Trouble Triangle (Tyler's Trouble Trilogy) (42 page)

He rubbed the corners of his mouth with his thumb and forefinger, and stared at me for several moments. "It's unusual to grant early transfers, but I think you're an exceptional case. I've always thought you'd be better suited as a sea-going sailor. Leave it with me, Chambers. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you, sir. I would be forever indebted."

I looked at Holly's vacant desk as I left. Tears pooled in my eyes as I walked past and sadness stabbed my heart. I wondered what the baby would look like. Boy or girl? Would I ever see a picture? A vision of me walking into our log cabin in Oregon flashed through my mind-Holly standing at the stove making spaghetti and asking about my day. I really did love her.

#

Three weeks later, I stood at the bottom of the gangplank of the USS Expectation; a
seabag
with all my worldly possessions on my back and orders to report aboard in my hand. I would still be home-ported in Pearl Harbor, but wouldn't be spending much time there. Within a week, my new ship and I would be on a six-month dep
loyment to the Western Pacific.

I couldn't wait.