Expert Witness. Edmund Strong

      Chapter I

      Impact

      Friday, September 16

      The first ring of the telephone had awakened him. His eyes were still trying to focus as he pushed the speaker button. The low red glow from the digital clock on the dresser told George McCormick it was 1:30 am.

      “McCormick.”

      “Mr. McCormick?”

      What is it with people? he wondered. Why don’t they listen? He just got finished identifying himself and the first words out of the idiot calling was to ask who he was.

      “Yes, this is George McCormick.” It was only with effort he kept the sarcasm out of his voice.

      “This is the Comm Center, sir. We called you earlier this evening to tell you about the two planes New England Approach Control lost on their radar.” It sounded more like a question than a statement.

      “I remember. Let me guess. The aircraft have been found and they’re not in one piece.” His voice was still raspy.

      There was a brief silence on the other end; then the voice continued. “Yes, sir. The Essex County Sheriff’s Department just notified us they found the wreckage. It’s just outside Chestertown, New York. We’ve notified the Service Director.”

      “Okay. Thanks. I’m sure he’ll be calling me. Good night.”

      “Good night, sir.”

      Paula McCormick raised her head from her pillow and fought to clear the cobwebs of sleep from her brain. She hadn’t caught all the conversation.

      “They