24. And, We Met...
Three weeks of smooth sailing had elapsed since I had first started work, during which my awareness of names, positions and sequence of tasks was rapidly heightening. So were my efficiency and my independent execution of responsibilities such as to win more of Jack’s confidence and reliance. Our friendship, his and mine, had developed to the point where we exchanged information of a more personal nature. I came to know that he was married, with two daughters. His wife had accompanied him to Iraq, but at the time she was back home on a visit. Despite proclaiming a liking for Baghdad having already lived a year there, he was clearly pining for his life in the States and for his little ones. Jack was becoming my trusted advisor on the protocols involved in liaising with the multinational community that I was ringed by, especially with my growing number of admirers. As far as he was concerned, it was my artlessness that he mainly held dear, sparing no advice or guidance whatsoever. And I