CHAPTER 68

Leatherneck and Beaman stood in front of the cabin, watching as the personnel loaded Phillip and Joe King into the awaiting helicopter. Jamie stood a few feet in front of them, watching silently as his family was being taken away from him.

Then, the door slid shut and the flying ambulance lifted into the still darkened sky as it began her journey of mercy.

For as long as he could see the whirlybird and her flashing lights, Jamie kept his eyes focused on it. Finally, when he could no longer see it in the sky, he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.

"Jamie," Dwayne said to him.

The boy turned around and looked at him, his face one of grim determination. Leatherneck gave him credit as he watched the valiant struggle to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.

"Come on son, why don't we pack up your gear and head back home?"

"Mom's Jeep," the boy began.

"I'll take care of it," Dwayne promised him.

Jamie nodded, then slowly walked back into the cabin, moving one foot in front of the other in a manner that told Dwayne the youngster was clearly exhausted.

"He'll sleep all the way back to DC," Beaman observed.

Leatherneck nodded.

"Maybe it's best that way," he responded. "Look, squirrel, you help him in there, I've got a call to make."

Beaman looked as though he might be contemplating a hostile retort back, but then he simply sighed. Without a word, he followed Jamie back into the cabin.

Leatherneck went back to the Bronco and swung open the driver's side door. Then he pulled the CB radio mike from the holding bracket.

"Breaker, breaker, this is Flying American Eagle scouting for American Blue, repeat Flying American Eagle scouting for American Blue, do you copy?"

Nothing but static came from the unit and Leatherneck repeated his hail.

This time the static was replaced by a voice.

"Yeah, this is American Blue. What the devil do ya think you're doing, hailing me before I've had my morning jolt of caffeine?"

"Good morning to you too, ole buddy. Hey listen, you ole scoundrel, I've got an Uncle Sam assist, if you're able?"

"Morning? Good Lord, what did you do now?"

"I did nothing," Leatherneck insisted. "Are you able?"

"Ten-four, let me finish my cocoa bean and I'll be back on the waves in about ten."

"Ten-four, I copy. I give you ten."