“Good morning, Evans, Bervick. How’s your boat today?”
“Just fine, Colonel.”
“Good.” Barkison did not invite them to sit down and that irritated Evans.
“About this investigation....” Barkison began. He paused and seemed to be thinking. Then he said, “I’ve been appointed Investigating Officer.”
“Is that right, sir? I thought they would hold the investigation at Andrefski.”
“Normally they would, but you’re not going back there. We just got word from Andrefski that you’re to proceed straight to Seward for repairs.” Barkison smiled. “Maybe you’ll even get to Seattle.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard,” said Evans, delighted. Bervick agreed with him.
“So,” Barkison frowned, “I’ve been made Investigating Officer.” He paused again, then he confided, “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’ll take statements from you two and some others who might have seen Duval. We’ll do all that tomorrow. From what I’ve already gathered I feel that nothing new will turn up. So I can tell you now that I’m going to report plain accident in line of duty.”
“I’m glad it’ll be as simple as that,” said Evans, not knowing what else to say.
“I feel you’ve had enough trouble without an unpleasant investigation,” said Barkison and Evans noticed that he was careful not to look at Bervick.