Missing Mission
It was three in the afternoon when Garrison got the call. The mission that had been put on hold was back on. Their transport was waiting on the tarmac.
The cons were called; they grabbed their gear and were out the door in record time. Once in the jeep they settled in for the ride with Chief driving and Garrison riding shotgun. They were in a hurry so Chief had the throttle wide open.
Life is like riding a river, sometimes it is slow and smooth, meandering here and there, sometimes it picks up speed giving you a thrill. Sometimes there are rapids that exhilarate as they knock you about but eventually they smooth out and you carry on. Sometimes the river runs off a cliff and you are thrown; the surface drops away and you fall.
Goniff was the first to become aware but he felt like he was wrapped in a heavy blanket, in a fog. He remained still for a moment while he considered what had happened but when that brought no answers he struggled weakly to try to get out from under the blanket. That was not working so he pushed harder but the motion made his head and neck ache. He groaned as he tried to see what was pinning him down.
Actor, it was Actor leaning on him that was crushing him.
"'Ey, mate, give us some room 'ere." He tried to push him up but he got no response so he heaved. In doing so he jabbed his elbow into the cushion under him and heard it groan. Releasing Actor he twisted to see and realized that he was leaning on Casino who did not look to be very awake. His eyes were open but no one was home.
"Casino?" he asked worried by his lack of spark.
Maybe it was a coincidence or Actor might have reacted to the sound because he shifted and sat up slowly. Once vertical he surveyed his surroundings, not comprehending where he was or how he got there. Goniff, released from the weight sat up as well. Now that the weight was gone Casino took a deep breath but remained where he was. He did exclaim weakly, "What the Hell?"
Looking around Goniff realized that the three of them were sitting in a jeep with the front fender pushed into the stone wall on one side and a car pushed up against the other side. They had been in an accident. What was worse was that the three of them were alone in the back of the jeep. That did not make sense. "Where'd they go?" Someone must have been driving because they were not at their base.
"Who?" asked Actor not understanding then he followed Goniff's line of sight. There was no one in the front seats. With his added height he could see there was a body sprawled across the front seats.
"Warden?" His voice carried his anxiety. Grabbing the back of the front seat he pulled himself forward until he could reach between the seats to check on their leader. He was relieved when he found his pulse; he was alive and did not appear to be bleeding.
"Warden?" he called again. "Lieutenant?"
"Is 'e all right?"
As much as he wanted to check for injuries he was afraid to move him but he especially wanted him awake. There was no response until Actor tried to check his pupils. He stopped when Garrison groaned and slowly moved his hand up to his head.
"Are you injured anywhere else?" he asked. Casino had now pulled himself up to the back of the driver's seat and is watching. Goniff peers between the seats.
"Is 'e all right?" he asks clearly worried. "'Ey Warden?"
"Take it slowly," advised Actor as Garrison looked to be gathering himself to move.
Even without the advice, slow was all he could manage. His head was pounding and someone had driven a spike into his head just above his eye. If that was not enough, his chest and side hurt. Having gotten his upper body vertical he had no idea why he had thought that was important. All it did was washout his vision and make his back hurt. As painful as the sitting up was he knew that lying back down was going to be worse. He sat with his eyes closed, using his hands to support his head until his shoulders protested. He considered slouching so he could lay his head against the seat back.
Goniff saw the problem and voiced his concern. "I think the Warden needs to lie down. You sure you ain't 'urt?"
At this point Actor was not sure of anything much less if the Officer was injured but he knew enough to keep that to himself. Maybe if he concentrated on assessing the possible injuries it would take his mind off his own confusion and aches. Because the jeep had been forced into the wall, he had to climb over the back to get out. In doing so he discovered a few more aches including his neck and ankle. He limped around the back of the jeep as Goniff followed him over the back. A quick look at the driver of the other vehicle, an elderly man slumped over the steering wheel, told him he was dead; probably died on impact.
Actor made his way around the car and around to the front fender of the jeep as close to the door as he could and asked, "How are you feeling? Headache, dizziness?"
Garrison was sitting supporting his forehead in his left hand. "Yeah. I must of hit my head." He looked up frowning and asked, "Any idea what happened?" He looked around obviously trying to make sense of his surroundings.
"We have been in an accident. May I have a look at your head, please?" He noted how Garrison turned his upper body and grimaced. His neck was sore as was his torso. He also noted the red mark above his right eye, proof that he had hit, most likely, the steering wheel. It was serious but hopefully not life threatening. He would have to keep an eye on him. Skull fractures were not to be taken lightly.
"What about the other driver?"
"Dead. It appears he did not stop to look at the end of the lane."
"What about you guys? Any one injured?"
"Shaken, but nothing serious. We are going to have to locate a phone and call for assistance unless we can get one of these vehicles started. As it is, we are blocking the entire road.
"There's an 'ouse up the lane. Want me to go ask?" offered Goniff.
Actor turned and assessed the Englishman's fitness. "Are you up to the walk?"
"Yeah."
"I'll go with'im," offered Casino.
The man looked a little pale but maybe moving would help. "All right but take it easy, and watch for dogs. And wait there if you do not feel up to the walk back." He watched as Casino gingerly climbed out. His knee appeared to give out when he stood but he flexed it a few times and the two headed across the road and down the tree lined lane. Casino was limping slightly causing Actor to regret his decision to let him go. He had been concerned about Goniff going alone in case he ran into trouble or he collapsed. Now it looked like Casino was the one who might require assistance.
Turning back to the Officer Actor wondered what else he could do. Anxiously he cast about for a topic of conversation. Having the victim of a blow to the head talk would allow a better determination if there was greater damage than a bump on the head. If there was inter cranial bleeding, what could he do? In desperation he realized that there was nothing he could do. Damn. Now he needed conversation to distract himself from these morbid thoughts.
"I assume from your rush that the mission was awaiting our arrival."
"Shit," cursed Garrison and then again as he forgot and turned his head to look at Actor.
"There is nothing else we can do right now. Hopefully Goniff will be able to get through to the police. Maybe there are on their way as we speak."
Ten minutes later the two men returned.
"Well?" asked Actor anxiously.
"There's no phone."
"What do you mean," he began angrily but caught himself. It was not their fault. "They do not have a phone."
'There wasn't anyone home so we went in and looked. No phone."
Actor was devastated. He was counting on having someone come and take Garrison to the hospital. It looked like they were on their own now. "Casino, see if either of these vehicles will start. Hopefully we can get to London or even the next town. He watched Casino head for the driver's door then double back. He opened the passenger door and kneeling on the seat he pulled the dead man over to the passenger side. He then sat in the driver's seat and tried the key. All he got was a click. He tried it again but it was not going to start.
Poking his head out the open door he yelled over to Actor, "Try your's." Actor obliged and after a few cranks the engine started. "Yeah. Let's get this piece of junk outta the way."
Actor climbed out. From the corner of his eye he saw Garrison moving so he turned back. "Stay here."
"You're going to need help."
"No. With a head injury you should not be exerting yourself. We will do it." Then with a call to Goniff the three took up their positions. Fortunately this section of the road was fairly flat and they were able to push the car back into the lane enough to clear the roadway. There were smiles until they turned back to look at the jeep. Even if they could have pried the fender back out of the wheel well, the angle of the tire indicated that the front end was damaged beyond their simple repairs. The jeep was not drivable. Another severe disappointment.
Rather than dwell on the negative Actor turned to what he could do. "Lieutenant, I would like to get you lying down in the back of the car. It will help ease the pain in your neck." Whatever Garrison's thoughts about being ordered around they were over ruled by the thought of relief from the pain. With Actor on one side and Casino on the other they managed to get him moved. Actor noticed but did not mention that Garrison had his eyes closed part of the way. Actor was getting more and more concerned. They had to get him to a hospital.
"See if Chief can get the car started. Maybe something…" He looked around. "Where is Chief?" The other two did a similar look around resulting in blank looks. "Has anyone seen him since the accident?"
"He wouldn't just walk away." Casino's eyes automatically lifted to look up and down the road.
"Unless he was 'urt like the Warden an' 'e didn't know."
Or if, whispered a tiny voice in Actor's head, G-CAT took him. That was not possible. This was an accident, pure and simple, wrong place, wrong time. No one could have anticipated that the farmer would not stop or Chief driving at just the right speed to be here as he pulled out. Or had there been someone in the car with the old man forcing him to pull out? The separate missions to Italy meant there was a G-CAT spy in the OSS headquarters. This person would know they were coming and could have set it all up. They might even have killed the old man, no witnesses, then laid in wait. That seemed farfetched but they had a history with that evil organization. They had seen how far their reach was.
Was there any evidence? Actor moved around to look in the driver's compartment.
"You think he was taken, don't you?" asked Casino quietly in hopes that Garrison would not hear.
"I do not know. If you were going to rig the car, how would you do it?"
"Lemme see." When Actor stepped out of the way he squatted down and examined the footwell, specifically the pedals. When he stood the two men moved back a bit. "You kill the driver or knock him out. They didn't wedge the pedal but they could of jammed the accelerator under the hood after jacking up the back wheels. At the right moment they kick out the jack and off it goes."
"What're you talking about? I thought you said it wouldn't start?" said Goniff as he approached. The Englishman had taken a quick walk around to see if he could see any sign of their missing team mate.
"Goniff," started Actor, "If you wanted to stage an accident like this, how would you do it?"
He looked thoughtful as he said, "Let me see…" Then his expression changed to indignation. "Wait a minute. Why would… You don't think Chiefie would set this up so he…" Goniff shook his head. "Chiefie likes it 'ere with us. He wouldn't…"
From the back seat came the voice of authority, though admittedly a little weak, "He didn't set this up."
The focus shifted as they moved to huddle around the back door.
"Warden?" started Actor then seeing the impending struggle he and Casino moved into position to help the Lieutenant into a more vertical position. "How are you feeling? How is your head?"
"Hurts like hell."
"I wouldn't doubt it," answered Casino. He could see the mark on his forehead.
Garrison gingerly touched his head and then examined his fingers. Reassured that he was not bleeding he resumed examining the extent of the damage.
"How is your vision? Any more dizziness?"
"A little light headed but other than that…" He had a massive headache but he was not going to admit that.
"You're thinking this was not an accident? What about the other driver?"
"Dead," supplied Casino.
"I 'ope you don't mind but 'e's still up there," and Goniff indicated the front seat with a grimace. Actor and Casino were going to have to move him. He wasn't going to touch a dead body. Bela Lugosi had scared him too many times.
Garrison looked at the concerned faces and realized he was one man short. "Where's Chief?"
The concerned faces exchanged even more worried looks before Actor finally said, "He is missing."
"Missing?" The Officer knew his head was scrambled and the pain made it difficult to think but that did not make sense. He had to have heard wrong but no one corrected him. "How could he be missing? He was with us. Did he go for help?" He would have frowned in confusion but it hurt his forehead too much.
"We don't know," put in Casino morosely. "Maybe he came to while we were all out and he left." He paused then continued. "You'd think he woulda made sure we were all right before he left."
Not trusting his vision Garrison asked what time it was. Both men checked their watches and when Actor answered he started to do the math. He got the call, they got ready and left, driving for … "We've been here twenty, twenty-five minutes." Three heads rose and surveyed the countryside with its gently rolling hills, hedgerows and stone walls. Even the road was only visible for a piece until it was obscured by trees and the lands undulations. They all considered how far he could have walked in that time.
"He has long strides," said Garrison thinking out loud, "and even longer if he ran."
"But why would 'e run?" asked the pickpocket similarly wondering aloud.
"There is another alternative," said Actor quietly as if saying it out loud will give it credence. Garrison turned to him, not understanding until he saw the look of fear on the con man's face.
"G-CAT," answered Casino.
"Cor…" exclaimed Goniff.
Three heads swiveled to survey the countryside again only this time their faces showed their fear instead of confusion. Had he been taken? If he had then his life was in danger. Where was he and how were they to get him back? How were they going to get anywhere? The house down the lane was the only sign of habitation in sight.
Pushing past the pain Garrison formed his recon plan. "Goniff, you and Casino stay here. Casino, you stand up on the roof," and he jerked his thumb up. "Actor, you'll start walking down the road, that way," and he indicated the way they had come, "and I'll go the other way. Only go as far as you can still keep sight of Casino. Look for a house or another vehicle or person. If you see anything, yell and wave."
"I'm doing the walking," said Casino abruptly staring into the injured leaders eyes. "You're staying here. Goniff, you get up on the roof."
Forestalling an argument Actor said, "I agree with Casino." Then speaking to the safecracker he added, "You know what to do, let's go." The three men withdrew and set off.
Garrison was secretly pleased that each member of his unorthodox team had stepped up and taken on what had to be done. They were covering for each other. What irked him was that they were having to cover for him. He gently touched his forehead and wished he had something cold to put on it as the car shifted and creaked. Goniff was now in position. The injured officer leaned his head back to ease his neck. They would let him know what they found.
The sound of angry voices brought him back; he must have dozed off.
"…told you what to do. Why do you…"
"I thought I saw a building."
"Then why did you not wave. Goniff could have…"
"Because he was…"
"Hey!" yelled Garrison immediately wishing he hadn't. Three faces appeared at the doors as he struggled to sit up. A hand reached in and he took it. Once he was sitting again he glared a demand for an explanation. Part of his anger was because their arguing had disturbed his only means of escaping from the pain and part was because he hated not being in control. It was good Actor could take over but not good that he had to. Back in command mode he ordered, "Report."
Actor and Casino glared at each other before the older man turned to their leader and he said, "We have reconnoitred both direction within sight and have located two barns but no inhabited buildings. We have no alternative but for me to start walking. Unfortunately I was not paying attention to the possible houses that we might have passed."
"We passed three," started Goniff, "If I'm not mistaken, back the way we come."
"Very observant of you Goniff. That's what I like to see." Garrison knew Goniff did not always get the praise he deserved and from the pleased look on his face, he enjoyed it. He would have to remember that. Then he remembered Goniff's previous profession, second story man or cat burglar. He pinned him with a look that screamed, "You didn't!"
The Englishman read the look loud and clear but he just smiled and shook his head. He was not going to admit anything.
The three men watched as Actor strode off. There was nothing they could do now but wait. Casino had a look under the hood for something to do and who knows, he figured, he might just find out how to get it started. There was no harm in looking and they had time. Garrison sat in the back seat and leaned into the corner with eyes closed.
Lieutenant Garrison stood at attention as Major Johns glowered at him. "I knew you weren't cut out for covert command. The men we want don't just sit back and let someone else do the work. He has to be able to take charge and get the job done. You are a disgrace. From now on Actor is in charge. He has been given the honorary rank of Captain. It was to be your rank but you're a failure. This last debacle proved it. You have been demoted a grade." The Major reached over and ripped his insignia off. He turned and there was Actor standing so proudly as the Major pinned on his new rank. They were both smiling smugly. Actor's look was not malice but triumph. He had succeeded.
"But I was injured, he wasn't," protested Garrison.
"He was in the jeep same as you but he didn't go to sleep while there was work to be done."
"I tried, but I was …"
"Dismissed," said the major disdainfully then turned to Actor. "Come, I have some fine Brandy in my office. I would like to hear your thoughts on how to make this team more functional."
"Warden?" It was Goniff voice that pulled him awake and after what he was dreaming he was glad he had even if it meant the return of his headache.
"There's a truck coming," Goniff said as he unlatched the door and helped Garrison to sit up.
"Thank you Goniff." He stood beside the car with Casino on one side and Goniff on the other as the Half Ton truck pulled up. Two MP's dismounted.
"Lieutenant Garrison?"
"Yes, sir. The other driver's dead."
"Climb in, we're to take you to HQ."
"One of my men headed back to our base on foot to get help."
They climbed in and headed off to get Actor before turning around and returning to the Military base outside of London. When they arrived Garrison told his men to remain in the waiting area while he went in to see the Major. As he stood at attention in his office he could not help thinking about his dream especially when Major Johns stood glowering at him. The Major let him know that his negligent driving habits had caused a major scramble to prepare another team to take the mission. He suggested that he have someone else on the team do the driving from now on. He was not about to tell him that he was not driving. Eventually the Major wound down and dismissed him with orders to see a doctor immediately. Garrison got as far as opening the door before Johns stopped him.
"I thought you had four men? I see only three out there. Where is he?"
"I think he may have been injured and wandered off. I would like to return to the site to begin a search."
"Wandered off? Or took off?" he asked snidely.
"Sir," said Actor appearing at the door. "There is another possibility. G-CAT has been trying to take him for some time. We managed to foil their last attempt. I fear they may have set this up somehow and have managed to take him.
"G-CAT? They loaned him to us for the duration. Why would they be trying to take him back?"
"The mission to Italy," put in Garrison, "The one where I was sent to Villa San Giovanni with Haydon. My men were then sent to the same destination. Haydon told me he was testing a theory about Guardians." At John's blank look he added, "When we returned a representative from G-CAT arrived wanting to do farther test with him. I told him no. He was not happy when he left."
"And you really think G-CAT would go to all this trouble to do another test?" he asked sarcastically.
"Yes, we do and we are concerned for the Guardian's life. He is a valuable part of this team," said Actor.
"You have twelve hours to find him or he is listed as AWOL. Find me proof that G-CAT has him and I'll see what I can do. Personally I think he took off. None of you are terribly reliable. Dismissed."
That was it. At least in real life he had kept his rank but the remark about reliably irked him. Was he referring to his men or was he lumped in with them. It should bother him on his men's behalf but there were days when he had to bail them out of trouble that he agreed with the Major but he always counted himself as reliable. There was nothing he could do about that. Right now he had been ordered to see a Doctor and hopefully he would give him something for his headache.
Next stop was the hospital where the men were examined, Garrison was X-rayed and diagnosed as having a concussion but was allowed to leave with orders to Rest! The next stop was the Motor Pool for a vehicle then back to their base. They would stop at the crash site but they were not hopeful. They had been all over and had not seen any sign. All they could do was hope he had returned. The hard part was going to be proving that G-CAT had taken him.
It was getting dark when Actor eased the truck to a stop at the crash site. Their jeep was gone as was the driver but his car still sat in the end of the lane.
"What are they going to do about the driver?" asked Casino.
"I don't know. I assume they'll find out who he is, any next of kin, and bury him."
"I hope they don't go blaming him."
"I hope so too."
There was nothing to see so Garrison decided to return to their base. They all needed rest and something to eat though Garrison did not think he could stomach anything.
When they arrived at their base Actor pulled up to the front to let the others out before he took the truck around the side to park it. As they got out it was Goniff who saw him first.
"Chiefy."
That brought all eyes to the man who slunk out of the shrubbery at the side of the building. He looked scared, worried and ashamed.
"Are you all right Chief?"
"You're hurt," he gasped.
"I hit my head but I'll be fine." He saw Chief's eyes go to the others so he added, "We're all fine. Let's go in."
The minute they trooped inside the Sargent Major was beside himself with relief. He explained that he had taken the call from Major Johns' office demanding to know where they were. He had offered to drive the route but was told to stay there so he had sat by the telephone waiting and worrying. He was now so relieved and happy that when Goniff mentioned food he offered to make sandwiches.
"My office," said Garrison expecting them to comply but was surprised when they all went to the kitchen instead. He was about to repeat his order when Goniff came down the hall followed by the other two, each carrying kittens. He rolled his eyes skyward and muttered a silent 'Give me Strength'.
As they came into the room Goniff said, "'ere you go Warden," and he handed him a kitten as he passed. He was so surprised that he took it and then did not know what to do with it.
"Like this Warden," said Goniff, as he sat on the floor cross legged and put the orange kitten on his lap. Actor placed a black and white kitten beside the orange one and he sat on the chair with the black kitten. Casino sat on the floor with his grey tabby and Chief gave the little white and black kitten a final pet and put it down in front of Goniff. He then sat stiffly on the edge of the chair.
Garrison, with the remnants of his dream still prompting him to be more in charge, placed his kitten on the floor with Chief's kitten which he promptly tackled and bowled over. This was no way to hold a debriefing. All he wanted to do was get this over and go lay down. The pills the doctor had given him were starting to work. Take charge and get it done, now.
"What happened, Chief?"
"I don't know," his voice was tortured. Quietly he added, "I don't understand. I been going over it but I…" He shook his head.
"Start at the beginning. You were driving? We left here…"
"I was drivin'. " His voice showed his confidence. "There was a car comin' down the driveway but it was goin' slow an' I knew I was goin' fast enough I'd be past before he got there." He stopped and looked uneasy again.
"Then what?" prompted his leader.
He lowered his eyes and took a deep breath. "I was walkin' across the field," and he looked up into Garrison's eyes. He looked scared as he whispered, "I don't know how I got there." There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. "I couldn't find you." He looked to the others and said, "None a you. It was like you were gone. I didn't know what to do so I figured I better come here."
"You may have a concussion like the Warden," suggested Actor. "That would explain the memory lapse."
"Maybe we should take him to the Doctor just to be sure," suggested Casino.
"No, no doctor." He turned to his Hearth and asked, "You're not in trouble are you? Cuza the accident?"
"No, they sent another team. This was an accident," then he smiled as he added, "They do happen you know."
"What about me being missing? They gonna send me back? Cuz if they…"
"No," interrupted Garrison. He noticed that Chief was more concerned with his Hearth being in trouble than if he was. "They gave me twelve hours to find you." That seemed to ease his worry though there was still something bothering him. Garrison figured it was the missing time. Goniff had picked it too.
"So you don't remember the crash. We don't either. One minute we were on our way and then the next, this big lummox," and he pointed to Actor, "was leaning on me. Nearly crushed me to death."
"Now, Goniff," started the conman in his defence.
"I don't remember." That was accepted by all but they were watching and waiting. Should he tell them? They didn't need to know. But it might help them understand that he hadn't just taken off and left them. Deserting them when they were injured was worse than what had happened, wasn't it? There were no accusing looks. They had never made fun of him other than Casino telling him to go play with his knife somewhere else. They had fought over that but then it was forgotten. He looked to his Hearth. He was watching but not demanding.
"When I…" he looked down to the kittens playing on the floor. It was too late to stop, he had to tell them. He licked his lips. "I didn't just leave you guys. I wouldn't."
"We know that Chief. It had to have been something you had no control over."
That was right. He couldn't help the past. "I remember, when I realized I was in the field, that I was thinkin' 'bout somethin' that happened when I was just a kid."
Actor wondered if it was a flashback but he did not want to interrupt Chief now that he was going to tell them something from his past. The accident must have triggered a memory. Maybe he had been in a car accident before.
"I was with the Mother on a train. We were goin' to visit her sister. The train went off the tracks. It derailed and the cars were all smashed. I wasn't hurt but the Mother's legs were pinned under the seat in front of her. I remember trying to get her out. She wasn't movin'. I climbed out and tried to get help. The next guy I saw was layin' against the window. He was looking out at me but there was blood all over the glass. He wouldn't come help so I kept on goin'." There was a pause and Chief wondered what they were going to say. "I don't know why I thought a that?"
"Do you not see the parallels, Chief?" asked Actor gently.
Garrison caught it as well. "Both times you were in an accident. Both cases, there was nothing you could do."
"Other than go for help," finished Casino.
"But I didn't. I didn't get help for her or for you guys. All I did was run away." An agonized, "I'm a coward," followed.
"Chief," demanded Casino before anyone else could speak. "You just got hit by a car. You were driving and then you were on the ground. How did you get there?" All he got was a blank look. "Do you remember the actual derailment? Do you remember the cars flying through the air or crashing into the ground?"
Goniff saw Chief's pain at Casino's tone and he stood and placed the littlest kitten in his lap. He stroked it. They all saw him swallow hard and blink. Even Casino saw what he had done and he softened his tone.
"You were hurt. The accident happened so fast that your brain didn't have a chance to record it. The accident was so brutal that all your brain could do was come up with something that happened like it before. That's why that was what you saw and why you walked away. You were going for help for your Mother."
A tiny voice whispered, "She wasn't my Mother."
"But you said your Mother was…" suggested Actor.
"You ever wonder why I don't like trains? Some'um bad always happens." They looked puzzled as he sat stroking the kitten who seemed quite content to sit on his lap. He could tell them, they knew he was an orphan. "My earliest memory is bein' on a train with a lady I was told to call 'Mother' but I never seen her before. I don't know if she stole me or bought me. I don't even remember where I was before that."
"So your first train ride was with a stranger who took you away from where you were. Then another time the train derailed killing the woman. Those are both traumatic incidents."
"No wonder you don't like trains," said Goniff. "See, I 'ave good memories; working the 'andcar with me Uncle Bill. 'E worked for the Railway and 'e used to let me ride along some times."
Actor saw the glazed look on Garrison's face so he suggested they break for food and rest. The Officer feared falling asleep there sitting in his chair so he jumped at the excuse to stand up. Goniff stood, picking up two kittens. Casino took two as well and tried to hand one to Garrison.
"Take them all back to the box in the kitchen. I have a phone call to make." He nodded to Chief who looked relieved. Carrying his kitten he left with the others.
Garrison was having trouble concentrating. The pills the doctor had given him were helping dull the pain but they were also making him fuzzy. He was not sure if it hadn't been for Chief's revelation about his past he might not have made it. This insight was important. The other men's files contained information on their birthplaces and next of kin. Actor's information was undoubtedly a lie but at least there was something there on paper. Actor most likely knew the truth but chose not to share. The other two men often gave glimpses of their past and their relatives. This was the first they had seen of Chief's past.
It would not be until the following day when he was rested that he would realize that Chief had not only shared this bit about his past but he had shared it with the whole team. He was learning to trust not only him and lately Actor, but all of them. Except for the news of the kittens; he had been left out of that one. Hopefully he had handled that in a way that would mean it would not happen again.
The exhausted man crawled into bed, pulled up the covers and laid his head down on the pillow. Something tickled his face but he was too tired to do anything about it. He slept.
.