CHAPTER THREE

After Little John and Billy walked off Caje stood looking at Kirby for a moment but the man ignored him and with a sigh, shoulders slumped the Cajun ran a hand through his sweaty hair and took off toward the sleep quarters, wanting to catch a shower and grab something to eat before stretching out on his bunk.

It was a down day for the Platoon and most of the guys were catching up on news, doing laundry, cleaning weapons, checking gear…some would be mending torn clothes while others were reading and later would indulge in playing a friendly hand of cards. When Caje entered the sleep quarters there were only three bunks occupied, Brockmeyer was sharpening his knives, McCall was playing a soft tune on his harmonica and Saunders was stretched out on his bunk, hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. Caje's bed was next to the Sergeants and with a weary tread he moved toward it…after setting his backpack on the bed he picked up his clothes bag and pulled out a clean uniform along with his shaving kit…as he placed the bag neatly under his cot Saunders spoke.

Did you get the jeep out of sight? He asked, sitting up…back resting against the bed frame.

Does everyone know? Caje asked.

"Only the ones who were close enough to hear me chew out Davis when I overheard him telling Stevens about it." Saunders answered. You and Kirby alright?

"Yes…but walking 25 miles in today's heat can tire a body out." Caje responded taking a seat on his cot. I'm on my way to the showers then a bite to eat…have you heard anything more on the LT, Sarge?

"Not really…Captain Jampel said communications caught a brief radio transmission last night around eleven…it was a bit garbled but the Captain recognized the voice as Hanley's."

"At least you know he's alive."

"Yeah, but he can't receive on his radio because the Captain tried to reach him, they made out that he's on his way back, the enemy had been close and he has an injured arm."

Caje held Saunders eyes…How do you know that?

"Captain said they heard him say something about a bad wing. Frowning Saunders looked away. Sure as Hell hope that's all he has." In a burst of frustration, he stood abruptly and started to pace. "Don't know why he has to go on these solo runs but the high ups keep sending him…one of these days its gonna get him killed…unless this war gets him first."

Caje sat quietly letting the older man vent...he exchanged a look with Brock and McCall then let his attention focus on the Sergeant. The man needed to relax but Caje understood his worry, they had almost lost the LT a few months back…he'd been cleared for active duty two weeks ago, ten days later he's sent on a solo mission. Once his "Brother" returned and Sarge could see for himself that the man was alright then maybe he'd be able to get a good night's sleep and judging by the light shadows and tired slope of his tense shoulders he needed it.

"Sorry Caje." Saunders apologized as he sat down across from the scout…peering into the Cajuns dark features. Are you alright?

"You know that problem Lt. Hanley was going to help me with? At the other man's nod, he continued. It's not necessary," Caje said eyes focused on the floor."

Saunders knew he had come down on the Cajun a little harder than he should have when he'd caught the scout and Kirby sneaking back into camp after a town pass a few days ago. They had been late arriving and both had indulged in too much drink, almost took out the sentry's when they drove the jeep into camp without the headlights on…Kirby had been behind the wheel but he had given both men a dressing down. He expected Kirby to get into trouble it seemed to be in the man's nature but sometimes Saunders didn't understand his B.A.R man…he was an excellent soldier when on duty but left to his own devices the man could get into a lot of trouble and most times Saunders had to chew him out because of it. Caje was different, sure sometimes he would get caught up in one of Kirby's schemes but generally he was a responsible young man and could be trusted to bring the guys back after a little freedom in the towns they visited…always stayed sober, he could drink but knew his limits…a few days back the Cajun had ignored those limits…Saunders didn't know what to think at the time. {I expect better from Caje…but he's still young and takes a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, looking at him now he seems younger than his years.}

Tapping the man on a knee to get his attention. Hey, what happened?

"I had a letter waiting for me when I got back from my walk with Kirby…Red Cross wanted to inform me that my Mama made it through surgery and was expected to make a full recovery…she'll have to take it a little easy for a while and Sis will be staying close."

When Caje looked up his eyes were glistening but there was a smile on his face.

Saunders held the young man's gaze. "That's good news Caje."

The scout had sat down with him after receiving a letter from the Red Cross four days ago telling him that his Sister had taken his Mom to the hospital after suffering severe injuries from a car accident…at first they didn't think her chances of survival were very good…she had sustained a head injury on impact and several broken bones. The Doctors had set the breaks but there was nothing that could be done about the head injury until she was stronger. Caje had wanted to get back to the States to be with the family in case his Mama didn't make it. Saunders spoke to Lt. Hanley, who in turn would speak with Capt. Jampel to see what could be done but before he could the high ups sent him out on a solo mission and until Hanley returned he wouldn't be able to sign off any paperwork. Capt. Jampel was sympathetic but rules and protocol had to be followed…

Saunders had been reminded of a similar situation a few years back when a Soldier had blamed Hanley for taking to long to notify him of an ex-wife that was dying, Lt. Hanley was almost killed. But Caje wasn't Sgt. Kovac and the Cajun knew the LT wasn't at fault...best of all Ms. LeMay had survived.

Now…looking into the dark eyes, he felt the need to explain his actions a few days back…"Caje, about the other day." Saunders was halted mid-sentence when the scout raised a hand.