Chapter Eleven

"He also said you were pretty adamant about getting me help." A small smile appeared on Hanley's lips as Saunders continued in a fair imitation of the LT's smooth baritone. "So either shoot me or get the hell out of my way." Did you really say that?

With a deep chuckle Hanley replied, "You needed help Saunders, what was I supposed to do...stand there and wait for the soldiers to decide whether or not I was on the level."

"You could have gotten shot…What were you thinking Gil?" Saunders asked with a trace of anger in his voice.

Recognizing the tone Hanley opened his eyes...sat up, glaring at his friend. "Chip, you were wounded…had collapsed in my arms from blood loss…I was "thinking " my "best friend" needed help now and he was going to get it." Piercing green eyes held stormy blue ones for a second. "Besides if I had to carry you any longer I might have dropped you." Hanley winked then settled back against the pillows, eyes closed.

Relaxing himself, Saunders shook his head watching as the LT covered another yawn, then with a grin he spoke. "Best friend hunh…Why LT…I didn't know you felt that way."

"Yes you did." Hanley spoke softly…the words fading out as he finally gave in and drifted off to sleep

The grin faded from Saunders features as Hanley drifted off, motioning for Dr. Williams to approach. "You can check him over now." He told him in a hushed voice.

How did you know? Dr. Williams asked quietly.

"You mentioned in one of your earlier visits that the LT was supposed to come by so you could check the bandage." Glancing at Hanley. "He showed up about an hour ago…said the debrief ran longer than expected so he couldn't make it in."

The Doctor eased Hanley's arm from the sling and gently tugged the sleeve off of the man's shoulder so he could reach the bandage...moving slowly tried not to wake him...loosening one side of the bandage he examined the wound, it looked clean, the stitches were intact so he pressed the bandage back in place...straightened the shirt and re-positioned the sling...after checking the LT's pulse rate Dr. Williams placed a palm on the man's forehead.

"The arm looks good and there's no sign of fever." He informed Saunders. "A good nights sleep will do him good." Taking a moment to remove the LT's boots Dr. Williams grabbed the blanket from an adjoining cot and placed it over the man's legs. For a moment Dr. Williams stood beside the cot studying Hanley's face...then turned to his other patient. "You're a lucky man Sergeant."

Saunders held the Doctors gaze. "Lucky Sir."

"To have the LT as your Platoon leader and as a friend." Capt. Williams commented. "Better get some rest yourself, I'll be back for morning rounds at 0700."

As the Doc turned to leave, Saunders stopped him. "Thanks Captain…for seeing to the LT."

"You're welcome Sergeant." He said with a smile.

Once Capt. Williams was out of sight, Saunders glanced over at his friend…no, not just a friend…best friend. "Yeah LT…I guess we're both lucky." He said out loud and with a smile on his face lay back against the pillows closing his eyes...a few moments later the Sergeant followed his LT into a restful sleep.

THE END

I hope you enjoyed my Combat! Mission Short: The Town, it was fun for me to write and I always enjoy sharing time with the guys. This was the second installment to my Combat Mission Shorts Series and the seventh posting for the Combat! television series...at the moment I have no other story in the works (my muse is taking a little down-time) I hope to take another walk with the men of Combat! at some point down the road…Thanks to all of you who read my stories and offered feedback, it was much appreciated …Until next time…Be Safe and Enjoy the Day!