Chapter 6

"Capt. Jampel has the current coordinates why can't he take the vehicles out when they're within visual range of King Company?

"We have sealed orders from Battalion for Captain Jampel and he doesn't want to do anything until he sees them." Hanley said as he tiredly leaned against one of the trees. "When we get back to the jeep take a look at the map, I've marked the path you need to take through this forest."

Kovac nodded, examining Hanley's features for a moment before reaching out to check the bandage on his side. "You're bleeding again."

"Well, unless you want to try and stitch me up, there's not much we can do about it at the moment." Hanley said with a rueful grin.

Smiling a little himself Kovac shook his head. "Not me Sir, think I'll leave that to a Surgeon.

"Let's get back to our ride, if the Germans hadn't brought the tank along we would have to go on foot but the noise it makes should cover the sound of the jeep." Hanley said relieved. {Walking for twenty miles wasn't exactly on the top of his to do list for the day}

They had been on the move for almost thirty minutes when Hanley called a halt to double check the map and also to give himself a break from the constant bouncing. He knew Kovac was trying to avoid the worst of the holes and obstacles found while driving through a forest in a jeep but some things just couldn't be missed.

Kovac kept the jeep idling while he took a long drink from his canteen, waiting for Lt. Hanley to give the order to continue.

Only five miles to go, two before they hit the end of the forest, then three miles of open road way before hitting the camp. Glancing at Kovac, Hanley thought about the man's confession…

After Saunders had inadvertently told him about Kovac, Hanley had kept an eye on the Private, from a distance as he didn't want Kovac to know he was checking on him. Hanley had heard how the younger man had been taking a lot of risks during the past nine months…it was one such risk that had caused the man to be sent to the states for rehab two days after saving the LT.

Kovac was a good Soldier...he made a mistake and had spent the past nine months trying to make up for it...trying to prove to himself that he wasn't the man who stood by and almost let another man be killed. If Kovac had confessed when his actions had taken place Hanley could have Court-martialed the Private and had him Dishonorably Discharged but now…

"Let's get moving, we'll be at camp in about ten minutes." Hanley said as he folded the map and placed it in his pack.

Now that they were within a few miles of their destination, Kovac started to wonder what the LT was going to do about his actions…What would you do? He asked himself…if someone deliberately tried to get you killed… What would you do? At the moment Kovac couldn't come up with an answer.

They made it to the end of the trees and Hanley told Kovac to stay put while he checked the road ahead, moving a little stiffly Hanley scanned the area to the west and east...nothing moved...he then examined the dirt for any tracks, bending down he put his hand flat against the ground but felt no vibration, if the convoy was out there it wasn't very close.

While Hanley was off scouting ahead, Kovac refilled their canteens from one of the water jugs and gave the jeep a quick once over. He had reclaimed the driver's seat when the radio went off.

King 2 this is White Rook do you read…King 2 this is White Rook do you read…

Grabbing the radio, he jogged to where Hanley was kneeling and handed the radio to him.

"It sounds like Saunders, Sir."

"White Rook this is King 2, I read you." Hanley answered.

"King 2…your way is clear…the convoy has stopped…do you read…the convoy has stopped…your way is clear."

"I read you White Rook, ETA less than ten." Hanley said as he slowly rose to his feet, wincing as he stood.

"We'll have eyes on you…White Rook out."

"Roger that…King 2 out." Hanley handed the radio to Kovac and started to turn back toward the direction of the jeep when he became dizzy, placing a hand to his head he closed his eyes against the spinning landscape. A few seconds later he opened them, relieved to see everything was stationary, glancing at Kovac he caught the worried look on the man's features. "I'll be alright Private."

"Yes Sir." Kovac responded as the LT lead the way back to the jeep. "We should clean the wound and change the bandage one more time before heading out."

A few minutes later they were on the move, Hanley thinking about Kovac's response when asked 'Why are you telling me now?'

"Call it a guilty conscious Sir...I didn't like the man I was that day...and never want to see him again."

From what Hanley could tell...the man Kovac had been that day was gone...and there was no point in denying Uncle Sam another good soldier. With that in mind he spoke.

Stop the car Kovac." Hanley ordered quietly.

Kovac glanced nervously at the LT before facing forward as he put the car in park.

"Private, I appreciate you telling me what happened but it's only fair that I admit to knowing some of what went on back then."

At that statement Kovac quickly glanced at the LT...How?

"Let's just say I found out inadvertently and leave it at that." Hanley said before continuing. "I didn't put all the pieces together until you confessed and I've come to a decision."

Kovac's shoulders tensed up and his knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel.