CHAPTER SIX

"Yeah…I have one, Casino responded. "The Warden is supposed to meet our contact tomorrow at ten…if he isn't able, who's going in his place? The LT will be expected and if he doesn't show they may not cooperate."

"He'll meet them regardless of how he's feeling. Chief commented quietly. You know that…it comes down to which one of us will be going with him."

"He can be stubborn…Actor should be the one to go…can speak French and German as well as the Warden." Goniff stated.

Chief glanced at the Con man…

What will you do, if the LT goes down? "Not going to be able to support the Warden and protect yourself at the same time…maybe I should follow." The Indian held the man's gaze.

Actor knew how protective of the Warden, Chief could be. Since the time Lt. Garrison went back to rescue the Indian from a German patrol the young man had become Garrison's champion…staring into the dark eyes…he knew it would be hard to keep the Indian from following.

"Alright Chief…you can keep an eye on us…but stay out of sight unless it is necessary…understand."

"No problem man…you're in charge…just want to make sure you both make it back in one piece." Chief replied. "Think I'll look in on the Warden before starting my patrol." With a nod the Indian walked toward the bedroom currently occupied by their Leader.

Watching the younger man…Casino shook his head slightly. "It's kinda strange to see Chief worried about someone…normally he keeps to himself and doesn't seem to like people much. What do you think it is about the Warden that brings out his protective streak?

Well…I'd say it's because the Warden has proven himself." Goniff paused when Actor and Casino looked at him. "Well…it's true isn't it...why we all kind of keep an eye on the Warden…he's put himself on the line for us a lot of times…even risked his life to save ours…Chief doesn't trust people. When the Warden went back for him after he was shot and captured by the Germans…well, the Indian believes if someone saves your life then you owe them a life...he'll keep the Warden safe.

"That is known as loyalty Goniff…I agree the LT has earned a modicum of trust and loyalty from our little band of thieves and con men. Wouldn't you say? Actor asked with a smile.

"Sure…Sure. Casino responded. Enough of the dame moment, how about working on that meal Actor."

"Yea…I'm hungry…haven't eatin since early morning…liable to waste away if I don't get fed soon, Goniff said with a gleam in his eyes."

"Alright, I will see what I can do." Actor turned toward the cupboards while the two men continued their card game.

Chief moved silently toward the LT's sleeping form, booted feet not making a sound as he walked across the carpet to stand by the head of the bed. It was dark in the room except for a soft beam of moonlight that had made its way through a slight crack in the window curtains, not enough to bother sensitive eyes so he left it alone. On the night stand an empty basin sat, a pitcher of water next to it, a glass had been placed next to the pitcher and a dry cloth was folded neatly inside the basin. Eyes adjusting to the dimmer light he caught a good glimpse of the Warden's features, a sheen of perspiration stood out on the man's pale face. Hesitantly, Chief reached out and placed a palm on the man's forehead...frowning at the warmth…feeling the brush of lashes he quickly removed his hand.

Garrison had tried to sleep, the headache wouldn't ease up enough to allow him to for long, at the feel of a cool palm on his forehead…he slowly opened his eyes…thinking that Actor must have come in to check on him. Blinking a few times to bring the Con man's face into focus…he was surprised when instead of Actor standing beside the bed it was Chief.

Chief, are you alright? Garrison asked, voice a little hoarse.

The Indian on hearing the man speak…picked up the glass and filled it half full of water from the pitcher. Yeah man…I'm cool…you want some water?

At Garrison's slight nod, Chief offered him the glass, the LT tried to sit up but closed his eyes quickly before settling his head back on the pillow with a groan…

"Easy Warden." Chief commented as he knelt beside the bed…placing an arm under the man's shoulders for support he eased the LT up then offered the glass again.

Garrison kept his eyes closed…glad for the extra support offered…drained the glass slowly.

Do you want any more? Chief asked.

No…I'm good. Garrison opened his eyes and gave the Indian a brief smile. Thanks…

Chief eased the man back against the pillow…standing up, placed the empty glass back on the night stand.

How's the head?

"Not good but guess it could have been worse." Settling a little more comfortable he continued. What's the rest of the group doing?

Goniff and Casino are playing cards...Actor is working on fixing a meal…I'm due on patrol, so I better get going…do you need anything?

"You know any Indian remedy for a headache? Garrison lightly pressed the heels of both hands against his forehead. "I could really use one."

"I might know of something that would work." Chief turned to leave. "I'll ask Actor to check on you Warden, rest until he gets here."

"Thanks Chief…be careful out there." Garrison closed his eyes and tried to relax.

"Don't worry Warden we'll stay alert." The Indian left as quietly as he had arrived.