The Sum of All Fears.pdf - Delta Force

'Yes, sir, something like that, but it'll cool off. Just that we have some
things happening now. It's like that. When you were driving your ship, it was
like that, too, wasn't it?'
'That was much healthier work. I also had a far shorter distance to commute.
About fifteen feet, as a matter of fact,' he added with a chuckle.
Ryan laughed rather tiredly. 'Must be nice. For me it's that far to see my
secretary.'
'And the family?'
There was no sense in lying. 'Could be better. My work doesn't help.'
'Something is troubling you, Jack. It's quite obvious, you know.'
'Too much stress. I've been hitting the booze too hard, not enough exercise. The
usual. It'll get better, just I've had a longer than usual stretch of bad times
at the office. I appreciate your concern, sir, but I'll be all right.' Jack
almost convinced himself that it was true. Almost.
'As you say.'
'And I must say that's the best dinner I've had in a very long time. So, when's
the next time you're coming over to our side of the pond?' Ryan asked, grateful
for the chance to change subjects.
'Late spring. A breeder in Wyoming will have some horses for me. Polo ponies,
actually.'
'You gotta be crazy to play that game. Lacrosse on horses.'
'Well, it gives me a chance to enjoy the countryside. Magnificent place,
Wyoming. I plan to tour Yellowstone also.'
'Never been there,' Jack said.
'Perhaps you could come with us, then? I might even teach you how to ride.'
'Maybe,' Jack allowed, wondering how he'd look on a horse, and wondering how the
hell he'd be able to get away from the office for a week. 'Just so you don't
wave one of those hammers at me.'
'Mallet, Jack, mallet. I shan't try to involve you in polo. You'd probably end
up killing some unfortunate horse. I presume you'll be able to find the time.'
'I can sure try. If I'm lucky, the world will settle down a little by then.'
'It's settled down quite a bit, thanks in large part to your work.'
'Sir, Basil may have placed a little too much emphasis on what I did. I was just
one cog in the machine.'
'Modesty can be overdone. I find it disappointing that you failed to receive any
recognition,' the Prince observed.
'That's life, isn't it?' Jack was surprised at how it came out. For once, he'd
been unable to hide his feelings completely.
'I thought as much. Yes, Jack, that's life, and life is not always fair. Have
you thought perhaps about changing your line of work – take leave, perhaps?'
Jack grinned. 'Come on, I don't look all that bad. They need me at the office.'
His Royal Highness became very serious. 'Jack, are we friends?'
Ryan sat upright in his chair. 'I don't have all that many, but you're one of
them.'
'Do you trust my judgment?'
'Yes, sir, I do.'
'Get out. Leave. You can always come back to it. A person of your talents never