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chaplain’s voice was somber-sounding to her ears. Did she interrupt his prayers? “Tom, it’s Kristine Kelly. How are you? Shivering! It’s very cold here in Virginia, too. It is December. I understand the weatherman has predicted snow for tomorrow. Get on with it, Kristine , ask him. Stop with the small talk. Tom, Logan is three days late. Do you happen to know if he was detained for some reason? Mail is so slow at this time of year and our phone system is not the best way out here in the country.”
    â€œAs far as I know Logan left on schedule, Kristine. There was the usual round of parties, gag gifts, hoots, and hollers. It was my understanding that Captain Dellwood drove him to the airport. Logan did come by the night before he left to say good-bye. We had a beer and talked for about an hour. It was my impression he was flying straight into Dulles. I wish I could be of more help. I can call around to see if there was a change in plans and call you if I find out anything.”
    â€œI would appreciate it, Tom. I’m worried. This is not like Logan. He’s only called once and sent one letter. The kids are as jittery as I am. Logan is not a thoughtless, inconsiderate person. I think you know that, Tom.”
    â€œYes, I do know that. Like I said, I’ll check around and get back to you. I’m sure there was a glitch along the way. It’s possible he’s stranded somewhere. The weather here has not been good.”
    Kristine’s voice was tortured when she said, “Tom, you don’t think anything happened to him, do you?”
    â€œKristine, you would have heard by now if something had happened. I’m sure it’s nothing more than a mixup somewhere along the line. I’ll call when I know something. Say hello to the children for me.”
    â€œI will. Thanks, Tom. You’ve been a wonderful friend to this family. Don’t eat too much plum pudding this year. Merry Christmas.”
    â€œI need to do something with this kitchen before Logan gets home,” Kristine muttered. Somewhere in the storage room there were boxes and boxes of fabric she’d purchased over the years in all the foreign ports they’d stopped at. If she hauled out her sewing machine, she could whip up a new set of curtains, make cushion covers for the chairs and the rocker that sat by the fire, and even make some new holiday place mats. If she really wanted to be creative, she could glue some fabric on the pull-down shades on both kitchen doors. If she wanted to, she could go outside and gather armfuls of evergreens to put in clay pots. A colorful ribbon around the crock would add a festive touch. If she hurried, she could have it all done by the time the kids got home from school at four o’clock. If she wanted to. The only problem was, she didn’t want to. She wanted to sit here at the table sucking her thumb while she pretended nothing was wrong.
    Dellwood. Kristine squeezed her eyes shut to try and get a mental picture of the captain. When the captain’s likeness failed to materialize, she opened her eyes. Maybe the captain was new to the base. Was he in the directory?
    Stapled to the last page of her address book was the latest list of new as well as old officers living on base. Her friend Sadie Meyers had handed her the list the day before she left, saying, “In case you want to get in touch with any of us.” A smile tugged at the corners of Kristine’s mouth. Trust Sadie to put the list in alphabetical order. She ran her finger down the list and there he was, Captain Laurence Dellwood.
    Kristine didn’t stop to think. She dialed the number opposite the captain’s name. The words hurtled from her mouth, the moment the captain identified himself. She ended with a rush saying, “I’m sure you understand how worried we are. Can you tell me anything, Captain? Was there a mixup? Did Logan’s flight get