“Al, I know what he’s gonna say.” Barlow led the thin, wiry reporter up the circular, wrought-iron staircase to the MAU commander’s office on the second floor of the old airport fire station. “He’s gonna vent about stuff that’s got him pissed and feeling helpless. Do me a favor and protect him where you can.” If there was anyone in the Beirut Press Corps that he trusted, it was Al Walters, the Middle East correspondent for Newsweek Magazine and one of the only civilians ever decorated by the Marine Corps in Vietnam for gallantry in action.
“I’m on your side, Harlan.” Walters shoved his glasses up on his nose and patted Barlow on the shoulder. “And I appreciate the exclusive.” When they were outside the colonel’s grungy little private office, Barlow stopped and rapped reluctantly on the do
