A quick glance over his shoulder, and Harry let himself into the colonel’s office. Crossing directly to the window, he closed the blinds, then plunked onto his CO’s desk chair.

The computer hummed. Harry tapped a key and shook his head as the screen came to life. Apparently anxious to leave for his ride, the colonel had left his computer running—a major violation.

Harry got to work, downloading the colonel’s computer files after he came up empty in his search for an electronic duty roster. A duty roster would provide details of those in his unit who handled the munitions. Harry needed their names for surveillance purposes. He scratched the back of his head as he perused the stacks of paper covering Horwith’s desk. The colonel must have a manual roster around here somewhere. Not seeing a clipboard hanging about, he applied the lockset to the colonel’s desk.

His ears strained for external noise while he pawed through the contents of the top-drawer stack. It contained nothing but paper clips, mechanical pencils (an entire hoard of them), stationary, and a signature stamp.

In the second drawer, Harry found his unit’s log secured on an old clipboard. He snapped a photo of the munitions and weapons facility rotation, specifically taking note of the three men on night duty.

Time was passing, and tension mounted to leave before he was discovered. Harry flipped through the clipboard and unearthed the munitions register. Bingo. Quickly, he skimmed the record. It was slapdash at best and partially incomplete. After he snapped a few pictures, he relocked the desk. Footsteps came from outside the building. Inwardly cursing, Harry let himself out of the office before he had a chance to plant any bugs.

A few minutes later, Harry exited the building and followed the signs to the training field. Why didn’t the colonel keep the logs on his computer? A manual system was archaic. An electronic spreadsheet would be more efficient, allowing the colonel to email the updated rotations and munitions shipments to his staff via the base’s secure server.

At the testing field, Harry spent the afternoon becoming acquainted with the men under his command. By the end of the day, he returned to his desk to collect his things just as Colonel Horwith appeared. Harry stood up and saluted.

“I didn’t know you were still here, sir,” Harry said.

“Liggitt had tank issues on the training range and needed my input. Isn’t it time for you to collect your boy?”

“Yes, sir.” Harry made no move to leave.

Colonel Horwith sighed. “I take it you’re one of those soldiers who doesn’t leave until after his CO?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How tiresome.” Colonel Horwith entered his office and closed his door.