7:23 PM

28
7:23 PM

     Margaret came over to the desk Agent Danley was working at, and dropped a note.
     "This from my secretary?"
     "They just said to call back immediately."
     "I was sitting right here."
     "I can't clog up the main number walking over here."
     Agent Danley shot up an eyebrow, but then he left it alone.
     "Thank you, Margaret."
     "No problem, Agent."
     She smiled and walked back to her desk.
     Agent Danley picked up the phone, paused for a second, and then dialed. It was almost 10:00 in Washington. What was she still doing at the office?
     "Howard? Is that you?"
     "Yes."
     "I've been reassigned. I think so have you. You've got a meeting with the Assistant Director tomorrow at 9 o'Clock."
     "Tomorrow? At 9 o'clock."
     "I know. I'm sorry. But I got you a flight out of Dallas Fort Worth that leaves at midnight hours. Can you make it?"
     Agent Danley looked at the clock.
     "Yes, I can make it, but it will make a mess of things here. And I won't be able to, you know, sleep."
     "Sudden thing, I think."
     "Well, Marjorie, I really appreciate you staying. I know it's way after the hour you normally go home."
     "I couldn't just leave."
     "You could have. Thank you."
     He took down the particulars for the flight and then looked at the desk. He had to leave everything just as it was. That was a shame. He went over to Margaret.
     "I've been recalled, Margaret. Please tell the Sheriff that I'm sorry and that it was a pleasure working with him."
     She looked at him quizzically.
     He didn't have time to explain. He put on his coat, picked up his bag and walked out the door to the car.
     "So why the hell am I here?" she said to an empty room full of boxes and papers.