The Storm

Chapter Thirty-One

Back To Major Peterson

T he ride to New Orleans was quick. My mind was racing about the events that just taken place. This second trip was so revealing, yet hard, all at the same time. I knew that I would never be the same. I felt that I had somehow grown up a bit. I pulled up to the FEMAheadquarters and inquired about Major Peterson. “He’s in his office,” a contractor said, and pointed to the trailer that he had stationed himself and his team in. I came to the trailer and opened the door, catching the Major by surprise. "Hello, Son," the Major said. "How did your trip go?" "It went well, Sir,” I responded coldly, with a cringe of worry, curiosity, and anger, looking at the man that put Henry, and Gunny as well, in harm’s way. Here he was, still in command and slopping at the government trough, while my friends were hiding out for years in the inland swamps. So this is the guy that sent Henry into an impossible situation, and then ordered another team to kill him, with no intention of extracting the team in the first place if there was even a hint of trouble. I felt a tinge of rage and injustice welling up within me, and I knew that I had to let it go. I had to keep in mind what my friends had told me, that that was what they had signed up for. I still had a hard time looking him, the Major, in the face. It is amazing how truth can change your perspective.

“I got what I needed and I’m ready to fly out today,” I said. The Major responded. “Good, Mr. reporter, I hope you can

1 65