Sam's Kid Brother

Troy was enjoying a cigarette sitting beneath a circle of date palms near the back gates of his home base. He often came here to think or "stew" as his teammates would say. He removed an opened letter from his pocket and reread his brother David's words.

Well big brother, I just finished by 100th mission and have lived to tell the tale. What kind of action are you seeing in that desert of yours? Can't say I was very impressed during that time I visited. Much too hot and dry for me. I'll take the rain and fog of England any day.

I'm assuming you've heard about mom's plans regarding the ranch and Hank. To say I was surprised is an understatement. To be honest, I was very glad to hear her news. I have no desire to return to Colorado and ranch life. I never did like it much, except for the horses. I'd rather be flying and plan to do so after the war, possibly as a commercial pilot. I think she was glad to hear it since it made it easier to sell the ranch. I was afraid you might feel honor bound to return and run it for her and I wouldn't want you giving up your life because I wouldn't give up mine.

Somehow, I don't see you as a rancher. It wouldn't keep that mind of yours busy enough. I can see you remaining in the army, helping them develop strategies and hair-brained schemes that translate into successful missions. You could be the U.S. Army's secret weapon as a strategist. No enemy could think the way you do so they'd always be surprised.

Were you upset by Mom's plans to sell the ranch? I hope you don't think you need to go home because you owe it to her. I know she sacrificed a lot for us, especially after dad died, but she's always said she wanted us to be happy and fulfilled. I can't see you happy stuck on the ranch and looking out after mom out of some overinflated sense of obligation. Please tell me you aren't going to do such a thing. You would be miserable.

Maybe this bit of news will help. In Mom's letter, she admitted she didn't care about keeping the ranch. She said she never enjoyed ranch life and just ended up there because of dad. She's hoping both of us say "no" to coming home and running the place. She wants to move on with her life and settle someplace warmer and with a companion.

Enter Hank. The news about Hank was a surprise to me but I think it sounds like they are very fond of one another. She almost sounds like a schoolgirl in love. I've decided it's a good thing and I hope you do too. She deserves some happiness after everything she had to put up with while raising us. We didn't make things easier on her. I still cringe every time I see someone with a wooden spoon in their hand. How many did she break trying to get us to behave? I can still hear the sound of that thing cracking across my knuckles and the sting of the blow.

I think we were responsible for turning her hair white with all the crazy shenanigans we pulled. How she survived the levels of hell we put her through, I'll never know. Then both of us went off to war, leaving her alone to work the ranch and worry about whether or not we will make it safely through this conflict. I guess a few bruised knuckles is a small price to pay.

I like Hank. I think he will treat her well and they will be happy together. He was very good to me after dad died. I know you are fond of him as well. He's a stand-up kind of guy and I hope they have a good life together. She's talking about somewhere along the gulf coast, but I don't know if they have any firm plans just yet. The offer she received for the ranch is very generous so they should be set financially.

The other day I was heading to the officer's club for a drink and a group of American G.I.'s were standing around waiting for the plane that would take them to Germany. I heard someone holler, "Hey, Sam's kid brother," like I've heard most of my life. Turns out it was Steve Palmer who was in 4-H with us. He asked about you and I took great pleasure in letting him know you were a lowly sergeant getting baked by the sun in Africa. He married an old girlfriend of yours, Gayle Cunningham, before he shipped out.

I also happened to meet a very beautiful young sergeant named Victoria Moore whom I believe you refer to as "Vixen." What a knockout! She said she had several tales she could share about you but decided to keep them to herself. She seems to be very fond of you and said I should let you know she's heading back to Benghazi in two weeks so please try to come visit.

Just like you to leave a trail of lovely women behind. I never could understand why most of my dates preferred hanging out with you once they met you. It's not like you're better looking than I am and I'm far more outgoing and funny than you. I don't get it. Why would they prefer your scowling, stern, demeanor to my fun-loving, devilishly handsome face? I guess there's no accounting for taste.

Seriously, I hope you are doing well and staying safe. Are you still leading Dietrich on a merry little chase across the desert? It's going to be interesting to see which of you comes out on top. My money is on you.

Please let me know how you took Mom's news and say "hi" to the guys for me. Hope you are all safe and sound. Looking forward to seeing you whenever this war allows.

Troy finished his cigarette and threw it to the ground, covering it with sand. He had smiled when David was called Sam's Kid Brother. The unfortunate result of having a big brother who was respected and a bit of a troublemaker. It was like David didn't have a name of his own. His identity simply linked him to his older brother. Of course, David didn't realize that it was partly to identify the younger Troy in case someone got any ideas to pick on him. It was a warning to any would-be bully who tried to mess with him that his older brother was Sam Troy and there would be dire consequences.

And now his kid brother was an officer in the RAF. Troy recalled some of the scrapes he and David had gotten into when they were kids. They seemed to increase after their father died and it was Hank who stood up for them or bailed them out of trouble without letting their mom know. His mom could do worse. He thought she and Hank could have a happy life together and isn't that what any son would want for his mom.