The train had been crowded, a sea of uniforms and businessmen with travel priority and women holding children in their laps, but only a few got off on the sleepy platform. Beyond the buildings and the jumble of pickup trucks that had come to meet the passengers, there was nothing to see but scrub grass and sage until the tracks finally disappeared in the direction of the mountains. The young soldier looking eagerly at each face was clearly meant for him. He looked like a high school shortstop, jug ears sticking out of his shaved head.

“Mr. Connolly?” he asked finally, when the passengers had dwindled to an unlikely three.

“Yes.”

“Sorry, sir. I was looking for a uniform.”

“They haven’t got me yet,” Connolly said, smiling. “I’m just a liaison. Is this really Santa Fe?”

The soldier grinned. “It gets better. Help you with that?” he said, picking up Connolly’s suitcase. “We’re right over here.” The car was a Ford, still shiny under a blanket of dust.

Connolly wiped his forehead, glancing up at the cloudless sky.

“Nothing but blue skies, huh?”

“Yes, sir. Sunny days, cool nights. They got weather here, that’s for sure. Best thing about it.”

“Been here long?” Connolly said, getting into the car.

“Since January. Straight from boot. Not much to do, but it beats overseas.”

“Anything would, I guess.”

“Not that I wouldn’t like to see some action before it’s all over.”

“Better hurry, then.”

“Naw, I figure the Japs’ll hold out another year at least.”

“Let’s hope not.” It came out quickly, a kind of scolding.

“Yes, sir,” the soldier said, formal again.

“What’s on the program, anyway?”

“First we’ll get you checked in at Santa Fe. Mrs. McKibben will have your stuff. Then my orders are to get you up to the Hill ASAP. General Groves wants to see you before he goes back to Washington tonight.”