Stan went straight to headquarters and an orderly let him into the Wing Commander's office without delay. The instant he stepped into the room Stan knew his whole world had blown up under him. Beside the O.C.'s desk sat Charles L. Milton and across from him was Garret, smiling triumphantly and smugly. He leaned forward as Stan hesitated at the door.
"Come in, Wilson," Farrell said curtly.
"How are you, Stan?" Milton said. He was clearly upset over what he had been listening to before Stan arrived.
"I am fine, thanks."
Garret said nothing. He just leaned back with a sneer on his lips.
"You wished to speak to me, sir?"
"Sit down, Wilson." Farrell straightened some papers on his desk, cleared his throat, then looked at the young flier. "Lieutenant Garret has laid your former record before me and Mr. Milton has confirmed it." The Wing Commander paused and his eyes followed the lines of the report. He looked up and his eyes bored into Stan. "You were charged with selling plans of the Hendee Hawk to Nazi agents." Stan knew he was supposed to answer.
"I was tried and acquitted."
"That is true, but no American firm would hire you and the Army refused to allow you to enlist. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir."