CHAPTER TWO
"Hey, Caje…what's been going on with you the past few days? You've been as cranky as Sgt. Saunders…we have an idea why he's been edgy but what's your excuse? For a few second's he didn't think the Cajun would respond.
Caje didn't want to talk about it but unless he wanted to take a chance of Kirby's future good intentions ending in bad mojo…like today…maybe he should…looking around, located a small grouping of trees that would make for a little shade two yards ahead, motioned for Kirby to follow. "We'll head over there and take a short break."
The two men took a seat on the ground, backs resting against a tree trunk and once settled Caje took a sip of water then offered the canteen to Kirby before trying to explain.
Kirby scanned the area as he sipped, nothing in sight other than bare ground and a few trees…handing the canteen back he rubbed the sweat from his face. Glancing over at his friend he caught the ever present frown marring his features…tapping the Cajun's arm with the back of his left hand he spoke. "Alright, what gives?"
Caje took a breath and told his friend what was bugging him, after he finished he rest his head against the trunk and closed his eyes. "I didn't need the chewing out from Sarge on top of that."
Kirby thought about what he had been told. "Man…I'm really sorry Cage, didn't think Sarge would react the way he did…but it's no wonder you've been a little uptight…Lt. Hanley was gonna talk with Captain Jampel to see if he could get you back to the States, right?
"Yeah…unfortunately the LT was given the solo mission within a few minutes of speaking with me and he didn't get the chance to talk to the Captain. Sarge said until Lt. Hanley gets back from his assignment there wasn't anything he could do because the LT has to initiate any actions."
"And the LT is still MIA." Kirby commented as he stared off in the direction of base camp. "If he doesn't make it back soon the Sarge will be requesting permission to go find him."
Nodding in agreement Caje opened his eyes, glancing at the sky before commenting. "The Captain wouldn't let him…not until he feels there's a need…you know how short-tempered Sarge is right now… if the LT doesn't get back in another day or two …Sarge will be that much worse so you and Davis better watch yourselves." With a glance at Kirby, Caje stood up, grabbed his pack and started off.
"Hey, wait up!" Kirby jumped to his feet quickly catching up with the Cajun's fast pace…he practically had to jog to stay beside the scout.
The two men made it back in good time, most of the return walk was made in silence both men preoccupied…approaching to within a couple yards of the base entrance they were stopped by Little John and Billy. Both men had been assigned guard duty for the day and as Little John gave them a once over Billy spoke.
Hey guys…where ya been? Billy asked looking at Caje then glancing at Kirby.
Didn't you leave this morning in a jeep? Little John asked as he stared at the two men who were looking tired and hot, sweat had dampened their clothing and with a grin he continued. "Let me guess you ran out of gas."
Kirby looked at the big man in surprise. How did you know?
"Really…you ran out of gas…gosh Kirby didn't you make sure the tank was full before you signed it out?
"Yeah Kirby…didn't you check."
Caje stood quietly beside Kirby listening to the exchange a smile playing around his lips.
"Of course I checked but I'm starting to think Davis did something when I left to get Caje." Kirby responded defensively as a flush crept up his neck.
"He wouldn't do that…would he Little John? Billy asked catching the big man's eyes.
"Well he was pretty mad at Kirby for taking his money and getting him in trouble with the Sarge."
"What…I didn't get him in…Hell…he started it…everyone knows that." Kirby spluttered trying to defend himself.
"That isn't the way Davis sees it…lucky he only messed with the gas." Little John commented still grinning.
"Hey, how far did you guys get before ya ran out? Billy asked curiously.
Kirby's flush got a little deeper. "Not that far 10, 15 miles…
Caje stared as the B.A.R. man…who conveniently kept his face turned away. "Twenty-five miles Kirby… twenty-five."
"Gee…you two must be worn out, that's a long way to walk in this heat." Billy commented with a frown, taking in the irritated look on the Cajun's face, took a step back. "LJ maybe we should let them get cleaned up."
Little John had caught the look on the scouts face as well and thought better of teasing the Cajun any further, with a nod at Billy he turned to Caje. "Uh…yeah…why don't the two of you go freshen up and relax a bit, we'll see you later." Their reliefs were walking toward the four men and when they were within a few feet, Little John quickly briefed them then grabbing Billy by the arm he started to pull him in the direction of the Mess Tent.
Looking back over his shoulder Billy caught a last glance of Kirby and the Scout. "LJ…Caje looks kind of mad, doesn't he?
"You blame him…been uptight for the past week more so after that dressing down he received from the Sarge a few days ago because of Kirby…then the first trip he takes out of camp he has to walk back 25 miles in this heat…again courtesy of Kirby…Don't blame him a bit." Little John stated.
You don't think he'll do anything to Kirby, do you? Billy asked worriedly.
The big man thought for a minute then with a grin responded, "Nah he won't hurt Kirby but I bet he gives him the cold shoulder for a little while."
"Wow…think Kirby can handle that…Caje is his best friend and if he ain't talking." Billy trailed off.
Little John looked back at the two men. "They'll be alright, Caje is just a little upset right now." Catching Billy's eyes. "Let's go get supper we'll check on them later."
"Ok…sure hope Caje gets over whatever is bothering him…it's bad enough having the Sarge stalking around like he'd blow up if you said hi to him…we don't need two of them."
"No we don't, Little John said with a sigh, but we do need to eat."
"Yeah…I hear cook has made a special dessert…what do you think it is…probably not as good as what my Dad could do but any dessert is better than none."
"Ya got that right." Little John smiled as he listened to Billy comparing different pastries that the cook and his Father could make {The LT will get back soon, Sarge will relax and Caje will work out his problem and be getting in trouble with Kirby again before you know it…I hope} With those thoughts in mind he continued leading Billy to the Mess Tent.
