It had taken many weeks, some stern words from Senator Gilchrist, and finally a private meeting between the Senator and Secretary Burnett. Kellan wasn’t privy to what had been said in that meeting, but the Secretary had finally relented and approved Kellan and Jonah to fly to Camp Leatherneck in order to interview Gunnery Sergeant Galen Foster. “I admit, I didn’t think we were going to get clearance to come here,” Jonah said, his breath warm on Kellan’s cheek as he leaned over his shoulder to watch their descent. “Honestly, neither did I,” Kellan concurred, admiring the stark beauty of the Afghan countryside. “Secretary Burnett is keeping his word and facilitating Hammond’s and Giammona’s investigation, but he has solidly stonewalled us.” “Which means there’s something there to find,” Jonah concluded darkly. “Mmm.” The 747 banked and the sprawling features of Camp Leatherneck came into view. Designed to accommodate 20,000 Marines, Camp Leatherneck was a combination of single-story, pre-fabricated structures and beige colored tents.
