Just Before War

A Novel Excerpt

    “Fisher here,” says the voice over the phone.

“Hello,” Whitaker says.

“Yes, please.”

“May I speak to Sharon?”

“May I ask who is calling, please?”

“I’m Joe Whitaker.”

“Sharon’s married now, you know.”

“Yeah, I heard that.”

“I’m her husband, Bob Fisher, Joe. Could I take a message? Sharon’s in the shower.”

“Oh.”

“Is there a message?”

“I’m just an old friend is all and I’m in the army and I’ve got to ship out next week, a week from today, as a matter of fact . . . overseas . . . Vietnam . . . , actually. So I just thought it might be nice if I could say hello. I’d like to meet you, too. I’ve been in town all day.”