CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Nothing…just figured the Warden would like something to rinse with when he's done." Casino answered.

Garrison didn't know which hurt more, his chest from throwing up or his head which was pounding in time with his heartbeat. Feeling a hand rest on his back…he heard Casino speak.

"Warden…here, rinse. Then a canteen was pressed into his hand. It's yours so don't worry."

Nodding the LT rinsed a couple of times then carrying the canteen made his way back to the truck, taking a seat behind the wheel. With a sigh he settled back, reaching into a pocket, pulled out a stick of gum tearing a small piece off he chewed a few minutes before spitting it out, then placed the rest of the stick in his mouth and started chewing again.

Casino and Goniff exchanged concerned looks as they followed Garrison, staying a few yards back so they could talk.

He shouldn't be behind the wheel.

No, but unless he passes out at some point I don't see him letting one of us drive…besides he's doin' alright…hasn't weaved once, been drivin' straight as an arrow…he has.

"Maybe when Actor gets back he'll be able to get the Warden to stand down."

"It'd be better for the Warden it would, he's trying too hard to stay alert, it's got to be wearin' on him."

"Yeah it does…why do you think he had that little episode." (Casino said pointing back toward the tree line).

Garrison watched as Casino and Goniff took their places at the front of the truck bending over to peer at the engine. Closing his eyes, relaxed a little as he listened to the two men chatting about hoses and how they'd modify the engine for better performance.

Ten minutes later, Goniff heard the sound of a vehicle heading toward town, peering from under the hood to see what was approaching, he quickly glanced over at Casino. "Four German soldiers in an open car coming this way."

Garrison straightened in his seat when he heard the sound of an engine, glancing through the windshield he noticed Casino moving slowly toward the passenger side of the truck while Goniff remained in place.

Warden what's the plan? Casino asked quietly eyes focused on the car.

"Hang tight, if they stop I'll do the talking…you still have the .45 in the tool box, right? At Casinos nod, continued. Keep it in mind but take no action unless I say…ok."

Nodding again Casino walked back to stand beside Goniff. "Warden says to hang tight…see what the Germans do."

The vehicle slowed down as it neared the truck but continued on, gaining speed as it passed.

Letting out the breath he had been holding Garrison slumped against the seat, hands wiping at the sweat running down his face.

Goniff and Casino wait until the sound of the car had faded before stepping up to the driver side window of the truck.

"That was close." Casino stated, staring after the car.

"It was at that." Goniff agreed

"You two get the tools loaded and close the hood." Chief and Actor should arrive any minute…we need to move as soon as they get here. Garrison scanned the woods to his right where the two men should come out at, catching movement he alerted Casino and Goniff who took up firing positions at the front and back of the truck, hidden from view, while the LT placed a rifle across his lap, finger near the trigger.

Chief and Actor approached the truck carefully, scanning the area closely before stepping out of the trees. The younger man exchanged a look with the Con man before he approached the passenger door, catching the LT s eyes as he peered in through the window.

Garrison relaxed his hold on the rifle, placing it back on the seat. What took you so long?

"We would have been here sooner but I had to slow my pace, the Indian was having trouble staying up with me."

"Not true old man. I was gathering items for another healing tea…we still made good time."

While the two men had been chatting, Actor scanned the LT's features, noting the paleness under the flush of his fever.

Garrison caught the older man's eyes. "Let's get loaded up…Actor you have the wheel. Chief you can have the middle, I'll do better near the window."

Casino and Goniff climbed in the bed taking seats on the supply crates and once everyone was settled they head toward the new location.

An hour later the Gorillas were settled in at their new safe house, supplies had been unpacked, rooms aired out, fresh linen covered the beds and a fire burned brightly in the hearth. After giving the men their assignments Garrison put Actor in charge…took a shower, picked a bed, placed a couple of pillows against the headboard and sat back, eyes closed listening as the men moved around in the adjoining rooms. Actor was working on a meal for the men, Chief was working on a pot of tea, while Casino and Goniff took first watch. The men would trade off duties during the next 48 hours, allowing for some relaxation for all the Gorillas.

During their meet, James said that he would contact them on Friday morning to confirm the extraction date and time. If the plan changed prior to then the Frenchmen would send a man to let Garrison know, hopefully they would be home in two days as they had been away too long, hearing footsteps approach he opened his eyes.

While Garrison rest, Chief and Actor put a tray together for the Warden, a mug of warm tea, a bowl of chicken soup and two slices of warm bread.

"I put less of the sleeping agent and more of the bark for nausea like you asked…might want to add a little more sugar and honey to cover the taste otherwise, it will be bitter." Chief told Actor.

"I will keep that in mind…he hasn't eaten in 48 hours…what he did have before that has been kicked out of his system and I do not want him to become dehydrated…he needs to be able to keep his food down so he can fight off the fever."

The final touch to the tray was a cloth napkin, folded neatly beside the bowl of soup with a spoon lying on top. "I will deliver this to the Warden, go ahead and dig in, I will join you in a few minutes."

Chief didn't have to be told twice…he was hungry and the soup smelled very good…filling a bowl and grabbing a few pieces of bread himself took a seat at the kitchen table. Taking a moment to savor the first bite (thought to himself 'Actor, sure can cook).