CHAPTER THREE

Actor and Chief head toward the front of the house, Goniff and Casino followed, while the LT walked behind the group at a slower pace.

His men weren't the only ones wearing down from the past year…Garrison was feeling it in spades…from the time the group met it was non-stop, except when he'd been injured and was ordered to take some down time. Pushing to get back into shape so he could lead the men…not trusting any other Officer to take the 'Gorillas' on an assignment…being con men made them expendable to some but not Garrison. Glancing at the men as they walked ahead he had to grin, they were a rebellious and strong willed group of men but they were his, at least until they decided otherwise. Rubbing his temple, closed his eyes briefly, the headache was worse and on opening his eyes, saw eight men where there should only be four. Blinking to bring the quartet into focus, didn't work, shaking his head to try and clear the cobwebs only brought on a bout of light headiness. Coming to a stop he leaned against the outer wall of the safe house til it passed.

Actor opened the front door, as he stepped over the threshold, paused to allow his eyes to adjust to the dark…Chief who was behind the Con man turned on a flashlight and scanned the interior, locating a lamp sitting on an end table near what looked to be a large sofa, walked over and tried the switch, a second later the room was lit up and more detail could be discerned.

"This is nice…very nice." Actor commented as he scanned the interior.

Chief, went from room to room turning on lights, checking for unwanted guest…while he cleared the rooms, Casino and Goniff placed the supplies on the kitchen table after which they wait for the Indian to finish his sweep of the house. Actor sat the case he had been carrying on the floor near the couch before moving to the fireplace, after examining the stacked kindling he pulled a few pieces off and began building a fire

The LT stood leaning against the closed door, it had taken a few minutes for his vision to clear enough for him to make it inside the house. Resting a moment, he watched the men, Actor was building a fire in the hearth…Goniff and Casino were unpacking the supplies, talking quietly as they worked.

Chief had finished looking through the house and now stood in the center of the living room. "It's clear, we've got two bedrooms and a bath, four beds total…only way in is where you're standing LT…each bedroom has one window, same in the bathroom."

Garrison moved away from the door or at least that's what he had planned to do but found himself using the door as support when the room started spinning, closing his eyes, he stay put trying to prevent his stomach from heaving.

Chief watched as the LT took a step only to fall back…looking around he noticed the other men had not seen the Wardens difficulty…casually he moved in front of the man trying not to bring any unwanted attention…taking in the pale features, he started to place a hand on the man's chest but hesitated, stepping a few inches back. Hey, think you can make it to the couch?

Garrison opened his eyes slowly…focusing on the Indians worried features he straightened up then looked toward the sofa, gauging distance. "Yeah, I'm fine now."

Chief moved to the side allowing the man to pass. "Sure you are…I'll just stay close in case."

Garrison made it to the couch without incident…on closer inspection the overstuffed pillows looked quite comfortable. Besides, if he didn't get off his feet soon he would end up passed out on the floor, which was not an appealing concept.

Actor finished building the fire, satisfied that it would burn for a while he stood…turning around to view the rest of the room. Casino and Goniff has just stepped into one of the bedrooms, Garrison was walking toward the couch, shoulders stiff, eyes focused on the sofa, Chief followed close, like he was afraid the man would fall. Hazel eyes narrowed, watching intently as the LT sat slowly, resting comfortably against the cushioned back, head tilted slightly to the right. Something was going on with those two, he thought as Chief stood watching the Warden, worry written on the dark features. Actor moved to the foot of the couch to ask what was up when the other two members of their little group reentered the room.

Goniff and Casino stepped into the living room to find Actor standing at the foot of the couch watching Warden and Chief, a frown on his face. Exchanging a puzzled look the two men glanced at Garrison who looked like he was sleeping.

Casino stepped beside Actor. What's going on? Keeping his voice low as not to disturb the Warden.

"I am not sure, perhaps Chief can fill us in as Lt. Garrison appears to be sleeping." Actor commented as he caught the Indians dark eyes.

"He can't be sleepin." Goniff stated as he walked over to kneel in front of the LT, taking in the closed eyes and even breathing. The Warden hardly ever slept on an assignment until he was sure everyone was safe and secure but here he was. What happened to him?

Casino was now leaning against the back of the couch a few feet to the left of the sleeping man, wondering the same thing. Yeah…what's up?

Actor spoke, still holding the dark eyes. "Well, Chief it seems you have some explaining to do."

Looking at each man Chief spoke. "I'll explain but we need to take care of the Warden first."

At that statement all eyes turned toward the LT, then back toward Chief…Actor was the first to comment.

What do you mean…we'll have to take care of the Warden first?