Novels2Search

3. Where is Delaney?

09:45, I leave the government building and flag down two men in a passing jeep. They salute while I flash them my orders and command them to take me to Captain Pullman. After a short drive of about ten miles away from town, we come up to a clearing in the woods on top of a small hill. The local forest has been stripped of trees and in its place are hundreds of yards of pitched tents. We go up an earthen path and drive through rows of this tent city. We pull up beside the largest tent and I dismount the vehicle, thanking my chauffeurs. They speed away as I enter what must be the headquarters tent.

Upon entry I find men standing over a table of what appears to map. "I'm looking for Captain Pullman." I announce. A man turns, " I m Pullman and you must be the detective. I have been expecting you." he says. I salute and he returns. " I m just an MP sir." I state in matter of fact. "Walk with me." he says. We leave the tent and walk amongst the tent city.

"They posted us here because there wasn't any room in the town. Though when the men are on leave they visit the bars and local brothel. I have had a whole platoon disappear in the course of a week. Its so bad I have had to combine first and second platoons to make up the losses." He states,

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

I nod in understanding. He continues," The last one to disappear was private Oscar Delaney, he was last seen yesterday and didn't show up to roll call this morning, I don't believe these men to be deserters Roberts, They are good dependable men with good records." We walk up to a man who is barking orders to a squad of men. "This is Sargent Baker, his squad leader, he has more details." he says. Capitan Pullman turns and gives me a firm handshake. " Good luck Roberts and Godspeed." He turns and leaves me.

I approach the barking figure his eyes catch me and he turns sharply and salutes, I return the gesture. "What can I do for you lieutenant?" He asks. "I hear you have information on the missing Private Delaney." I say. "Yeah he was classified as AWOL this morning and nobody seems to know where he went. I know for a fact he has friends in my squad." he says. I look to the figures standing at attention. "Do anyone of you know Private Delaney?" I ask. A soldier comes forward. He salutes and I return. "Sir." He starts "I don't know Delaney very well sir but I know someone who does. Corporal Jackson knows him well sir." "Well where is he?" I inquire. "Not here sir, he running an errand for Lieutenant Parker but he is supposed to meet me at the Bar Louis for drinks this evening." "Where is it?" "Corner of Second and Third street, and sir." He says, "I don't what Delaney did, but he ain't the kind to slack." "Thank you private." I dismiss him turn and leave.