Chapter 7 - Nightmares and Awakenings

It was time for Drummond and his men to arrive, they walked in the door, took up their positions and watched as Thompson lead the team back to the car to go to the mansion. Drummond looked closely at Garrison, he looked terrible, there were dark rings under his eyes and he looked totally exhausted. "When did you last sleep Lieutenant?"

Garrison rubbed his face. "Not sure, had a few naps."

Drummond frowned. "I doubt that very much by the look of you. You'll be no good to Chief when he wakes up, he won't be happy when he sees you in that state." He walked out the door before Garrison could ask him how he knew so much about Chief and what they'd been doing for Major Richards. McAllen walked in and took up the vigil.

An hour later a nurse walked in, checked Chief's pulse and blood pressure, she made a note on the chart and changed the intravenous drip. Shortly after the same nurse returned with a tray holding mugs of hot cocoa, she handed one to Garrison and laughed as the other men grabbed a mug each. "There's plenty to go round," she chuckled. Drummond walked in and claimed the last mug.

Garrison sat and sipped the hot beverage, after a short while the conversation behind him started to become garbled, his ears were buzzing, the bed in front of him was blurring, he realised what had happened. "Drummond, you bastard, you drugged my drink!" he slurred.

Drummond looked at the exhausted man. "The nurse drugged your drink Garrison, I just asked her to. Get him off to bed lads!" Despite his objections Garrison was carried through to his room, laid out on the bed, still in his fatigues and a blanket pulled over him, he tried to stay awake but gradually fell into a fitful sleep.

Dark, drug-fuelled dreams swirled around him, he was trapped underwater in a raging river, he couldn't breath. He gasped and turned around to come face to face with Colonel Mantfreeling, his hand raised ready to strike him. He flinched back and was suddenly lying on the ground being clubbed by soldiers, they faded away to be replaced by SS officers shouting at him, their guttural voices echoing in his head. Everything started spinning and he found himself in the staff car somersaulting through the air and crashing to the ground. He was alone in a dark place with no way out. Where was Chief? He always knew where to find him, he was always close by watching his back, he felt safer when he knew he was there. He could hear Chief's tortured breathing, or was it his own? Chief's rasping voice echoed in the dark, "Ya ta hey Ánaaí." Garrison's spine crawled as the empty space behind him threatened unseen terrors, he looked around, desperately trying to find his scout in the inky blackness.

All at once everything was torn asunder by a flash of light, Garrison could see Chief jumping up high to catch a soccer ball in the sunshine, he was laughing and his medallion flashed gold as it swung free round his neck. Garrison's hand crept up to his own neck and he grasped that same medallion tightly, he called out hoping Chief would hear him. The darkness crashed down again and the storm raged around him, howling like a banshee. Chief suddenly appeared out of nowhere as he always did, stepping out of the shadows like a ghost, the wind was whipping his black hair from his face, he held his blade up in his right hand, leaned forward and reached out his left. "I got you Warden!" He'd found him! Then he was gone, swept away in a whirlwind of blood and pain. Garrison cried out.

Drummond sat in the other room listening, he frowned and picked up a discarded newspaper. He felt bad for the man and understood his pain but Garrison desperately needed to sleep and, if it came with nightmares, so be it.

Garrison stood in the darkness, looking around as bloody shapes hung in the air in front of him, Chief's screams rang in his ears. He desperately shouted out into the swirling void, his voice was smothered, his words were swept away into nothingness. "Atsilí where are you? I can't find you! Chief, where are you? Come back! For God's sake where are you? Don't die! CHIEF!"

GG-GG-GG

The small boy sat at his grandfather's feet listening to the old stories, he watched the fire and drew pictures in the dirt with a stick. "Tell me another story about Coyote, Shicheii."

His grandfather looked fondly at the child. "I'd love to Rainey but your Ánaaí needs you, can you hear him calling out your name?"

Rainey cocked his head to one side and listened, he could hear the sound of his heart slowly beating and his blood flowing through his veins. He looked up at his grandfather as he heard faint, anguished cries. "Go to him Rainey, I'll be here if you need me again."

Rainey got on one knee to stand up and Chief rose to his full height, he smiled at his grandfather. "Hágoónee' Shicheii," he said and turned to open the door to the world. The horse was waiting for him, it nodded its head and whickered. He walked over, jumped on its back and urged it towards the sound of Garrison's voice. The horse stopped and he slid off, he patted its neck as it stood nuzzling his arm, he turned towards the sensations of light and sound, took a deep breath and surged upwards, ready to take his place among the living again.

GG-GG-GG

Drummond was just getting up to check on Garrison when out of the corner of his eye he saw Chief's body take a huge gasp of air and open its eyes. Chief looked around the room, threw his bed sheet and blanket off and tried to get up, he fell back and tried again. Drummond rushed forward to push him back down on the bed. "McAllen get in here quick and help me," he shouted. McAllen ran in and took over holding Chief down. Chief struggled and lashed out weakly.

"Hey Boss, take it easy," McAllen cried out.

"Where's the Warden? I heard him callin' me," Chief gasped hoarsely.

"Chief, calm down and look at me," ordered Drummond.

Chief took a deep breath and peered at him. "Drum? What you doin' here? Where's the Warden? He ok?"

Drummond smiled with relief. "Yes lad, he's in the next room, he's having a bad dream and was calling out your name."

"I heard him, I gotta get to him." Chief pushed McAllen away and started to get up.

Drummond pushed him back down again with a large, forceful hand. "Stay right where you are Chief, I'll go bring Garrison to you, he'll be mighty relieved to see you're awake. The whole team were worried sick about you."

Drummond walked through into the other room and gently shook Garrison's shoulder until he was awake. Garrison turned and blinked at him through bleary eyes. "What? What's the matter Drummond?" He felt disoriented from the effects of the drug in his system.

The Sergeant Major patted Garrison on the arm. "You were having a bad dream and shouting out in your sleep."

The vivid nightmare came back to Garrison and he shuddered. "Sorry, did I disturb anyone?"

Drummond smiled. "Well, I don't know about the rest of the hospital but you certainly upset Chief in the other room, he's trying to fight McAllen so he can get to you!"

Garrison's eyes flew open. "What did you just say?" he couldn't believe his ears.

Drummond pointed to the other room. "Chief's awake and looking for you Garrison. If I don't take you to him now I'm sure he'll tear this place down trying to find you, so throw some water on your face, wake up and I'll take you through to him."

Garrison threw off his blankets and leapt up as fast as he could, he limped over to the basin and turned the cold water on full blast, he scooped up a double handful of water and splashed it on his face, he did it twice more and dried himself off with a handy towel. He straightened up, dragged a hand through his hair, grabbed his cane and with an expectant smile on his face nodded to the Sergeant Major. "Let's go Drummond, I need to see Chief's alright."

Drummond opened the door, Garrison slowly walked into the other room, leaning on his cane and looked over to the bed. Chief was lying back on the pillow struggling to get up, McAllen had a hand on each shoulder holding him down but he raised them and stepped back when he saw Garrison enter the room. Chief stopped fighting and turned his head, he relaxed as he watched Garrison limp over to the chair and sit down next to him. His dark eyes scanned the man he now thought of as his brother and frowned as he saw the pain and fatigue evident on his face. Garrison grimaced as he straightened out his leg, he rested his cane against the side of the chair and looked at Chief with concerned eyes. "Ya ta hey, Atsilí?"

"Ya ta hey, Ánaaí, how you doin' Warden?" answered the familiar soft voice, it was weak, but it was him.

Garrison smiled with relief and said the only answer he could think of. "I'm fine Chief."

"Don't lie to me, you look like crap!" Chief whispered hoarsely.

Garrison raised an eyebrow. "Thanks, have you looked in a mirror lately?"

Drummond smiled. "Come on McAllen we'll let these two catch up. I'll call the mansion and then arrange for Thompson to bring the other reprobates up to see you."

"Thanks Drummond," said Garrison.

Chief looked down. "How's the leg?"

Garrison shrugged. "It's mending, itches like crazy though. Ribs are healing too. How about you, do you need anything? Any painkillers?"

Chief shook his head weakly. "No Warden, got it under control. Could do with some water."

Garrison rose and poured some water into a glass from a jug on the side table. Chief raised his head as Garrison held the glass to his lips, putting his other hand at the back of his neck to support him. "Take it easy, small sips only."

Chief drank half the glass and rested back on the pillow. Garrison put the glass on the table and carefully sat back down, he looked at his young scout and gave him a crooked smile as he fixed him with a mock glare. "You do know its illegal to impersonate an army officer, don't you? You're in big trouble."

Chief coughed a small laugh, "No-one says thanks any more."

Garrison gripped Chief's forearm. "I owe you more than just thanks Chief, so does Goniff."

Chief looked at the only man he would accept as his leader. "Just doin' my job lookin' out for you 'n the others, that's what you asked me to do, I gave you my word."

Garrison knew Chief had been as good as his word and repaid his trust many times over. For his part he'd never regretted his choice of the young Navajo. He suddenly remembered something. "This is yours," he said as he reached up behind his neck to take off the chain holding the medallion.

Chief shook his head and held up a hand. "No Warden, it's yours now, I gave it to you."

"I can't take this Chief, its the only thing you've got," protested Garrison.

Chief gave him a small smile. "No Warden, I got my life 'n my freedom. You gave me those, thank you Ánaaí."

Garrison took hold of the medallion and looked at it. "How do I say 'thank you', Little Brother?"

"Ahéheeʼ."

"Ahéheeʼ Atsilí, I promise I'll take good care of it."

"Don't let Goniff near it!" laughed Chief, he gasped and winced. He closed his eyes as he took a few deep breaths to control the pain.

Garrison leaned forward, rested his arms on the bed and stared intently at his friend. "Tell me the truth, Chief. How are you feeling, really?" Garrison's voice was full of concern, he was worried that Chief was holding back and hiding the true extent of his pain and discomfort just like he always did.

Chief opened his eyes, reached out his right hand and took hold of the arm closest to him. "I'm ok. Really Warden. Just need to rest 'n heal up."

Garrison put his other hand on top of Chief's forearm and gently squeezed it, he yawned, he hadn't realised how tired he was, now he knew Chief was back with him and getting better he could relax. Chief took a close look at him, taking in his pale face and the dark circles round his eyes. "You look done in, go get some sleep, I'll be here when you wake up. You sure you're ok Ánaaí?"

Garrison smiled, leaned forward and rested his head on his arms. "I am now Atsilí," came the muffled reply as he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

GG-GG-GG

The phone rang shrilly in Garrison's office, echoing round the silent building. Actor, Goniff and Casino were sitting in the common room trying to find ways to pass the time until they could go back to the hospital. Actor looked at his watch and then quickly up at the other two. "It's the middle of the night, something must have happened!" He threw down his book, leapt up and ran down the stairs with Casino and Goniff hot on his heels, they stood just behind him and watched as Actor hesitated and then picked up the phone. "Hello... Yes, this is Actor...What did he say?...Thank you, we'll be ready." He put down the phone and stared at it.

"Was it the hospital, was it about Chief?" asked Goniff. Actor shook his head.

Casino humphed in exasperation. "Come on Actor spill, who was it?"

Actor looked at them, his face was worried. "It was the gatehouse. The hospital phoned and the call was diverted to them. It was Drummond calling with a message about Chief. When I asked what he said they just said sorry and someone would be here shortly to pick us up."

There was silence. "Maybe he said sorry 'cos Drummond didn't tell him anythin'," said Casino hopefully.

"No mate, people only say sorry when they got bad news don't they?" said Goniff flatly.

Actor and Casino looked at each other, the safe-cracker walked away and punched the door with his fist. "God dammit, no. Not Geronimo, not Chief!" he cried hoarsely. Actor walked over and placed a consoling hand on his shoulder, Casino shrugged it off. "Let's get ready to go, Thompson'll be here soon."

The car headlights picked out the small group huddled at the foot of the mansion steps, they opened the door and got in. Thompson said he knew nothing about what had happened, he'd just been woken up and told to drive to the mansion and pick them up immediately to take them to the hospital. Each man sat, quietly thinking about the wild, young Navajo who'd become their friend and guardian, they couldn't believe they'd lost him. When they arrived at the hospital they dragged themselves up the stairs and hesitantly walked into Garrison's room, it was empty, they looked at each other, opened the connecting door and walked through into Chief's room.

The first thing they saw was Garrison, lying across the side of the bed with his head resting on his arms, he seemed to be holding Chief's right arm. Chief was on his back, his head had fallen to one side towards Garrison, his eyes were shut and his skin was pale. They surveyed the scene in shocked disbelief and turned to each other. "He's dead ain't he?" said Goniff softly. "I knew that bloody phone call was bad news."

"It looks like the Warden's taken it badly," whispered Actor.

"Dammit! After everythin' we went through to get him here. I can't believe Geronimo's dead!" exclaimed Casino hoarsely. He wrapped his arms around himself and turned to face the wall, he had a huge lump in his throat and felt tears welling in his eyes. He didn't want the others to see him vulnerable like this.

"Geronimo can hear you. Still breathin' Pappy!" the quiet voice drifted over from the bed.

They whirled around to see dark eyes looking at them. A small smile played across Chief's lips as he looked at his friends. "You all look as bad as the Warden, ain't you slept?"

"Chief, none of us could sleep. We've been sitting with you and Garrison for days," said Actor, his voice full of relief.

Casino strode towards the bed with his arms out wide. "Chief you are one..." he started, his face wreathed in tears and smiles.

"Keep it down Casino, the Warden's sleepin'." Chief hissed quietly as he nodded towards the man slumbering at his side.

"Oh, ok sorry. It's good to see you're alive and awake," the safe-cracker whispered.

"Hard to sleep with you three makin' enough noise to wake the dead!" complained Chief, but his smile reassured them he was just as happy to see them as they were to see him. Actor, Casino and Goniff quickly assembled on the opposite side of the bed to Garrison, desperately needing to know their friend was alright. Chief raised his left hand and held it out to them, something he'd never dreamed of doing six months ago, they in turn reached out to grasp it to make sure he really was alive.

"Grazie a Dio," said Actor as he patted Chief's arm. "You really had us worried for a time there Chief."

Casino had a huge grin on his face. "You're still one crazy Indian Geronimo, but you're the bravest son of a bitch I know," he whispered loudly. Actor hit him on the back of the head. "Hey, knock it off. I said I'd tell him 'n I have!" Casino turned to Goniff and slapped him on the shoulder. "See Goniff, all those godawful nightmares you were havin' were for nothin'. Geronimo's gonna be ok."

Chief looked at Goniff, the thief looked haggard and haunted although he was trying to put on a brave face. Chief caught Actor's eye, glanced at Goniff and then back to him. "Actor, see if you 'n Pappy can find some food 'n coffee, Goniff can stay here." Actor got the hint, nodded and ushered Casino out the door. Chief waited for them to go before quietly calling Goniff closer, he nodded for him to sit down next to him, reached out his left hand and placed it on Goniff's arm. "Goniff, you ok?" he asked gently.

Goniff shrugged and tried to smile. "I'm alright now Chief, just glad to have you back with us."

Chief squeezed the thief's arm. "Thanks for takin' care of the Warden for me, you kept him safe 'n you got him home. You did good Goniff. I'll take over now, ok with you?."

Goniff smiled and nodded. "Ok Chief. Oh, I still got this." He put his hand in his jacket and pulled out Chief's sheath, a shadow crossed his face. "I used your knife to kill that bloody Major. I looked after it for you, I cleaned it and oiled it just like you taught me."

Chief smiled at him. "That's great Goniff, thanks," he looked at Garrison. "Keep it a little longer for me? Warden's got my arm."

Goniff bobbed and smiled. "Sure I will, anythin' mate."

Chief looked in the direction of the adjoining room. "Warden's sleepin' here, he won't need his bed for a while, go get some rest for an hour or so, he won't mind"

Goniff looked in the other room, the bed looked inviting. "You sure? I'm dead beat 'n I could use some kip."

Chief tilted his head towards the door. "Get goin'." Goniff got up and stumbled into the other room, he took off his jacket and shoes and laid on the bed with the sheath clasped to his chest, he fell asleep within seconds with a smile on his face.

Twenty minutes later Casino and Actor walked in carrying a tray of mugs and a plate of sandwiches. Casino put the tray down and looked around. "Where's Goniff?"

Chief nodded towards the other room. Casino grabbed a sandwich, wandered through and looked at the sleeping figure, he smiled as he covered him with a blanket. He finished his sandwich as he looked around to see a soft chair in the corner. "That'll be comfy," he thought. He dragged it closer to the bed, took off his boots, grabbed a blanket and rested his feet next to Goniff's, he laid his head against the back of the chair, breathed out and relaxed.

Actor heard a soft snore drift through from the other room, he got up and peered through the door, he chuckled and shook his head as he turned back. "Looks like I've got first watch, those two are dead to the world."

Drummond stuck his head in the room. "We'll be off if you're staying Actor." The other four men walked in and went to the bed. "See you later Boss," said McAllen.

Chief nodded. "Thanks David."

Actor looked closely at the soldiers, he was certain they were the ones Chief had been giving orders to that night in the Doves when the robbery was taking place.

"Who are those men Chief?" asked Actor after they'd left.

"Navajos," murmured Chief as he closed his eyes and fell asleep. Actor stared at the door, there was that word again and he still had no clue what it meant.

GG-GG-GG

First thing in the morning a doctor walked into Garrison's room to check on his patient, he looked at the two men sleeping soundly in there and didn't recognise either as being the one in his charge. He walked into the adjoining room and saw him in a chair by the bed asleep. He went to shake him awake but stopped when Chief's eyes flew open, he turned to face the intruder and shook his head slowly as he glared at the man, daring him to touch the Warden. "Uh uh friend, leave him be while he's sleepin'," the voice was soft but menacing.

Actor woke up at the disturbance. "Some guard I am," he thought. He looked at the scene before him and stood up. "I really think it would be best if you come back later Doctor. As you can see, the Lieutenant is resting comfortably, it would be dangerous if you try to wake him before he's ready to let you."

The doctor looked at him in confusion. "Why would he be in danger if I woke him? Why wouldn't he let me?"

Actor stroked his top lip with a finger, smiled and glanced at Garrison's guardian. "I'm afraid you'd be the one in danger not Garrison and it's Chief who'll decide if he'll let you disturb him!" The doctor followed his look, the dark eyes still glaring at him were full of the promise of an interesting but short future if he pushed his luck.

"Right, um, yes. I'll come back in two..." he looked at Chief, "three hours if that's alright with you gentlemen!" He fled out the way he'd come in, he'd already heard what had happened to Doctor Greenfield – this was a dangerous room to be in!"

Actor looked at Chief and laughed. "You can be very intimidating when you want to be you know, its a good job you didn't have your knife!"

"Used your SS face, he bought it," grinned Chief. "Goniff's got my blade, it's close enough if I need it."

Casino walked in rubbing his head. "What'd I miss? That guy bounced off my chair 'n disappeared out the door like the devil was after him!"

"Oh Chief was being his usual friendly self, the doctor was going to wake the Warden and Chief was having none of it," chortled Actor.

"Good for you Geronimo, glad to know you're feelin' better." Casino turned around. "Hey look who's decided to wake up 'n join us. How you doin' Limey?"

Goniff stood in the doorway smiling and rubbing his eyes. "I'm good. What time is it? I'm starvin'!"

Casino shrugged. "Well it seems everyone's back to their usual self!" He slapped Goniff on the back. "Come on babe, I know where we can get breakfast 'n talk to gorgeous nurses while we wait to get served!" They sauntered out the door with food and women on their minds.

Actor walked over to Chief. "Those two are incorrigible. I'm glad you spoke to Goniff alone, he's been in a really bad way since Caen and was having nightmares. What did you say to him?"

Chief looked at the door. "That he'd done a good job lookin' after the Warden for me. I laid a big responsibility on him back there, I didn't wanna do it but I had no choice, I had to keep 'em both safe."

Actor nodded. "You did a damn good job Chief, just don't do anything like that again, for all our sakes. We don't want to lose you."

Chief hesitated and looked up, he seemed embarrassed. "Thanks for takin' care o' me back there Actor. Was it as bad as I think it was? I saw what that room was like after they took out the dead prisoner. The Krauts didn't spare me any details 'bout what was gonna happen to me once they got started."

Actor took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I won't lie, it was terrible Chief, I still don't know how you survived it. I wasn't the only one looking after you, Casino volunteered without hesitation. He asked me not to tell you, I think he's afraid it would ruin his reputation as a 'tough guy'."

Chief smiled. "Yeah, under all that noise is a big heart. It'll be our secret."

Actor looked at Garrison. "He hasn't left your side since Caen. He did everything he could to keep you alive, he wasn't prepared to let you go. I think he kept you alive through sheer willpower alone."

Chief looked down at the Warden, although he was asleep he still had tight hold of his right arm, it looked like he still wasn't prepared to let him go.

Chief shifted position slightly so as not to disturb the sleeping man, he winced and looked down at the catheter tube. "You know how to get this out? Hurts like hell when I move."

Actor chuckled. "Brace yourself Chief! I'll remove the intravenous drip too."

A short time later Garrison groaned and started to wake up, he suddenly remembered the night before and his head shot up looking for confirmation that Chief was really alright. A familiar face and a quiet voice greeted him. "Mornin' Warden."

Garrison smiled with relief. "Chief, you're still here!"

"Said I'd be here when you woke up, 'n I don't break my word." Chief smiled as he looked down at his right arm. "Besides you were makin' sure I couldn't go anywhere, that's quite a grip you got there Warden."

Casino and Goniff burst into the room with two trays of sandwiches and coffee. "Hey Warden, you're awake, just in time for breakfast." Casino looked intently at Goniff's tray, "did you eat some of those on the way up Limey?"

"Uh uh," answered Goniff, his cheeks were bulging and breadcrumbs were sticking to his mouth.

Casino rolled his eyes and shook his head, he picked up a small plate, put two sandwiches on it and grabbed a mug of coffee. "Here you go Geronimo, breakfast in bed. Warden, you want some?"

Garrison stood up, grabbed his cane and limped back to his room. "I'll take care of business first, be back in five. Leave me some Goniff."

"Mm mm!"

Garrison freshened up and returned, Casino passed him some sandwiches and coffee as he sat back down next to Chief's bed. He looked round at his men, they were relaxed, laughing and looking a damn sight better than they had for days, he smiled, the team was together again.

GG-GG-GG

An hour later a male orderly bustled in, he looked for the intravenous drip and found it pushed into a corner along with the catheter bag, he took a large tub of salve off a side cupboard and started to shoo everyone out. Chief realised what he was going to do, it was bad enough being naked under the blankets but he drew the line at being touched by someone he didn't know or trust. "Uh uh...oh no. You ain't gonna do that friend, not now I'm awake, I can do it myself. Goniff where's my blade!" Goniff reached in his jacket and tossed the sheath over, Chief caught it and started to pull out his knife.

Actor tapped the orderly's arm and took the salve. "I think it would be safer if I take over from here." The orderly had heard the stories about the occupants of this room, he nodded his head, turned and fled. Actor handed over the salve. "Here you go Chief, go in the bathroom and do the bits you can reach, I'll do your back. Do you need any help getting there?"

"Need some clothes," muttered Chief as he wrapped his sheet around himself, got up and walked slowly to the bathroom, ten minutes later he called Actor for help. As the bathroom door opened Chief shouted out. "You gonna lend a hand too Pappy?"

Casino jabbed an angry finger. "Actor you bastard, you told him!" Actor smiled innocently, shrugged his shoulders and held his hands out at his sides in mock apology. Garrison and Goniff burst out laughing. Casino tried to glare at them but he was laughing too as he shouted a reply. "Think I'll pass babe, as much as I admired the sight of your bare tush last time, I reckon Actor can manage on his own!"

It wasn't long before Actor and Chief returned, Chief sat on the bed thankful to be up and about, even if it hurt to move.

Casino looked slyly at Garrison and smiled, he turned to Chief. "Geronimo, since you woke up have you had any urges to go win the war single-handed, draw maps in the dirt or blow anythin' up?"

Chief look puzzled. "No, why Pappy?"

Casino grinned. "Oh just 'cos you're about ten per cent Garrison now. The Warden gave you some of his blood back in France. Thought it might make you even more crazy than before!"

Goniff looked at the two of them and laughed. "Hey that means you two really are blood brothers now, don't it?"

Chief looked at his arm and found the small hole, surrounded by a fading green/yellow bruise, he stared at Garrison in surprise. Garrison looked back, shrugged and smiled. "Welcome to the Garrison clan Little Brother."

GG-GG-GG

Two days later Drummond arrived to take the team home to the mansion, some of the hospital staff breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the men troop out the door.

Goniff and Actor held open the swinging doors of the main hospital entrance, Casino stood next to them, he had the tape player by his foot, they watched Garrison as he limped slowly out and down the steps, leaning heavily on his ebony cane. Almost immediately Chief took up his customary position just to the right and behind his shoulder, he scanned up and down the street, looking for danger.

"Looks like Garrison's guardian angel's back on duty, even though he can hardly stand up himself," said Casino quietly as he took out a pack of cigarettes, he offered it to the other two before taking one himself.

Actor lit them all with his lighter, he breathed out a cloud of smoke as he watched the pair and considered the unlikely friendship that had formed between the highly disciplined army Lieutenant and the unruly Navajo. "The Warden certainly hit the jackpot when he found Chief."

"We all did mate, Chief looks out for us too, I should know." Goniff took a long drag on his cigarette. "We'd all be dead long ago if it'd been Wheeler on the team instead of 'im."

Casino shuddered at the thought. "I know I feel a whole lot safer when Geronimo's got my back," he said as he watched Chief reach out to steady Garrison when he stumbled getting down the last step.

Garrison reached the car, stopped, rested his arm on the roof and turned round. "Are you three coming or are you walking home?"

Goniff ran down to the staff car, impatient to be gone. Casino faced Actor and dangled the car keys. "Geronimo's not fit to drive so nobody's goin' nowhere 'til I get down there." He smiled at the conman, gave him a deep bow and waved his hand with a flourish. "After you beautiful."

GG-GG-GG

A phone rang in an office in Washington. It was picked up by a large hand, a deep voice with a Georgia accent answered. "Hello... What?... Garrison and the breed are alive? You sure?... Damn!... No, no, you'll still get what's coming to you, I'll make sure of that. Don't say a word to anyone understand? I'll be coming over tomorrow. Goodbye." The receiver was slammed down. "You 'n that breed must have nine lives Garrison, but there's more than one way to skin a cat."

The receiver was picked up again. "Hello Jack. I gotta job for you."