CHAPTER 3

McCall would probably receive a new harmonica from his parents…the one he had used for the past few years was destroyed during a skirmish with the Germans and in his last letter home had asked his folks to send him one of his older ones. He was pretty good at playing and was probably entertaining the men with Christmas Carols…Saunders enjoyed listening to the music…it would be filled with emotion which was odd given to how McCall was so rough around the edges at times but he sure could play. His folks would also send home-baked cookies, several recent newspapers so he could read up on what was happening back home. The cookies would be shared as would the news but the one thing Saunders had noticed that McCall didn't share was the bottle of cologne he received every year. It was a rare scent his Mother ordered especially for him and nothing could get the man to share it…several of the men had tried.

Caje's package would include a few cartons of his favorite brand of cigarettes, personal items, several pouches of flavored jerky (made special by his Momma) with a Cajun seasoning that had been in the family for generations. The Scout always made sure to request a little extra if they had it and so far every year there was enough to pass around to the squad members. He would receive a few new French books and a letter from each member of his family, some of them would have pictures, some would have a special card. The Cajun…as with all the other men… once the celebrating was done…would find a quiet corner to read over the letters.

Most of the guys received the same items every year but that didn't stop their enthusiasm when the gifts were received. Especially the letters from home…which from what he could tell was the most important of all the gifts.

Saunders finished off the chocolate and decided to check outside, standing up he walked to the table and sat the empty cup down, stretching a little before donning his outerwear. Stepping beside Hanley he tapped the man on the shoulder.

"Lieutenant…hey…Lt. Hanley"

"Yeah, what is it Saunders?" Hanley answered drowsily. Everything alright?

"Gonna take a look outside." Saunders said watching as the LT sat up straight, eyes suddenly clear and alert.

"We can both take a look…give me a minute to get my coat." Hanley replied

A few minutes later, bundled up against the cold, with weapons in hand they stepped outside…it was no longer snowing but there was at least a foot of new accumulation on the ground. Hanley took the right side of the cabin while Saunders took the left they met near the jeep which was now covered in snow.

"It shouldn't be a problem getting out in the morning." Hanley said as he examined the tires "As long as it doesn't snow again we'll be good.

"We're still secure, no signs of anyone being here since we showed up." Saunders said as he scanned the area. "The wind sure is cold." You ready to go back in Sir?

"Yes and I think a cup of hot chocolate is in order." Hanley grinned as he led the way back into the cabin.

Once inside the two men took off their coats and gloves draping them over the couch, while Hanley added a little more wood to the fireplace Saunders checked the coffee pot. After deciding there was enough water left, he proceeded to fix the LT's chocolate before making himself another cup. Once the beverages were ready he carried them over to the couch, where Hanley had taken up residence in one corner. Passing a cup to the seated man as he made his way to the other corner, Saunders gingerly took his seat.

Hanley took a small sip of his drink before glancing over at Saunders. "Not bad." Hesitantly he glanced at the fire then caught his friend's eyes. "Sorry we didn't make it back to camp Chip."

"Don't worry about it Gil…my package will still be there tomorrow…besides the men will celebrate whether I'm there or not." He replied trying to ease his friends mind.

"I'm sure they will but still…it would have been more festive surrounded by the squad." Hanley commented between sips. "McCall will be playing Christmas Carols on his harmonica and Little John will probably recite the Christmas story." With a thoughtful expression he continued. "McCall is very good, it surprised me when I first heard him play, I hadn't expected such skill."

"Yeah, I don't think any of the men expected it, I hope his folks sent him a new harmonica because the last one was broke during that run in with the Germans in Toulee a week back."

Both men were quiet thinking about the two soldiers that wouldn't be getting gifts this year and the families who would be minus a son and/or husband. PFC Aden Griff and PVT Owen Birch were killed during the fighting in Toulee.

"Their Christmas packages were in transit when they were killed and arrived four days ago." Hanley informed Saunders. "I wrote a letter to each Family and sent it back with the packages," Hanley spoke quietly. "PVT Birch's Sister sent a letter telling him he was an Uncle, even sent a picture of his Niece so he could see what she looked like…Rowena Lee Hensley…named after him." Rubbing at his temple he continued. "PFC Griff received a letter from his wife telling him that their son had taken his first step."

Saunders scanned his friends features before speaking. "Gil…"

Glancing over he raised a hand. "I know Chip…it's all part of War…men die every day and I can't save everyone in my Platoon." Hanley focused on the fire. "I wish I could…but I can't."

"The rest of our men are safe and no one will die tonight LT."