The Major's Wife. Anthony Whyte

two thousand and two when Vaughn and I did our pre-training psych eval. She was interning with Dr. Janopolis. Vaughn and Diana hit it off. Her younger brother, Bradley, was in the marines. We used to tease her about him being a jarhead until she told us that he was KIA. That was a pretty bad time for her. I guess it was about that time that Vaughn and her got real serious about each other.”

      “Did you ever meet her brother?” Sharkey asked.

      “Yes, he visited home before he shipped out, and we all hung out. He was a cool dude. Diana was very close to him. She was like his mother, always fussing about him, and all…” Andrew Gatlin said then his voice lowered, and trailed off.

      The house suddenly became very silent. It was apparent that Andrew was going through emotional changes in talking about this part of his life. Sharkey watched and waited for a couple of beats. When there was nothing else coming from Andrew, Sharkey looked at Mrs. Gatlin. She was in tears.

      “I know this must be hard for you both, but we’re trying to solve a murder. And anything you say may help us fin the killer that’s walking around loose. Do you know anyone who wants to kill Vaughn?”

      “Detective, Vaughn was six-four and a very skilled fighter. He was skilled in Tae Kwando, Ha Kido, and Jujitsu, Vaughn was no one to mess with—”

      “Well, none of those martial arts saved him—” McAlister said, and Sharkey interrupted.

      “I got it. Vaughn was a well- qualified fighter, but did Vaughn have a hot temper too, and?” Sharkey asked.

      “What…? Vaughn…?”

      “Yes, was he a hothead when he drank? Did he have any problems with alcohol?”

      “Detective, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were disrespectful with this disparaging line of questioning about a slain army officer with an impeccable record,” Andrew said, staring at Sharkey.

      “Okay, I’m sorry if your feelings are getting hurt, but I have to check out all possibilities,” Sharkey said.

      “That possibility would be like me asking you that since you’ve got a gun, are you going to go out, and start shooting someone who didn’t threaten your life,” Andy said, shaking his head. Sighing, he continued. “That wasn’t Vaughn, detective. He’s confident and ultra-cool under pressure. At least he was until…”

      “What about someone who did not like the good captain?” McAlister asked.

      “I would be hard press to find that person. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him. Just because he was a great aviator and soldier doesn’t mean he was a bad guy, detective. Everyone that knew him respected and love him—it wasn’t fear,” Andy said, sounding annoyed.

      “Were you there at the bar when he fought…? I think it was The Blue Oyster, couple Saturday nights ago?” McAlister asked.

      “Don’t recall. But I think four weeks ago we were just getting back into CONUS,” Andy said, looking at his wife. He paused reflectively and continued. “Am I right, honey?”

      “Yes, you guys touch down late Saturday evening on base,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

      “Did King mention any fights that occurred at the Blue Oyster Bar?” Sharkey asked.

      “No… Not ever. None. Nada. Vaughn would’ve told me if it was anything serious. But he never mentioned any fights.”

      “What about your other friend, ah…Brown?” Sharkey asked, referring to his notes.

      “Captain Brown was promoted and left for Fort Hood early this morning, but I can give you his number or yours,” Andy said.

      “Appreciate that, Lieutenant,” Sharkey said, taking out a business card.

      “He’s a captain, detective,” Mrs. Gatlin said.

      “Well, thank you both. If either of you remembers anything else that you think may help us—” McAlister started but was interrupted.

      “How’s Diana holding up, detective? We tried to contact her since Sunday evening and still haven’t heard anything,” Andrew said.

      “She’s doing her best under the circumstances. She was in the stationhouse earlier. Thank you for seeing us,” McAlister said as they walked out.

      “I just wish you can catch whoever did this real soon. Good evening, detectives,” Andy said, visibly shaken.

      “Thank you for your cooperation. Can you be honest? I can see that you genuinely care for Vaughn, but I gotta know this, were they having any kind of problems between them or anything like that?” Sharkey asked.

      Captain Andrew Gatlin stared with the ferocity of a heat-seeking missile. Sharkey became the target and braced himself to meet the pending explosion head-on. To solve a crime, Sharkey knew had to ruffle a few feathers. It was a parting shot in the dark, and he waited for some type of result.

      “They seemed fine… go through typical ups and downs, but that’s any marriage. And with the added stress of the war, life can be pretty tough at times. I’m speaking as a spouse whose husband goes off to defend this country’s interest. His life is on the line. And so is mine. It’s not an easy thing to handle most of the time. And some people resort to all kinds of means and ways to escape the tense reality. Not Diana. She was steadfast in her convictions. And did her best to help our soldiers. Perhaps you should talk to Dr. Janopolis. She has provided counseling to them and us,” Laura Gatlin said.

      It was clear to Sharkey that she was speaking from her heart, and he said, “Thank you, I will. Dr. Janopolis, right?”

      “Yes, she’s a renown psychotherapist who has done spectacular work,” Laura added.

      “This therapist is in our local area or—”

      “I’m sure you can access her locally, but her practice is in Kentucky around the Fort Campbell area,” Laura said.

      “Well, thanks for all your help. Ah…you’ve both been accommodating,” Sharkey said.

      “But I don’t think Diana would’ve anything to do with her husband’s murder detective,” Laura Gatlin said.

      “I never said she did. I’ve just gotta ask the tough questions. Thanks for your time,” Sharkey said.

      Andrew Gatlin sighed and said, “Good evening, detectives.”

      After leaving the ranch-style house, the detectives sat in the car, looking around the neighborhood. Sharkey seemed deep in thoughts as McAlister started the ignition.

      “Nice couple,” McAlister said.

      Sharkey remained silent while the unmarked car rolled out with McAlister at the wheels.

      “I reckon we can go visit an oyster bar,” McAlister said.

      Following up on Diana’s statement regarding the incident at the bar, the detectives pursued the lead. Sharkey checked in and found out that the tips coming in on the hotline were leading to dead ends. McAlister pulled to a stop outside the Blue Oyster.

      The detectives walked across the street and disappeared inside the bar. It was early, and there were only a few people in the place. They sat at a table and waited for a waiter. Both detectives spent the next few minutes silently observing the area. Finally, a waiter approached.

      “Two beers,” Sharkey said.

      “One beer and ginger ale with lemon,” McAlister said with a smile.

      “And bring us a pail of that good oyster,” Sharkey smiled.

      The detectives enjoyed the food, and after paying the tab. McAlister smiled at the waitress and said, “Your service was excellent.”

      “Thank you so much, and y’all come back. You hear?” the waitress smiled.

      “You’re pretty good. It seems like you’ve been doing this