but declined to do so for game seven.

  It was during game six with the Braves up 1-0 and the Pirates coming to bat in the bottom of the ninth that David's table drew a crowd. Alejandro Pena replaced Tommy Gregg pitching and Gary Varsho came in to bat for Doug Drabek.

  “Well, Allan, let's see if you get this one,” Captain Nelson chided.

  Jack Buck could barely be heard above the noise, “Two balls and two strikes on Varsho. Here's the pitch, Line drive base hit up the center…

  “Hahaha doesn't look good for you, my man.”

  David just smiled, and took a swig of the drink in front of him. “It isn't over yet, Captain.”

  Orlando Merced batted for Gary Redus and sent Varsho over to second base on a sacrifice bunt. One out. Bell came up next and promptly lined to right field on the first pitch. It was caught.

  “Whew, you were lucky on that one.”

  The next batter was Andy Van Slyke, one of the Pirates best hitters. Buck could be heard a little better above the clatter, “No balls and a strike; here's the pitch. A wild pitch; Varsho is taking third!” There was some cheering in the background.

  Surprised by his own voice, David suddenly announced, “$100.00 says he strikes out!”

  “You got that much?” someone yelled from behind.

  Before he could answer, Captain Nelson said, “He's good for it, I'll vouch for him.”

  “You're on!” the young man said, a stranger to David.

  “Anybody else?” David asked. “Hurry!”

  There were a few more takers and the crowd grew larger around them. Captain Nelson broke into a wide grin. “Good thing there are more than three of us here tonight.”

  David acted edgy. It was quite possible that he may be wrong about this whole idea.

  Buck could be heard more clearly now since the room grew quiet. “One ball and two strikes on Van Slyke. Here's the pitch. “STRIKE three called as Andy stands watching and the game is over! The Braves are still alive!”

  There were some bystanders not looking too pleased when David gathered the pot, but the presence of more than a few of his Psyop buddies circling around him, staved off any attempt to start a ruckus, at least for the time being.

  “You boy's might wanna get outta here now.” The bartender deadpanned.

  “We're gone!” David answered and left abruptly with his latest winnings heading straight to his car with Captain Nelson, Lieutenant Winsted, and Captain Baily in tow.

  “That was awesome, how do you do it?” Winstead said. “You're coming tomorrow night, right?”

  “Not a chance,” David answered. “It's our 10th anniversary and I plan on going somewhere quite nice. This will come in handy.”

  “So, who's going to win tomorrow night's game?” Lieutenant Winsted asked.

  “Here, take this bill and bet on the Braves to take game seven.” David handed Winstead a $100 dollar bill and added, “But I wouldn't come back to this place.”

  David's prediction was correct and then he placed bets on the Twins to beat the Braves in seven games for the world series, including the pivotal seventh game that ended with a 1-0 Twin victory. With his success, David eventually opened a separate bank account telling Sherry that this would be the investment account based on the small amount of money he put into the Dell stocks.

  Most of the deposits came from his uncanny knack of predicting the winning and losing teams however and Sherry was clueless as to the amount that was being amassed. If she decided to snoop into the increased wealth, David would tell her that Dell is doing much better than he anticipated. Still, he could not just go out and lay money down for a Mercedes.

  Sherry did not seem too concerned about any additional revenue, especially since David kept most of it a secret. She innocently inquired about David's pre-planned sitters and his exquisite taste when he took her to the Italian Ristorante for dinner and a night stay at the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill. Not that she was complaining. She needed to get away and unwind. Her appreciation towards David's attempts to get Dr. Meyers involved in her mother's case meant a lot to her.

  Dr. Meyers had even made an effort to visit Sherry's mother and eventually consult with her doctor at the nursing home in Salem, Virginia. It was not clear to Sherry why Dr. Meyers wanted to go out of his way but she had an idea, one that she kept from David, who thought Meyers was simply intrigued by his own case.

  Unfortunately, the prognosis was not as good as the one he had for David several months before. Still, Sherry was extremely grateful for David's efforts to help her mother. She just wanted to put everything behind her for now, and look back on the past ten years that she had just spent with David, reflecting on the two beautiful children, Robby and Jenny, that they conceived together, and how much the two of them meant to her. Sherry consoled herself that she still had the three of them in her life and that life itself, would indeed go on.

  * * *

  1991 had been a difficult year for Sherry. Her husband went off to war in the gulf, not knowing when or even if he would return. David did of course, but not as the same person he was when he left. Besides his obvious near fatal injuries, there was something peculiar about him that she could not fully grasp. He was still her David, though, the same man she fell in love with ten years before when they met on a mission base in Ecuador.

  While David was recuperating from his trauma, Sherry's father had his leg amputated from lack of blood circulation. This was due to diabetes related complications that was not appropriately cared for. Then, shortly after David's recovery, her mother, Mary, had an aneurysm in post-op after a routine shoulder surgery. She would never recover and eventually succumb to pneumonia four months later.

  David decided that the family needed to get away for a vacation. What better place to go then a far off country, away from danger, where they first met. Sherry, David, Robby, and Jennifer were visiting David's brother, Mike, sister-in-law, Robin, and their two small children, Kenny and Diana, for the Christmas Holidays.

  Mike and his family followed his father's footsteps as a missionary and ended up in the same country where he previously served. Maybe the time away from the hustle and bustle would be just what Sherry needed. David did recall that when they made this trip in his past life, Sherry enjoyed her trip and the holidays helped her keep her mind off tragic events at home.

  Sure enough, the change of pace was exactly what Sherry needed. Ecuador was a picturesque country. Enormous snow-capped peaks jutting from the mountainous Andean range surrounded the city where they would spend most of their time, Quito. Mike was in fact a semi-professional climber, equipped with the latest mountain-climbing gear, such as the picks, spiked shoes, etc. available.

  To the east of the city, the altitude sloped downward towards the Amazon basin. Both families traveled together to the jungle, stopping along the way at some natural springs. This whole trip was good for Sherry and exciting for the kids. It was a good way to end a bad year. To David, everything seemed to be fa
lling in place the right way. For Sherry, surely, 1992 would be a better year. David knew in his heart that it would be; that is if he did everything right and stayed the course. It just had to be.

  6. The gift of intelligence

  Second Lieutenant David Allan was promoted to First Lieutenant in April, 1992. Sherry was there during the small ceremony held outside the 8th Psyop Headquarter building. LTC Vincent and Sherry did the honors of pinning on the silver bars in place of the “butter bars,” so named for its yellowish appearance.

  The formation of troops consisted of the enlisted ranks, numbering around 40 or so. The other officers were standing around in various spots behind the formation and to the left flank. David felt proud of his first promotion as an officer. It felt similar to the time he was promoted to a Sergeant in 1983.

  Both he and Sherry gave a short speech and then returned to their normal daily activities. David and LTC Vincent wore their Class A's uniform, which was not required by anybody else in the unit. He and Sherry were invited to a lunch at the club with LTC Vincent and his wife who also attended the promotion. The four of them left together shortly after the ceremony, which was timed appropriately to end close to the lunch hour.

  LTC Vincent was impressed with David's intelligence analysis. He had predicted the failed coup in Russia and the subsequent declaration of independence by various nations that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. The Battalion commander often called him into his office late in the afternoons, just to chat about the world events and David's take on the world situation.

  It was during these afternoon chats, that David carefully predicted what would happen in Los Angeles later in the year in the event of a not guilty verdict in the Rodney King case.

  Unknown to the L.A. Police, King was caught on film while being beaten up by them when King resisted arrest in 1991. This led to racial riots breaking out in south central L.A. that lasted several days. David was careful not to divulge the fact that he knew what the outcome of the verdict would be.

  His uncanny knack of sharing accurate information included the prediction that Bosnia and Herzegovina would secede from Yugoslavia. LTC Vincent grew increasingly interested in David's analysis.

  One predictive analysis David felt led to share at the weekly staff meeting focused on the so called, “Humanitarian” invasion of Somalia. An ongoing operation because of the severe famine caused by warlords and civil war, LTC Vincent took a keen interest in learning more and asked David to stop by his office after the meeting.

  “So, what can you tell me about this Somalia business? You know we have been asked to send a small element there in support.”

  “Yes sir, I did hear that.”

  LTC Vincent looked at him intently. “Go on.”

  “Well sir, I don't believe that it will end well for our soldiers and we will eventually pull out of the country with our tails between our legs.”

  LTC Vincent did not laugh. “Why?”

  “Well sir, it's kind of hard to explain but the bottom line is I don't believe that our command is fully aware of the array of trained terrorists that exist there, especially in Mogadishu. They are trained in irregular, asymmetric warfare in urban areas and I believe that we will go there not fully prepared.”

  “I want a written report on my desk by close of business (COB) tomorrow. Be sure to add some specific background information on their enemy forces that we might encounter.”

  David squirmed in his chair slightly and while his thoughts scrambled for a recollection of group names and key individuals, he quickly answered, “Yes sir! Consider it done!”

  LTC Vincent got out of his chair, rubbed his chin and said, “This is some good stuff. I do not think that anybody has viewed courses of actions that may involve terrorist groups and urban warfare. What was that word you used… Asymmetric warfare?

  “Yes sir, it…”

  “I never heard that term before. Is this a new MI term? Give me the scoop.

  “It isn't used officially really, but I believe that it will be used more often to describe the type of warfare that we will most likely be involved with in the future, especially now that the Soviet Union has all but dissolved.

  “Interesting. Be prepared to give a quick brief at the Group level on Friday.”

  “Yes sir!”

  “I know you can handle it and will do alright. Just be sure to have that report on my desk tomorrow and I will review it first. You'll be standing by in case I have any questions.”

  “Yes sir!”

  “Good job, Davy. I'll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  * * *

  David stopped by a phone booth across the parking lot from the Battalion building before going home for the evening. He pulled out a piece of paper, placed a dollar's worth of quarters in the slot and began dialing. After a couple of rings, the man's voice answered excitedly.

  “Hello, Las Vegas Sports casino, can I help you?”

  “What are the odds on Toronto Blue Jays winning the Word Series this year?”

  There was a brief pause. “500 to 1 to win it all.”

  “Could you look at my account for Davy Crockett, 312-908-766, and place $1500.00 on the Blue Jays?”

  “You sure about this, Mr. Crockett?”

  “Yes, I think so.”

  “Alright, but you only have $2,000.00 in your account and I would hate for you to have to lose over half of it for nothing.”

  “That's okay. I'll get more in there soon.”

  Okay, consider it done. You'll have the written confirmation and details in the mail.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  David thought for a moment after placing the receiver back on the hook. Two hundred and fifty grand! Wow, what will I do with it?”

  * * *

  Later that year, David's predictive analysis continued to impress more and more of the brass. The Group commander called him to his office one day after briefing everyone that Hurricane Andrew would cause considerable damage to south Florida when the Hurricane was still in the Atlantic before warnings were issued in August.

  David was careful not to tell anyone that Homestead AFB would nearly be demolished after taking a direct hit killing about a dozen people and leaving a couple hundred thousand homeless. He did warn his chain-of-command that the Air Force personnel in Homestead, Florida may want to take extra precautions in preparation for what was most likely going to be a category 5 Hurricane.

  He also stated during a staff briefing that it would not surprise him if the 82nd Airborne and elements from the 4th Psyop Group or Civil Affairs would be deployed to Homestead for administering aid and relief.

  The most exciting news to David, which he kept to himself, was the fact that the Toronto Blue Jays did win the World Series and the payoff was a huge cause for celebration. This he did with a weekend away from the base, alone with Sherry. The getaway was a surprise but David arranged everything, including the sitters for Robby and Jenny.

  “Wow, this is nice!” Sherry exclaimed while looking at the plush suite at the newly opened Renaissance SouthPark Hotel, in Charlotte.

  “I thought you'd like it.”

  Sherry stopped gazing at the room and looked at David. “And we can afford this?”

  “Of course…”

  “Without going into debt, I mean.”

  “Yes. Remember my investments? Well, I used the money from there and we are doing very well.”

  Sherry opened her mouth as if she was going to continue, but abruptly walked over to David and planted a long big kiss instead.

  “I love it!”

  The two held each other closely and allowed their kissing to overflow with passion.

  Later that evening, David had reservations at the Bernardin's Restaurant, a favorite among locals. David caught several men stealing a glance at Sherry as she glided to her table wearing a new one sleeve, royal blue, evening dress with a high leg slit. He wore a casual navy suit and the two of them sat together by t
he window enjoying each other's company.

  The restaurant was lined with just the right amount of mirrors to make the place look a bit roomier without appearing like a carnival. There were numerous floral bouquets that looked freshly cut from the Carolinian landscape displayed on the tar-heel blue banquettes.

  David's focus was keenly on Sherry's beautiful eyes that never ceased to captivate him. Her eyes and her smile was something he never got tired of admiring. He was oblivious to those sitting around them, unaware of any talk that may have been directed towards them. Not that it mattered anyway.

  He and Sherry both relished the moment and together savored a fried Calamari appetizer, which was followed by the Grilled Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon.

  “So, just what are you investing in these days?”

  David could tell by her smile and the fact that she reached over across the white tablecloth to hold his hand that she really did not care about the details, but had in fact grown accustomed to David's generosity displayed towards her.

  “I have expanded into the latest technology in phones, Palm Pilots and other personal assistants.”

  “Palm pilots?”

  “Yes, they are handheld personal digital assistants that I believe will one day evolve into smartphones. Basically, a computer in the palm of your hand.”

  “Hmm, sounds interesting. Is this really the wave of the future, I mean, well, I guess it must be. Look at you and me…now.”

  “It's working out okay.”

  “I was thinking if this continues to go so well, maybe you should think about getting out of the Army.”

  David was surprised by Sherry's comment. She had been the driving force behind him leaving the enlisted ranks to become an officer and then urging him to move forward until retirement. It was a discussion that never came up during the first time he lived the nineties.

  “Well, I don't know, Sherry…”

  “Just a thought. I almost lost you last year. She bit her lip. The kids and I would not know what to do without you.”