Shatters the Morning Calm

Finally, the car broke out from the populated area. Charlie observed a collection

of old military style buildings in the center of a field. He saw that the road on which they were driving went all the way to the entrance of the compound of buildings. A high chain link fence surrounded the compound. Charlie recognized the buildings as being from the era of the Korean War. His memory told him they were called Quonsets. He noted their distinctive rounded roofs.

As the car neared the fence, Charlie could see that the compound gate was wide open. Matson slowed the car and negotiated the narrow opening. To Charlie, the whole place appeared to be picked clean. Only the buildings remained.

Matson stopped the car in front of a double Quonset. A sign, indicating that the building had once been the compound headquarters, still hung above a pair of double doors.

"The car from Osan evidently has not yet arrived," observed Matson. "Let's go inside."

"Why can't we just wait in the car," asked Charlie.

"I have a good reason why we must go inside, Charlie. Please, follow me."

Charlie watched as Matson opened his door and climbed from the car. Charlie thought it was all sort of nutty. He was apprehensive; however, he did as Matson asked.

Matson tried the door handle of the entrance to the old headquarters. It worked easily and the door swung open. Charlie followed Matson into the building and down a short hallway. At he end of the hall Matson opened a room door and beckoned for Charlie to enter first.

Charlie pushed past Matson and entered the room that he saw was large. His eyes surveyed the surroundings as he walked to the center of the room. He saw that the room was completely bare except for three packing boxes placed against one wall. Charlie wheeled around and faced Matson, throwing up his hands.

"The place is empty! What's going on? Why are we here?"

Matson pointed a finger at Charlie and made a circular motion. "Turn around, Charlie."

"What do you mean, turn around?"

Matson raised his voice. "Turn around and face the wall. Do it now!"

"No! You're nuts! I'm not doing another thing! I'm getting out of here!" Charlie made a start toward the open door.

Matson's action was fast and fluid. Charlie saw him reach inside his jacket and pull out a black nine-millimeter handgun.

Charlie stopped, seeing Matson raise the weapon to shoulder level. He began to back up as Matson held the weapon at arms length in front of him, pointing it directly at Charlie's forehead.

Fear gripped Charlie. He stepped back until his shoulder blades touched the room wall.

Matson took two steps forward.

The muzzle of the pistol was so close to Charlie's face that he could see the rifling in the barrel.

Matson spoke. "You're a nice man, Charlie. I wanted to spare you the knowledge of this act. Now we will have to do it this way."

Charlie had no time to speak or react in any way. He saw Matson's finger tighten against the trigger. He closed his eyes and turned his head.