Major Tammy Fuller interviews author, James Hellvig:
MT lost in thought, startles as Jim
stops in front of the deserted diners table. Waving at the opposing bench she says.
“Welcome. Please,
have a seat.”
Slouching into the cramped booth,
JH forces a grin saying.
“Thanks.
This is a little…weird. Am I interrupting something?”
Nodding in agreement MT replies:
“You’re
always interrupting! As for my
thoughts… are you sure you want to hear them?”
Shrugging Jim raises his hands in
mock surrender mumbling.
“Sure…why
not.”
Face slowly reddening, MT replies.
“You
took high level operator and turned her life upside down. What the hell do I
know about raising a kid or relating to a cantankerous old nun? ”
Signaling the waitress, Tammy
orders coffee raising an eyebrow in Jim’s direction quizzically. Tensing, he
tells the disinterested woman.
“Black
coffee please…and a few Equal packets if you have them.”
Nodding tiredly, the waitress
shuffles away leaving a pair of stained menus on the edge of the table. Each
ignoring the printed offerings, MT breaks the growing silence saying bluntly.
“Sooo…let’s
hear it! What in the CRAP where you thinking! Why saddle me with people and
emotions I can’t control!”
Squirming a little uncomfortably JH
answers.
“I’m
not sure. I haven’t really thought that far ahead. I can’t answer the why part
except to say that there’s still more to tell. Your faith, Anna and mother
Steele along with dozens of other questions remain unresolved!”
Scowling, MT glowers at the man
while the returning waitress sets their cups down, taking the untouched menus
with her with a sigh. Jim hurriedly stirs sweetener into his cup, sipping as MT
growls.
“Does
mental illness run in your family?”
Sputtering, coffees spraying into
his off hand as he hastily lowers his steaming cup back to the table were it
promptly sloshes over.
“Excuse me!”
Rolling her eyes, MT continues a
little vehemently.
“Please
tell me you didn’t get me into this mess without figuring a way out of it! I’ve pushed my military
commanders about of far as I can. You were
an operator once! Having the proper intelligence in critical! ”
Looking embarrassed JH mutters.
“Well
no…I mean… yeah! I’ll figure it out eventually! What are you? My editor!”
Leaning back, MT snorts.
“If
I were your editor, I’d kick you
butt! I don’t suppose I could speak to your muse?”
JH closes his gaping mouth with a
click before chuckling and responding with.
“If
you can get anything out of that
cigar chomping clown I’d be impressed! He
only shows up sporadically, grunting here and there and making smart aleck
comments. Good luck with that!”
Shaking her head sadly, MT mutters.
“I’m
doomed….”
Indignant, JH says.
“Oh
come on! I’ve done all right so far! After all, odd as it is, we’re sitting here!”
Taking a deep calming breath, MT
sighs ticking off points on her fingers and saying pointedly.
“ Nuclear detonations. Betrayals. Friends and
family in pain…we’re steps away from anarchy. Do you still wanna stick with
that ‘I know what I’m doing’ line?”
Thinking carefully, JH replies.
“All
I know for sure is that you’re tough and smart
Major. I’ve given you plenty of help. I’m confident that whatever lies
ahead, we’ll get thru it… IF we work together!”
Studying the greying man across
from her, Tammy finally sighs loudly, reaching out a hand to cover one of his
own saying firmly.
“OK.
I still think your butt could stand a
kicking…BUT we’ll defer that for now. Just try
and give me a little heads up, huh.”
Pointing a finger an inch from his
nose, Tammy continues sternly.
“You
keep my people SAFE author man!
Understand me?”
Smiling in return, JH nods solemnly
saying.
“Yes
Ma’am. Kicking my butt might be
harder than you think ya know.”
Squeezing his hand, Tammy stands to
leave saying over her shoulder.
“Don’t count on it
Kenpo man…coffee’s on you. Figure you owe me that much!”
Watching as she walks slowly out
the door, Jim sips his cooling coffee musing.
Maybe I OUGHT to get her to talk to the
muse….
