Decker's Dilemma (27 page)

“So it wasn't Pinto either?” Hack asked, not remembering that Lee had told him she'd been having lunch with Pinto when the last orders were placed.

Decker glanced at Lee. “No, he's been ruled out.”

“Same with Ensign Limpert,” McCoy added. “We had our eyes on Petty Officer Pinto for a short time, but all he ever did was go to the gym. Limpert never left the ship except to visit a family in town. We focused on—”

A nurse entered the room, interrupting the conversation. “Don't stay too long,” she said, sternly. “He needs his rest.”

“So where does this leave us?” Hack asked, watching the nurse leave the room.

“Needing more coffee,” said Decker. “I'll make a cafeteria run and try to get you a cup, too.”

“You are a true friend.” Hack gave Decker a weak salute.

“Don't thank me yet. I still have to smuggle the contraband past Nurse Ratchet.” Decker stood and started for the door.

“Wait,” said Vega.

Decker whirled around. “What's up? Want some coffee, too?”

“I do,” she said. “But that's not it. I forgot something.” She reached into her purse and took out an envelope. “I went with Inspector Navarro to see Mr. Fortuno late last night as part of our investigation. My boss didn't let me sit in on the conversation, but I didn't mind this time. I got to talk with Olivia who I hadn't seen since I was fourteen. She told me she met you guys and we had a good laugh about it.”

Decker gave a stiff bow. “I'm glad the both of you could find us humble sailors so entertaining.”

“She actually likes you,” Vega smiled. “I could tell by the way she talked about you. And she asked me to give you this.” She handed Decker the envelope.

He set down his coffee and opened the letter. Everyone sat quietly as he started reading. A few seconds later, a frown came over his face.

“What's it say?” asked Hack.

Decker looked up at Hack with a confused expression. “I have no idea. I can't read her handwriting.”

The end.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jack Ambraw is the pen name of Eric Ward, a native of the small town of Newton, Illinois. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy, including a two-year assignment on board the USS
Sterett
at Subic Bay, Philippines, the setting for his debut novel. His day job is Vice President for Public Programs at the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering & Technology, an independent research library in Kansas City, Missouri. Jack has a B.A. in English from Hawaii Pacific University, an M.L.I.S. from the University of Hawaii, and is a doctoral student in an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in history and English literature at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He and his wife Lynn live in the Northland of Kansas City, where he is at work on
Yamashita's Gold
, a second Subic Bay Mystery featuring
Eliott
Decker and
his
friends.

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