We’ll take over now.” She smiles and nods while he waves a hand and the man beside him wearing sergeant’s stripes takes over the commands and th... count until he reaches fifty. At which point the older man says, “That’ll do for now, Sergeant.”The sergeant nods yes and gives the command, “Stand up and fall in.” He takes over control of the exercise period for the ROTC students.The older man turns to Pat and says, “Come with me,” then he leads Pat away from the group. Pat looks over to check on. She didn't say anything during that ride. When we got home, the house was all dark. I guess my little siblings were sleeping which was good. Mom undressed her clothes in the middle of the hallway, threw all of it in the washing machine and went to the washroom. She was pissed off. I sat down on the couch and thought about what just happened. I heard a flush from the toilet and the shower turn on right away. I didn't know what to do. I realized that I had to use the washroom as well really. His eyes twinkled with some form of curiosity. Damn those eyes. "Why must you breathe so deeply?" he asked me. I just wanted to melt right there. "Oh, nothing. It is just that this car smells so good, sir," I said. Plain lie. He said to me with a soft expression, "You can call me Julian, or even Dad, if we get to that stage." We may never get to that stage, I thought to myself. Not because I didn't think of him as a father, but because I could barely believe that such a man could have created. . not deep down inside. In fact, I think he's quite... humbleand eager to please." Hah," Jim snorted. The others on the call just rolled their eyes."No, really," Mr. Cox persisted. "And I hope to prove it to you. At thecontract signing, *Paul* will prove it to you. I'm sure." We'll believe it when we see it," said Jim. "Until then, you will findus to be enthusiastic partners in your due diligence. We've reviewedyour action items and proposed closing schedule, and while it'saggressive, we are.