The Storm

have to keep it under wraps for a while. Now you know a little bit about having to keep a serious secret."

“Why did you tell me this story If I can’t write about it," I asked. “We already explained that Zach. You can,” Gunny replied, “after we’re dead, of natural causes or some other means. By the time we’re dead, e veryone else in the know will be as well. It will at least be an interestin' read and bring you some fame, or notoriety, or whatever, if you're gutsy enough to put it out there, Son. If anyone asks, just play ignorant and just tell anyone who questions your knowledge, that it came from your fertile imagination. No one can accuse you of squat. Too many years have gone by, and by now no one cares except those that want to hide the excesses of military actions." "It would definitely get the attention of the old brass that was privy to the operation," Gunny continued. "They need to be shaken up a bit anyway. Just claim ignorance and rest easy.” I spoke up to Henry, “I can’t believe that after all these years you both lived within 25 miles of each other. What are the odds?" Gunny replied, “Guess something in our destiny did this. Call it God, fate, karma, or whatever. Here we are. We three are the only ones that know of this place and our story." "Something to tell your kids when you're older, Zach. You have ki ds?" “No Sir,” I replied. “Are you married?” “No Sir.” “Do you have a sweetheart, Zach?” “Yes Sir,” I replied again. “Are you going to marry her, Zach?” I hesitated then said “Maybe, Gunny. I don’t know.” “What do you mean 'maybe.' Son. Look at us, two old beat down geezers, single and alone, hidin' out in the swampland of Louisiana, not knowin' when our maker will call us, and no family to love on us. You wanna

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