Chapter 43
Las Vegas, Nevada
Doctor Bernard Clevenger enjoyed the company of the seven servicemen. They had treated Bernard as an equal, and they all asked him questions about his work. The five-star restaurant they had taken him to was owned by a famous chef. Bernard had ordered veal and red wine, perhaps the finest he’d ever had. The others ordered large slices of bleeding prime rib, baked potatoes, and beer. Rico, who was telling a story about Benny, stopped and answered his phone. Everything went quiet at the table. All eyes were on Rico. “I will advise when we are wheels up.” Rico ended the call and said, “Sorry, Doctor, but we have to go.”
As the vehicles headed to the apartments, Bernard asked, “Are you going to La Palma?”
Rico hesitated a moment and said, “We are to head toward
