Heiser-The-Facade - Sparkling Eyes

"We're all in the same boat.""That's where you're wrong. I'm supposed to get on a plane in two days to flyback to Scotland.""I'm sure you'll get to make the trip sometime," Malcolm said cheerfully."It wasn't a tour, Malcolm. I have business that's a lot more important than this.""How is that?—If you don't mind my asking," queried Brian. Dr. Harper lookeddown at the floor, arms still crossed, hesitant. "Sorry," Brian offered."That's okay. It's nothing that has to be a secret," she said, her eyes misting. "I justhad this little court date to gain custody of my daughter. I had her during my final year ofmy dissertation. Her father and I never married. He's a Scotsman, and I'm not. I didn'tthink that was a big deal at the time. Unfortunately," she continued bitterly, "he's also alawyer, and has tried just about everything to deny me custody. Four years of litigationhell later, we've finally reached the last stop in the appeals process, and guess who doesn'tshow up in court? I'll bet that'll impress the judge. What would you guys think of a singlemother like that?"Brian and Malcolm looked at each other but said nothing. This brief glimpse intoher personal struggle made her rage understandable, although neither of them could beginto imagine her anguish."That's terrible, Deidre," Malcolm said earnestly. "We had no idea.""Cruel is more like it," Brian said in disgust. "They had to know what was goingon in your life.""Oh, they did. No doubt about that.""I assume you asked them to get in touch with your lawyer or the court," Briancontinued."Of course. I asked them to provide some sort of confirmation that they had doneso. Needless to say, I haven't heard a word back.""Who did you ask?""Our imperious leader, the Colonel.""We need to ask Neil.""He can't override the Colonel," said Dr. Harper wryly. "I hope you didn't forgetthe sanctified chain-of-command.""He won't have to," Brian replied. "He knows hundreds of people in Washington,many of them in Congress. There's got to be someone who could make sure your absenceisn't held against you. I'll email him as soon as I get back to my room.""That would be wonderful. Thanks," she said, her countenance brightening a bit."I think he'd know if the Colonel made the contacts, or, if not, would make themhimself. Let's go."Brian turned and headed down the lengthy corridor toward his room, Malcolmand Deidre close behind. Upon reaching their destination, he carded his door andpunched in his access code. The three of them went inside, and Brian turned on hiscomputer."I really appreciate this Brian," Deidre said as she sat down in one of the room'schairs. "Hopefully something good will come of it.""I'll pray to that end," Brian said with a smile."Thanks again ... You really think that stuff works, don't you?""Of course, but it depends on what you mean by `works.' Most people woulddefine `works' as getting exactly what they want when they want it as though God is66