The Colonel switched his frown to Jeff. "Have you been drinking?"
It was not unusual for the Colonel to treat Jeff like a small boy even though Jeff towered over him and this was one of the fool questions the old man was always asking. Jeff replied recklessly, feeling a moment of bravery. "Only what they've been putting in my hand."
Grant Copeland broke the tension by rushing up and seizing the Colonel's hand. "Colonel," he said, beaming and pumping the old man's hand vigorously, "I was afraid you weren't going to make it." He looked briefly at the Colonel, then let his eyes virtually play over Maria, taking in her full length with long, caressing looks.
Grant brushed aside Jeff's attempt to an introduction. "I already met your wife. At your office. Do you think I'd ever forget anyone a
