Chapter 11
We arrived at the rendezvous point ahead of the schedule we set. It was as thought all the men knew the only chance was to get to the rendezvous so we could all rest before the fight began. I wasn't able to get away again, but didn't feel the need either. The horrors that had made sleeping impossible, vanished after the dream of being with Chris and the girls. Seeing myself as an older woman and my girls growing into beautiful women.
“Captain I really thought telling the men what's coming would take the heart out of them. It seems you know them better than I do,” Colonel Graham said.
“Colonel these men want to get back home. They understand that to get there means they have to earn it. All I did was tell them the truth,” I said.
I didn't want to take credit for something even I thought was stupid at the time. I had trusted my men to deal with what they might face from the beginning but my men were all special forces trained.
“Curtis I need you to contact base and let them know we're at the rendezvous. After you talk to base see where our company and Major Jacobs company are and when we can expect assistance,” I said.
“Yes sir, right away sir,” Curtis said.
I didn't want to deal with Jason at the moment, but hoped Chris and Adam might both want to talk, especially Chris.
“Captain, Major Jacobs wants to talk to you,” Curtis said.
“Thank you Curtis I'll take it on the handset.” I pickup the handset and waited for Curtis to step out of the tent.
“Chris what's the word?” I asked.
“The word is that you've drawn every bit of the enemy toward you. Sam there are about three times the enemy headed your way as there were for your last mission,” he said.
“I know, so when can I expect you and your men?” I asked.
“If you turn around,” he said.
I turned around and there he stood, looking just as he had in the dream. I wanted to throw myself into his arms and feel safe, but that was the woman in me, I didn't dare do something so foolish as things were at the present time. I stared in his eyes and felt him drawing nearer. My head tilted slightly to the side and then the prick as though someone had stuck two needles in my neck. There was a slight suction and everything in the room started spinning.
“Are you alright Captain,” Chris said grabbing my arm to steady me.
“I'll be fine Major, I just... I haven't been sleeping well for the last few days,” I said.
I touched my neck where I felt the pricks and nothing. The pricks had been right over an artery yet there was no indication anything had touched me.
“Captain why don't you and your men get some rest and let me and my men take over here for a few hours,” Chris said.
“You're supposed to be to our west,” I said.
“There's time and I have no doubt the company I left out there will be able to handle taking my part on that flank. Sam, Adam and I talked to Jason and were able to convince him to send in two more companies. Adam has two companies as do I, and all at your disposal,” he said.
“Have you talked with Colonel Graham yet?” I asked.
“I just wanted to talk to you. Mac was kind enough to let me know where you were,” he said.
“Did you bite me Chris, my neck I mean.” I asked.
“Why would I...” he tried to look and sound innocent.
“Don't lie to me Chris,” I said,
“Are you mad?” he asked.
“Why would I be mad? I just wish you'd ask first,” I said letting the anger fall out of my voice.
“Would you have let me if I asked?” he asked.
“Probably not. Chris I know the time will come when you won't be able to ask, but until then please ask,” I said.
“I'll try to remember, but I won't promise,” he said.
“So did you and Irene get married yet?” I asked.
“I expected you to ask that on the flight over. The answer is yes, we got married the week after we met you. You don't mind if I say you looked better back home do you?” he asked.
“My clothes looked better, but they were all new,” I said giving him a smile to let him know I agreed fully.
“Well if I'm going to help out here I guess I better meet this Colonel Graham,” he said.
“Colonel, I'd like to introduce you to Rose company commander Major Christopher Jacobs. Chris this is Colonel Graham. If you'll both excuse me I think I'll go let my men know Rose company is taking over for the day and they need to get some much needed sleep, tomorrow we have a lot of work to do,” I said.
I headed for my tent and met Mac on the way and let him know Chris and his men were taking over until we all had some rest, and I meant everyone in our unit.
I didn't bother to undress, just laid down and the world around me changed.
The Hidden Rose Page 34
