THE GIRL, WHOSE NAME he’d learned was Celia, pulled up in front of the closest military base a little more than an hour later. When she slid the gearshift into park, the slight sound was like a rocket exploding to his stretched nerves. He actually flinched, but quickly regained control. With a word of thanks to her, along with the admonishment not to pick up strangers, he waved to Celia as he got out of her car before approaching the guard booth.
As Celia’s car backed away before turning a U-turn, he walked closer to the guards, who both stood at attention, hands on their weapons. He was careful to keep his hands extended away from him, making it obvious he was unarmed.
The younger of the two guards took a step forward. “State your business and provide identification please.”
“My name i
