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Heyliger wasn't going to return, not to Easy, not to the war. Mentally, Evelyn added him to her growing list. Another good man lost. The weather seemed to mourn his departure; it had begun to rain that night and hadn't stopped since.

Her luck with thoughtful and compassionate COs finally ran out. Lieutenant Norman Dike was assigned to Easy company with no combat experience whatsoever. Even if Luz hadn't found this out from his excellent eavesdropping skills, it became very clear to everyone quickly.

Avoiding him, Evelyn set to work to plan her new lessons for the soldiers, but that didn't stop the stories from getting to her.

"He sat there, Ev," cried Luz at dinner. "Bullets were flying everywhere, and the asshole sat there!"

Evelyn sighed. This was nothing new. "Try and eat something, George. It will make you feel better."

He gave her a look. "That's you you're thinkin' of, sweetheart." With a sigh, he took a bite of stew. "Fuckin' Foxhole Norman."

She giggled. "What did you just call him?"

Malarkey sat down with Muck and Penkala across from them. "Foxhole Norman. The man hides, Evie. Hides."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "He can't be that bad, guys."

Before the men could erupt in protest, the man himself stopped by the table. "Sergeant Cassidy," Dike said stiffly. "You didn't report for line up. Again."

Evelyn stood. "No, sir. Captain Winters asked me to focus solely on the lesson plans for Easy's leave."

Dike sighed, apparently tired of her already. "And you expect me to believe that this takes all of your time?"

She narrowed her eyes. "In between treating the wounded men that come back from combat, sir, yes. As you know, there has been a lot of activity lately. Guarnere was taken back to France just the other day with gunshot wounds and a broken leg." She paused, remembering the guys' words. "You were there, right, sir?"

Dike shifted uncomfortably. "Of course." He stopped, trying to find something else to point out. "Well, hurry up already."

"I'll do my best, sir. All that thinking sometimes hurts my little head."

Somehow he missed her sarcasm and was appeased, and he left them once again. Sitting back down, Evelyn tried to hide her grin at the whistles of appreciation around her. "God, Evie," whined Muck. "Can you take a break from the lessons and come out with us, just once? Just so you can make a fool of him in front of everyone?"

Evelyn snorted. "I do believe you're trying to get me court martialed, Skip."

"Yeah, but it will be worth it, right?"

November 24, 1944

Mourmelon - le - Grand, France

Finally, the 506th was taken off the line and put on leave, along with the 502nd regiment. Word was that they would remain in France until March in order to train the several new replacements they recently gained.

True on her word, Evelyn began the medical training immediately. Although this would be mostly a refresher for the veterans, it was all new for the replacements - including her new CO.

Evelyn flopped down on her bunk in the tent she shared with Smokey, Heffron, Toye, and Randleman. She sighed dramatically into her pillow. Suspicious of the silence from the others, she looked up to see them all grinning at her. "What?"

"What did he ask this time?"

She sighed again. "You don't want to know."

Heffron smirked. "That's where you're wrong, doll. There's a pool going."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "When is there not a pool going?" The men looked around guiltily. "Nevermind, I don't want to know."

Toye nudged her with his foot from his bed. "Come on, Evie. Play along."

Smiling, she couldn't help but give in to them. "He didn't really ask anything this time. More like stated."

"So he didn't ask again if it mattered that he had a lot of chest hair and questioned if the syrette of morphine would make its way through it?"

Laughing, she shook her head. "Not this time." Smokey groaned, handing some cash to Toye. "And to be fair, he only asked that twice."

"Come on, girl. Spill."

Smirking, she obeyed. "Well, I was going over how and why a tourniquet is used. When I got to the part about cutting off the blood circulation to a leg to try and stop a soldier from bleeding out, he argued about it."

Randleman gave her a confused look. "On how to use it, or…?"

"On if it should be used. Apparently our good lieutenant thinks saving a leg is worth dying over."

The men cackled. Although Dike's lack of knowledge and interest in the company spooked them more than they cared to say, all they could do was laugh about it. If they weren't heading out again for months, what could it hurt?

Besides the odd remark from Dike during her lessons, the training went well. After the officers were done, Evelyn began with the enlisted men. Even those that went through it already were quiet and respectful. Some even volunteered to help when needed, something everyone always enjoyed when she heckled them here and there.

She was just about finished her last hour of training in early December when a figure at the door caught her eye. With a wide grin, she turned her attention back to the men. "Finally, I'd like to briefly go over do's and don'ts on the field."

The men began to murmur to themselves. This wasn't something she had covered in the past.

With a wink and a wave to the back, she motioned for him to come forward. "Sergeant Guarnere, please come up here with me. Careful now, guys. Wild Bill is back in the house."

With a cackle, Guarnere limped towards the front, being stopped here and there to shake a hand or get a hug from a friend. He had been gone in the hospital several weeks. Finally, he stepped up on the riser where Evelyn stood. With a loud smack on her cheek, he hugged her close. "Miss me, doll?"

Evelyn pulled back and returned the kiss. "It's definitely been quieter without you, Bill." The men sitting below laughed and nodded. "But of course I missed you."

She slapped a hand on Guarnere's back. "Do you need to sit?"

"Nah, been doing too much of that."

"Alright then." She turned to the men. "Like I was saying, do's and don'ts in the field - from a medic's perspective." She looked at Guarnere. "Do take care of your fellow soldier. Don't cuss them out for not firing perfectly."

Guarnere shrugged. "If Babe just got the kraut in the first place…"

"Shut it, Bill! I got him in the end."

Evelyn chuckled and continued. "Do check on your men. Don't steal a Dutch motorbike and whiz up and down the line until you get hit in the leg and land on a pile of shrapnel, piercing your ass."

"You meant my fine, fine ass, sweet cheeks."

The men were clutching their stomachs now. Toye had tears in his eyes. Evelyn smiled wide. "Do let yourself heal at the hospital when the doctor tells you to stay. Don't go AWOL from said hospital just to see my pretty face again."

Guarnere looked at her. "Who told ya?"

She gave him a wink. "I received a radio transmission from France asking if we had our rogue and crass platoon sergeant, who went missing this morning. It seems you made quite a name for yourself out there, Bill."

"Like I do always and everywhere."

Evelyn turned to the men. "Bill Guarnere, everyone." They clapped and cheered. "That will be all, gentlemen. Thanks for your time."

Everyone began to disburse. She pulled Guarnere into another hug. "That's twice now I've used you as an example up here, Bill. Try and not let it be a third time."

Guarnere pulled back and winked. "Somethin' to strive for then, doll."

They began to walk out together. "What's this I hear about a football game against the Five-Oh-Duece? Christmas Day?"

Evelyn beamed. "Hell yes. We're going to kick their ass. I'm playing safety."

His eyebrows shot up. "You're playing, Evie?"

"Of course I am! I love football. My brothers and I played all the time."

"Christ, glad you're on our team then."

"Then I'll just have to make sure you're against me in practice."

True to her word, the next morning Easy and the rest of the 506th practiced in the large field after tactical training. Adrianna lounged on the side, sipping a beer that she somehow managed to scrounge up.

"Are you sure you don't want to play?" Evelyn asked, stretching.

Adrianna shook her head. "And miss watching those fine men wrestle and run after one another with the occasional touch on the ass? Hell no."

"Do you even know how football is played?"

"Nope. But I'm gonna enjoy it all the same."

The majority of Easy signed up to play, with a handful from Dog, Fox, and a few random soldiers from other companies here and there. Judy was playing offensive guard.

Lining up on the defensive side, Evelyn threw her a wink from her place on the offensive line. Judy narrowed her eyes and smirked. Christenson was playing quarterback, mostly because of how tall he was. Perconte was acting as running back.

The ball was hiked, and with her eyes wide and quick, Evelyn watched it. Perconte was given the ball, so she ran after him, trying to capture the towels hanging from his hips that acted as flags. She missed, falling to the ground, and he ran past.

Looking up from the grass, Luz held out a hand for her. "Gonna have to move faster to beat my team, sweetheart." She got to her feet.

With a challenging smirk, she replied. "We'll see about that, Georgie."

They lined up again. Christenson got the ball and he was going to throw. She watched his eyes and moved where they moved. Noticing how he focused to Liebgott on the left, she made her move.

Snatching the ball from the air, she intercepted it. Evelyn ran past with everything she had, giggling and shrieking as man after man - and Judy - tried to grab at her flags, but it was too late. She was in the end zone.

Spiking the ball, Evelyn gave a hoot of happiness before grabbing the football and hustling back to her team, who patted her on the back and cheered. She noticed Liebgott standing where she left him, and she smirked. "Sorry, Joe."

Liebgott grinned. "No matter, Cassidy." He was the most polite she had ever seen him.

Ever since the night that Heyliger was shot, there seemed to be a sort of peace between Liebgott and Evelyn, something she hadn't really felt since her brother died. She figured it would go back to the way things were before, good-natured heckling here and there peppered with the occasional argument, but it hadn't. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing. She didn't like how he seemed to walk on eggshells around her.

The rest of practice was fun and entertaining, but Evelyn frowned when Liebgott failed to try and stop her from going after the ball again. With a deep breath, she jogged up to his side as they left the field.

"I'm not going to shatter, Joe," she stated.

Liebgott's eyebrows went up. "I'm sorry?"

Evelyn gave him a look. "I said, I'm not going to shatter. Quit acting like I'm going to break. It's annoying."

A grin twitched at the corner of his lips. "I didn't know you missed my tormentin' so much, Cassidy."

She rolled her eyes. "I don't know about that, but I don't want you acting like you're a bull and I'm a china shop. Can we get past this?"

He was quiet, for so long that she huffed, exasperated. "Did you lose your balls that night, Liebgott? I sure as hell haven't seen then since."

Liebgott cracked a smirk. "My balls are just fine, doll. But God knows yours are only gettin' bigger."

Evelyn laughed and knocked her shoulder against his. They both seemed to realize at the same time that it was the first real show of affection she had ever shown him. She cleared her throat, her brassiness suddenly gone. "Get back to tormenting, Joe. I don't want to be the reason you aren't yourself." And with that, she left him, jogging towards the showers.

December 12, 1944

With the return of Guarnere, came the return of the partying. His first order of business was to gather as many men as possible to join him at a little strip club called Lulu's just down the road.

Evelyn tried to get out of this trip, but the guys were persistent. Once Adrianna got wind of the event, she didn't have a choice any longer. They were going.

The walk to the club was a short one, and the men chattered excitedly. Only a few stayed behind, mostly those with long term relationships back home.

Muck pushed Malarkey away when his friend tried at the last moment to drag him along. "Go have fun for me," he said laughing. "I could never do that to Faye."

"It's all look and no touch," replied Penkala. "It ain't cheating."

Malarkey snorted. "No touch? I got me a pocketful of cash saying otherwise, my friend."

Grinning to herself, Evelyn walked silently, enjoying the conversation as a spectator. She had hoped that when they arrived to the club that she could silently sit in the corner and watch from there, but between Adrianna and the men, she was sitting front row center.

She tried to stand and find another seat, but Luz pushed her back down from her right side. "You're not going anywhere, sweetheart. I'm still cashing in from those passes I got ya."

Evelyn snorted but stayed put. Adrianna just sat down on her other side, coming from the back of the bar, and she seemed ridiculously excited too. She raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so pumped for this, Anna?"

Adrianna shrugged but grinned wickedly. "I'd tell ya, D., but you'll spill the beans."

Evelyn scoffed. "I would not!" Adrianna gave her a look and Evelyn scowled. "I'd try very hard not to." She looked past Adrianna and to the man on her other side. "Sammy, do you know what she's up to?"

He held up his hands innocently. "And suffer the wrath of Edwards? You're trying to kill me, Evie. Besides, I don't know anything."

Giving up, Evelyn looked to the left to see a scantily clad waitress lead Heffron, Guarnere, Liebgott and a few others to the front seats there. The three men began chatting until the lights dimmed. Evelyn rolled her eyes when she saw Heffron rub his hands together excitedly. She turned to the stage.

As far as entertainment went, it wasn't bad. Evelyn had to hand it to the girls, they had talent when it came to dancing. When it came to removing their clothes, they excelled at that as well, but she could have lived without it.

To her shock, one of them came down and began dancing on the laps of the men. Luz was in his glory, and she had to giggle at the thrilled look on his face when she came writhing onto him. He stuffed a few dollar bills at the band at her waist. With another giggle, Evelyn turned to talk to Adrianna, but stopped when the dancer came on her lap next.

The girl straddled her legs, her hands on Evelyn's shoulders. When she leaned back, flipping her hair, Evelyn instinctively held onto her hips to make sure she didn't fall. The girl came back up and gave Evelyn a sultry smile. "Hello, lovely." Her French accent was thick, but she spoke English perfectly.

The men and Adrianna began to roar with laughter. Evelyn blinked before replying. "Er, hello. I'm Evie. It's nice to meet you…"

"Jasmine."

"Jasmine." Evelyn paused, especially when Jasmine turned around and caressed her bare bottom on Evelyn's legs. Luz stuffed a dollar again when she froze. "That's a very pretty...thong you have."

Jasmine looked over her shoulder and winked. "Thanks, love. I sewed on the beading myself."

Evelyn's eyebrows shot up as she studied the fine work. "Really? The stitches are perfect. Say, have you ever considered becoming a nurse?"

Luz's mouth dropped. "You did not just ask her that."

Evelyn shrugged when Jasmine finally was off her and moved to Adrianna. "What? That work was so precise! I wonder if she'd show me how…"

"Stop. Stop right now."

Evelyn grinned. "Am I ruining this moment for you?"

Luz looked up to see the next girl come onto the stage. "I'm just gonna pretend you aren't there anymore if you don't mind. Christ, to ask about sewing tips…"

The rest of the night passed by joyfully. Act after act came onto the stage, and Evelyn had to admit, she had a blast. Finally, the last entertainer came onto the stage. Adrianna poked her hard in the ribs. "Pay attention," she hissed.

Evelyn rubbed her sore side and scowled but did as she was told. She looked up at the stage to see a beautiful, tall woman in a long, sequined gown step forward. She held a microphone in her hands. "Bonsoir," she murmured, in a deep, silky voice. "I see we have some soldiers in the house tonight. Mmm, some Yankee soldiers, oh my."

Adrianna bounced excitedly in her seat. Evelyn's eyes flicked between the woman and her friend, confused. "What is…"

"Shut it, D. and watch."

The woman on stage began again. "I see so many handsome faces out there." Someone catcalled from the back. Her eyes rested on Evelyn and Adrianna. "And some beautiful ones as well. Welcome ladies." Adrianna waved.

"My name is Josette, and I am finishing the night out with a special song. Now I usually only do a bit of singing, and maybe a flash of leg if you're extra good boys." She winked to Luz before turning to her right. "After seeing these three, fine gentleman in front here, I might be persuaded to go further." She was looking right at Guarnere, Heffron and Liebgott, who grinned simultaneously.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes as Josette began to sing, a soft piano beginning to play in the darkened corner. She leaned closer to Adrianna. "Anna, there's something about Josette…" When she met her friend's eyes and saw the undiluted evil in them, her mouth dropped open. The pieces came together. "What did you do?"

Adrianna grinned wickedly before turning back to watch the show. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it. And you're welcome." Evelyn could do nothing but look back to Josette and the three men below her.

"Here I go again
I hear those trumpets blow again
All aglow again
Taking a chance on love

Here I slide again
About to take that ride again
Starry eyed again
Taking a chance on love

I thought that cards were a frame-up
I never would try
Now I'm taking that game up
And the ace of hearts is high

Things are mending now
I see a rainbow blending now
We'll have a happy ending now
Taking a chance on love."

Josette paused in her tune and sauntered down the stairs until she was beside Guarnere. She sat on his lap and his arms immediately went around her waist, hands splayed and moving south towards her ass. "What's your name, handsome?"

"William, miss, but you can call me Wild Bill."

Josette chuckled before leaning towards Heffron, who sat next to him. "And you, sweetheart?"

"Babe, ma'am."

She chuckled again, shaking her head at crazy Americans and their nicknames. Standing up, she moved slowly to Liebgott and bent low, her cleavage in front of his eyes. "And you?"

"Joe, miss."

She stood up straight in indignation. "Just Joe? We have Wild Bill, Babe, and now just Joe?"

She moved the microphone to his lips when he motioned for it. "Honey, you can call me whatever you'd like."

Josette chuckled again, grazing a finger slowly along his jaw. She hitched the high slit of her dress open to show the garter belt on her thigh. The three of them quickly stuffed it with bills, fingers stalling on her soft skin.

Josette moved slowly between him, Heffron and Guarnere, caressing them softly, teasing. On the other side of the room, Adrianna and Evelyn leaned against one another, trying their hardest to muffle their laughter. Luz caught Sammy's eye and men both shrugged, clueless on what was so funny.

After turning all three men to butter, Josette took the stage again. "This song is dedicated to Wild Bill, Babe and Just Joe. With love from Anna and Evie." The beat of the song got faster instead of the slow croon it had begun as. Guarnere's, Heffron's and Liebgott's eyes snapped over to the two of them, who were beet red in an attempt to stay silent. Eventually they turned back to Josette, distracted once again by her.

"Here I slip again
About to take that trip again
I got that grip again
Taking a chance on love

Now I prove again
That I can make life move again
I'm in a grove again
Taking a chance on love

I walk around with a horseshoe
In clover I lie
And brother rabbit of course
You better kiss your foot goodbye"

Before the last stanza began to finish out the song, Josette's long skirt flew off, leaving behind only a sequined bodysuit, her long and lean legs moving with the beat. When she turned back to the crowd, the faces of the men all went white at once. There was a distributive bulge in her crotch area. Evelyn and Adrianna couldn't handle it. They howled with laughter, making sure to drink in their faces of shock.

Josette threw them a wink before making sure to sing solely to the three men. They slowly sunk in their seats in an effort to disappear.

"On that ball again
I'm riding for a fall again
I'm gonna give my all again
Taking a chance on love"

"To Wild Bill, Babe and Just Joe for being good sports. And to the hefty tip from Anna and Evie. I appreciate it, loves. Come again. Goodnight!"

Evelyn and Adrianna barely got outside, laughter still loud and prominent, before Guarnere got both his arms around them and held them close to him. "You ladies are in so much trouble."

Adrianna batted her eyelashes innocently. "It wasn't us, doll. We only put the idea in her head."

Evelyn looked behind her to see Liebgott scowling. "Not our fault she didn't know any better," she added sweetly.

Liebgott attempted to kick her in the rear end but she jumped forward, laughing. "My face was in her - his - chest, Cassidy."

"And your hand was sneaking up her skirt, Liebgott. Don't forget that."

Adrianna and Evelyn cackled again, their chests hurting from the effort. Eventually Guarnere and Liebgott joined in, but still muttered about revenge. Only Heffron was silent.

"Babe, you still alive over there?"

He only nodded, still in shock.

Evelyn held Adrianna close, kissing her temple. "Thanks for tonight, Anna. You'll have to let me know how much I owe you."

Adrianna only grinned a moment before Guarnere tried to pop her on the hip. "This revenge paid for itself, D. I'm not sure Babe will ever recover." They both looked at the young man again, who was still silent. Cackling, they began to run back to town when Guarnere and Liebgott tried to swat at them again.

Luz passed Sammy a cigarette as they both watched the women run, the two men not far behind. They shook their heads. "Christ, those two are scary," said Luz.

Sammy nodded. "Thank God they're in separate companies. Can you imagine those poor krauts if they fought together?" Both men shivered and kept walking slowly back.

"Yeah, but it would end this war sooner if they were."

"Good point. I'll send Anna over to join Easy as soon as we get back."

Luz scoffed. "No way, buddy. You're takin' them!"

"Nuh uh. I'll need to transfer then!"