The soldier and I on the phone. He was talking about something, I don’t remember what.

“Well, you’re the smart one,” I said.

“Right. And what’s that make you? The dumb one?” He laughed.

“Yep. I like you thinking that. I want you convinced,” I said. “That way I can disavow responsibility if something goes wrong. If anything bad happens, it can be your fault. Well gee. How did you let that happen? Smart as you are you should have seen that coming. How do you think you missed…”

“Who is it you think you’re talking to?” he asked, interrupting.

“Er… the smart one.”