CHAPTER NINE
Hanley glanced at his watch…once the Germans had left he was able to move at a quicker pace…alternating between a fast walk and light jog he had covered five miles. Currently, he was leaning against a tree taking a short break, glancing at the sky, wiped at the sweat dripping down his face, thinking how a cool rain would be welcome about now but knew that wasn't going to happen. Taking a sip of the tepid water in his canteen, wandered if it would last, there was only a small amount left and he still had miles to travel and wasn't sure if there would be any water source on the way. Capping the canteen his eyes traveled over the terrain, taking in the tall grass and light scattering of trees…he was just about to continue walking when there was movement a few yards ahead, quickly he stepped behind the tree he had been leaning against. Crouching down among the tall bushes that had grown around the base, sharp eyes focused on an area several yards ahead where he had picked up a slight movement but now there was nothing but stillness…there had been something, choosing caution over recklessness he stayed hidden.
Brockmeyer had covered the distance to target in record time transitioning from a run to a jog and finally coming to a stop...taking a moment to wipe the sweat from his face, grabbed the canteen off his belt and took a small sip of water scanning the immediate area. Twenty yards ahead a small cluster of trees stood and for a moment he focused on the bushes that grew around one particular tree...slowly he placed the canteen back on his utility belt bending low, using the bushes around him as cover he scanned the tree and brush...there had been movement. If it was the LT how was he supposed to let the man know he was a friend, examining the trees and grass he came up with a plan…a few minutes later he was lying in a patch of tall grass, less than a yard from where he had caught movement. Brockmeyer recognized Lt. Hanley but didn't make a move toward the man because at the moment Hanley had his carbine up, finger near the trigger staring intently at the spot where Brock was hiding, head tilted slightly, as if listening. Staring down the barrel of a gun hadn't been part of the plan but at least the LT was focused on him and time was ticking…taking a deep breath letting it out slowly he spoke three words in German.
"Kann stehen unter, Sir." Holding his breath, wait for the LT to respond.
Hanley was getting ready to call out whoever was hiding when they spoke three words that to anyone else may not have meant much but to Hanley it gave a clue as to who was out there. It had to be Brockmeyer, the Linguist had taught him the code phrase in case they were ever in a situation where they were behind enemy lines and needed to identify each other…still unsure he didn't respond …then the phrase was repeated a second time, hesitantly Hanley responded.
"Wir Haben es geschafft Soldat." Hanley cautiously kept his eyes on the spot the voice had come from and a few seconds later Brockmeyer stood up. Lowering his weapon the LT stepped from behind the tree and wait as the Linguist made his way over to stand in front of him. What are you doing here? Is anyone else with you? How did you find me?
"Capt. Jampel received the co-ordinates you transmitted, sent Sgt. Saunders and me to come and fetch you…we're supposed to be back at camp by 1600 so we need to move Sir…we left the jeep a few miles back and the Sarge went to get it, to save time we have to head toward him." Brockmeyer scanned the LT's features, the man looked worn out. Can you manage?
Though Hanley was tired, hot, hungry, thirsty and his arm was throbbing he couldn't help but grin. "Lead the way, I'll be right beside you."
The two men took off at a light jog covering a mile or more when they heard a vehicle approaching, sharing a glance they quickly moved behind some trees. A jeep with only one occupant appeared around a bend in the road moving fast several yards away as soon as Hanley and Brockmeyer recognized the familiar camouflaged helmet and blond hair the two men stepped in front of the moving vehicle forcing the driver to hit the brakes hard.
What the Hell! Saunders yelled rather angrily, before realizing that the two men he had almost ran over were Brockmeyer and the missing LT. "It's good to see you," grinning widely at both men he addressed the next question to the LT. Need a lift back to camp, Sir?
"Hell yeah!" Hanley responded as he jumped into the back seat letting Brockmeyer ride shotgun...as he settled the LT reached over the driver's seat and gave the Sergeants shoulder a squeeze. "Thanks for the lift, Saunders."
Still grinning, Saunders nodded, then turned the jeep around heading back to base.
Saunders drove fast and covered the miles in a short time…figuring they were within twenty minutes of reaching camp he asked the Lieutenant if he wanted to send a transmission to Capt. Jampel
"LT…we're less the twenty minutes away do you want to call the Captain? LT? Not receiving a reply, he threw a quick glance at Brockmeyer who in turn glanced back at the LT.
Hanley was sitting sideways, long legs stretched out on the back seat as much as possible, right arm still held securely against his chest, blood showing through the bandage…left arm draped over the back of the seat…head resting on the bicep, eyes closed. The broad chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm as the wind ruffled his dark hair.
"Looks like he fell asleep Sarge…want me to make the call?"
"Yeah, just let him know we have the package and our ETA."
"White Rook to King 1, White Rook to King 1 do you read?"
"King 1 to White Rook…what is your status?"
"We have the package and less than twenty."
"Roger, White Rook…see you in twenty…King 1 out."
Turning off the radio, Brockmeyer placed it on his lap then turned and examined the LT's face. "His arms bleeding again…think he'll have time to check in with the Doc before we move out?"
"Capt. Jampel will make sure he does, might even arrange for the LT to clean up…probably won't be able to catch up on any sleep until we get set up. He glanced at the LT through the rear view mirror. He didn't eat much of the food we brought."
