DEADLY DILEMMA by Dan Stratman (story read aloud .txt) 📗

“Trust me, the Air Force doesn’t want to hear what I have to say.” Lance shook his head. “I can’t believe we risked our lives rushing back to the base then walked right into the lion’s mouth. I should have known it was him.”

“Live and learn,” Cyndi said with a rueful tone. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

“You’re welcome, by the way,” Lance said smugly.

Cyndi cocked her head in confusion. “For what?”

“For helping you save the world, of course,” Lance said with mock annoyance.

Cyndi planted her hands on her hips. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re incredibly humble?”

“Surprisingly, no,” Lance answered with a big grin. “Humility is one of my best traits.”

Cyndi let the obvious contradiction pass.

“This calls for a celebration,” Lance declared. “Dinner is on me. My favorite restaurant.”

“Sounds like a plan, Ice Man.” Cyndi hoisted the file folder up. “I need to burn this first.”

“Where?”

Cyndi wandered over to the window. The firemen were still struggling to get the inferno on the parade field under control.

“There,” she said, pointing out the window. A broad smile spread across her face. “I can’t think of a more appropriate place.”

Lance hooked his arm through Cyndi’s and led her toward the door. “Looks like you’re going to get a second chance at your dream after all.”

Cyndi flashed her most flirtatious smile and gazed into his deep brown eyes. “Speaking of second chances, do you have another spare key?”

Lance stopped and let go of her arm. He had a pained look on his face. His reaction was the opposite of what Cyndi was expecting.

“Yeah, about that. I have a confession to make. When we were eating lunch back at Alpha One, I wasn’t completely honest with you. Rocko never said those things about wanting you to move in with us.”

“Wait a minute.” Cyndi pulled away from him. “Is this sudden change of heart about my past?”

“No, it’s not that.”

She glared at Lance. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid to commit to a relationship.”

“No, it’s not that either.” He looked down and shuffled his feet. “Well, not exactly.”

“What is it, then?”

Lance looked up. A goofy grin spread across his face. “Rocko’s a dog. Dogs can’t talk.”

Cyndi rolled her eyes. “Very funny. So, if Rocko didn’t say those things about wanting me to move in, who did?”

Author’s Notes

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Acknowledgments

Thank you first and foremost to my beautiful wife, Cyndi. Thanks for being my sounding board, first round editor, and constantly challenging me to be the best writer I am capable of being. I love you more than you will ever know.

Several talented people helped me get my manuscript from a rough first draft to a finished novel. Without their help and suggestions DEADLY DILEMMA wouldn’t be nearly the book it is.

Thank you to Phil Heffley for reviewing and editing each of my novels. Your advice and input are invaluable. Thanks to Rob Perschau, a veteran newspaper man, for the in-depth review and insightful suggestions. Thanks to my brother, Paul Stratman. Who knew you had such a keen eye for editing? Thank you, Anita Marra Rogers, the newest (and obviously very sharp) member of my Beta reader team.

Thousands of courageous men and women have served thanklessly and at times unseen for many decades preserving peace through deterrence in the missile fields. I thank you for your service.

Three individuals were immensely helpful to me during the research phase. Capt. Pamela “Ace” Blanco-Coca is the archetypal missileer and was very generous with her time educating me on the details of this important job. Monte Watts is known as the guru of all things pertaining to Minuteman missiles and was a wealth of information—both technical as well as some “inside baseball”. First Lt. Jon Carkhuff’s help navigating the frustrating bureaucracy of the Air Force during my research into the highly classified area of nuclear weapons was invaluable. Thank you one and all.

Words can’t describe how indebted I am to my editor, Jason Whited. You’ve provided me with dozens of invaluable tips about writing well in addition to the intricacies of the English language since I began working with you. Your advice and guidance are irreplaceable in helping my writing shine. I consider you a good friend.

And last but certainly not least, I want to thank my readers. I’m eternally grateful to you for not only buying my books but also for telling so many people how much you enjoy them. Good word of mouth is the best form of praise there is for an author and is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dan Stratman

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About the Author

Dan Stratman is a # 1 bestselling author and retired major airline Captain with over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. Before flying for the airlines he was a decorated Air Force pilot. In addition, Captain Stratman is a highly sought-after aviation consultant and a popular aviation spokesperson with the media. He is also a World traveler, having been to 43 countries so far.

Dan has an entrepreneurial side that stretches back many years. He developed the popular air travel app, Airport Life. In addition, he created an eCommerce website, ran an aviation consulting company he founded, and has filed numerous patents for consumer products.

Dan is a volunteer pilot with the Civil Air Patrol, performing search and rescue missions and disaster response flights when called on. In his spare time he enjoys mentoring budding entrepreneurs and volunteering weekly with Habitat for Humanity.

The two things he is most proud of are his long