Search and Destroy by JT Sawyer (top non fiction books of all time .TXT) 📗

“I had a minor in English, but don’t let that go beyond these walls.” He ran his fingers over the inscription then looked up at the man. “To what do I owe the honor?”

“You showed me a realm I was unaware of and impressed on me just how close the monsters of the world have come to destroying what we hold dear. It spurred me on in my work like nothing else ever has. To create a device like Perseus that could save lives and circumvent catastrophe on a grand scale. And to prevent men like yourself from constantly going into harm’s way in some godforsaken tar pit on the other side of the world.

“Then there are some things I wish I didn’t know about the horrors of life in the trenches that are easy to overlook from an office on this side of the globe…the worst of times.”

He stepped closer, shaking Cal’s hand. “But your friendship and knowing the kind of man you are and the sacrifices you’ve made that few will ever know about…your presence and quiet strength, well, the best of times is an understatement.”

Cal gripped the older man’s hand firmly, acutely aware of the mutual respect between them. “It’s been an honor to work with you, Stephen. You are light-years ahead of anyone in the scientific community, and I’m grateful to have been a miniscule part of anything you’re connected with.”

Burke returned to his desk, grabbing a laptop bag then sliding in his computer. “I regret to have to head out so soon, but I’ve got a meeting at the Pentagon before our staff get-together this evening.”

He patted Shepard on the shoulder as he walked to the door. “I’ve got something to discuss later with you as well over drinks. An interesting development out of Venezuela that will dovetail in nicely with my presentation on threat-assessment software at Langley next week.”

“Anything of concern?”

“Not sure yet…an anomaly that Perseus detected in one of the districts outside of the capital. I will hopefully know more after this meeting.”

Burke grabbed his ringing cellphone from his pocket. “Reggie’s in the parking garage waiting. I gotta run. See you and Cassie tonight.”

“Sure thing.”

After the door closed, Cal felt like the spacious room was contracting in Burke’s absence, as if any space he inhabited was imbued with the man’s dynamic energy. Cal glanced down at the watch again, stroking the face then unclasping the gold latch and sliding it onto his wrist.

Gonna have to lock this one away at home or I’ll have a target painted on me for sure overseas.

He thought of Burke’s giving nature and his sincerity, knowing the man was driven more by his intellect and loyalty to his staff than his status as one of the most successful men in the software industry.

His eyes drifted over the photos on the wall, showing Burke at various White House functions, scientific awards ceremonies, and educational fundraisers, where the man always had one hand waving out to the participants beside him as he stood almost out of the frame.

The best of times, indeed. You are one of a kind, my friend.

The day flew by as Shepard finished typing up the last of his notes on recent meetings with Burke, then he made the rounds, saying his goodbyes to several of the senior cyber staff who were heading off on business flights and wouldn’t be attending the after-work party. When he was done, he packed up the few meager belongings on his desk—a photograph of a beach in Phuket where he had proposed to Cassie; an orange-and-white ceramic figure of a koi from a trip to Tokyo after a grueling mission in the Philippines; and a small Slinky with a handwritten tag on it that read:

Remember to take time to have fun!

Burke had given it to him after a long discussion between them about how humans, from cavemen to the modern world, would always find a way to invent something to distract themselves from reality, if only temporarily, with Burke reminding Shepard that the more advanced the mind, the greater the need for fun, a rare luxury in the world of covert ops.

He let the Slinky fall end over end in his hand, chuckling, then slid it into the box on the desk.

His eyes widened with delight upon seeing Cassie round the corner of his office door. She was holding a slender gift-wrapped box in her hands.

“Package for Mr. Shepard.”

Cal hopped up, shuffling forward and putting his arms around her waist. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting to see you until the party.”

“I was on my way home from work and thought I’d drop by since it’s only a few blocks out of the way.”

He grinned, looking down at the visitor badge on her red blouse. “Geez, Reggie will just let anyone in here these days.”

“Hey, be nice or I won’t give you my gift.” She moved closer, sliding her hand around his neck and kissing him.

“You are my favorite gift of all, don’t you know that.” Cal closed his office door and kissed her neck. “And just so you know, since this is a top-secret office, whatever happens in here will be kept in strict confidence.”

She giggled, pushing him back and shoving the box into his chest. “This gift. The other kind you’ll get later tonight…at home…maybe.” Cassie took a step back, flinging her golden hair back off her shoulder. “Plus, working here has been a huge milestone for you, finishing up this big contract—of which I hope there are more in your future.”

“Thanks, beautiful.” He took the box, shaking it lightly. “Feels like Christmas around here today.” He held up his arm, showing off the Rolex on his right wrist.

“If that’s from one of the women in this building, there’s going to be trouble.” She gave him a coy smile, her eyes narrowing upon reading the brand name on the face. “God, where’d you get that?”

“I lifted it from a guy on the elevator.