Looking Glass 4 - Claws That Catch Read Online Free Page B

'black'? Eric won't really talk about what he does.”
    “He can't,” the CAO said, nodding. “I'm sorry for that but that's the rule and I'm glad to hear that he's following it. But, yes, pretty soon the operation will go white. How soon, I'm not at liberty to divulge.”
    Weaver's ears perked up at that. One bit of information that the CAO clearly had, and Bill did not, was that the decision to go white had been made and there was timing on it.
    “But when it does, all will become clear,” the admiral continued. “Including what an extraordinary man you've married.”
    “I already know he's extraordinary, sir,” Brooke said. “But thank you.”
    “Two-Gun,” the admiral said, “you've got a week. Use it well.”
    “Yes, sir,” the lieutenant said, nodding. “Can I get a hint?”
    “We're becoming archaelogists,” Weaver replied. “I think that's indirect enough, isn't it, sir?”
    “Just fine,” the CAO said. “Archaeological mission, Lieutenant. Should be routine.”
    “Our normal routine, sir?” Berg asked, trying not to grin. “Or 'routine' routine?”
    “Routine routine,” the CAO answered. “But we never know, do we?”
    “No, sir, we don't,” Eric admitted. “And, Brooke, this is Commander Weaver. I told you about him.”
    “It's a pleasure to finally meet you, sir,” Brooke said, looking him up and down. “You don't look like . . . what I expected.”
    The CAO barked a laugh at that and shook his head.
    “People tend to say that,” Bill replied. “They generally expect someone older and with less hair. And, please, call me Bill.”
    “Actually, I was wondering that you're not ten feet tall and breathing fire,” Brooke corrected, grinning. “Bill.”
    “In that case, Eric has been exaggerating,” Weaver said. “I have to add my compliments to the admiral's. You are truly stunning. Eric is a very lucky guy.”
    “That I am, sir,” Berg said.
    “What are your plans?” the CAO asked. “And to be clear, I'm referring to after the honeymoon.”
    “I've secured off-post quarters, sir,” Eric replied. “Brooke will be occupying those and intends to apply for college.”
    “Well, it'll be easier to survive on lieutenant's pay, that's for sure,” Townsend said. His aide whispered in his ear for a moment, then handed over a message form. The admiral read it, his expression unchanging, then looked up and smiled. “I hope you both do well. The captain and I, however, have a previous appointment.”
    “Yes, sir, I understand,” Berg said, tugging at Brooke's arm. “Thank you for coming.”
    “Get Admiral Blankemeier and General Holberg,” Townsend said to his aide. “I'll take Captain Weaver in lieu of Captain Prael. Is transportation laid on?”
    “Yes, sir,” the Navy captain said.
    “Let's do this.”
    “May I ask what my previously scheduled event is, sir?” Bill asked quietly.
    “We have to go to Camp David,” the CAO said. “There's a meeting there in the morning. It seems the Russians and the Chinese are aware of the Blade.”
     
    “Who is the girl with the blue hair?” Brooke asked, gesturing with her chin to a girl in a skimpy black dress dancing with a tall, incredibly stiff Marine. The girl looked to be in her early twenties and had bright red hair with a shock of blue dye at the front. “Is that a girlfriend I should know about?”
    “We went out clubbing, once,” Eric replied. “But girlfriend would be stretching it. She's a linguist, a really good one. Sort of a savant.”
    “I'm not sure what that means,” Brooke admitted.
    Eric thought of the linguist in the Cavern of the Dragons, stretching out her hand and directing the opening of the gates. Nobody had been able to figure out the puzzle, but it was as if the linguist was God-touched in some way. She certainly was strange enough.
    “I'm not sure I can explain it, either,” Eric admitted. “But she's special. Not retarded special, the other way. Gifted. Almost scary sometimes. We work