Chapter 22: High Maintenance

(Takes place while Isla was still with the Rats in Africa)

The two jeeps were parked side by side in the motor pool. Hitch was cleaning and checking out the mounted gun in Bertha while Tully was tinkering under Olive's hood. The Kentuckian finished his task, lowered the hood, and began to strap down the windshield.

"Hey, Hitch," he called to his friend. "Could I ask you a question?"

"Sure," Hitch replied, continuing his work.

"It's about Isla," Tully began and stopped. Hitch didn't even look up.

"What about her?" he asked absently,

"I was just wondering," Tully was hesitant to continue.

"About what?" Hitch seemed oblivious to Tully's discomfort.

"I really like her," Tully stammered. "Do you think she would go out with me if I asked?" Hitch stopped working and glanced at his teammate.

"Why are you asking me?" Hitch was confused. "You've never asked that question before.

"It's just that she is so out of my league," Tully was nervous. "And you guys are such good friends. It feels awkward." Hitch sighed. He couldn't remember how many times he'd had this conversation with school mates after being introduced to Isla.

"I've got to get this finished, or Sarge will have my head" Hitch replied. "And I need to shower when I'm done. How about we have some beers after dinner at Remy's so we can talk."

"Sounds like a plan," Tully agreed and walked away. Hitch sighed again and returned to cleaning the gun. A few minutes later Troy approached the jeep.

"How's it coming?" he asked.

"Just about finished," Hitch replied. "I worked on the firing mechanism, and I don't think you'll have any more trouble."

"Good," Troy answered, then seemed to hang around longer than necessary. He obviously something on his mind.

"Do you need something else, Sarge?" Hitch asked. Troy took a moment before responding.

"I've been talking with Isla," he began, "She's really amazing," he stopped.

"No argument here," Hitch said lightly, a feeling in the pit of his stomach telling him what was coming.

"Yeah," Troy continued. "I was thinking of asking her out but somehow it doesn't seem right unless you'd be okay with everything."

"You don't have to ask my permission," Hitch began.

"I know," Troy said reluctantly. "It's just that you two are such close friends." Hitch sighed deeply.

"How about I finish with this then grab a shower and some dinner, and we'll have some beers at Remy's to discuss it." Hitch suggested.

"That sounds good," Troy said and nervously walked away quickly. With yet another sigh, Hitch returned to the task at hand. He smiled as he thought of the chaos Isla left in her wake.

He was just finishing with the gun and reloading the ammunition when Moffitt stopped by with the pretense of looking for something in the other jeep.

"Everything alright?" he asked Hitch who jumped down from the back of his jeep and began wiping the grease from his hands with a rag.

"Just fine. Everything's ready when needed," Hitch replied.

"Good lad," Moffitt seemed as awkward as Tully and Troy before him. "I was wondering,"

"If Isla would be willing to go out with you," Hitch finished the sentence for the sergeant.

"Actually, yes," Moffitt was surprised.

"I need to get cleaned up and get some dinner." Hitch answered. "How about joining me at Remy's afterward for some beer and conversation?"

"I'd appreciate that," Moffitt replied and walked away as Hitch tossed the dirty rag into a nearby barrel and sighed at the thought of what was to come.

A few hours later he was at one of Remy's more isolated tables sipping from a mug of beer. Three other beers were waiting for his friends who were surprised when they all showed up to talk.

"I thought it was better talking with you all at once instead of individually," Hitch explained as they took their seats. They were a little embarrassed when they all realized they had asked the same question. They sipped their beers and waited for Hitch to speak.

"First off, you don't need my permission to ask Isla out on a date. It's not mine to give. Who she dates is her decision and hers alone. If you want to go out with her, ask her. I have no say in the matter," Hitch said, and they nodded.

"You don't think she would be reluctant to go out with one of us?" Tully asked.

"Again, it's up to her to date one of you, all of you or none of you. I am not involved. That's her personal life, her decision. We're just friends," Hitch restated firmly.

"Is there any advice you can give us? Troy asked. "We've never all been attracted to the same girl, and we don't want to do anything that might hurt the patrol."

"Look, I understand where you're coming from," Hitch assured them. "Every guy I've ever known has wanted to date her once they've met her. She is one of the most amazing women you'll ever meet. I don't think you guys would do anything to jeopardize the patrol and I also don't think she would allow that to happen. One thing you need to know is she's high maintenance.

"What exactly do you mean?" Moffitt questioned.

"She's not like other women you may have dated. She doesn't play games or try to manipulate your feelings.. She won't accept anyone trying to manipulate or control her as well. She's charming but she doesn't engage in insincere flattery. She expects and only tolerates absolute honesty. She won't accept anything less. She demands respect and holds herself to some strong moral convictions," Hitch paused to drink his beer.

"She expects the guys she dates to behave as gentlemen and treat not only herself but others with courtesy and kindness. He needs to have self-respect and be well-mannered and well-groomed. She doesn't date someone for the prestige of being seen with someone of prominence," Hitch stopped for another few swallows of his drink.

"Isla doesn't pretend to be anything other than who she is. She prefers men who do the same. She doesn't react well to boasting and self-aggrandizing. She won't let you get away with behaviors that other women may tolerate." he finished his drink and signaled for another round.

"Does that help?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," Moffitt seemed to weighing Hitch's words. "I'm beginning to question whether or not I am worthy."

"Naw, Doc, that's not what I'm trying to say. I just want you to realize she is very different from most women, at least the one's I usually date."

"I agree with Doc," Tully admitted. "I think she's way out of my league."

"No Tully," Hitch was growing annoyed with himself. "I guess I'm not explaining it well. She doesn't have any league. If she finds you interesting, it doesn't matter who or what you are, she'll want to get to know you better."

"So, we all have a shot?" Troy commented.

"You three definitely have a shot," Hitch agreed and began his second beer. "There's one more thing you need to know, and it's the most important," he said and took a long swallow.

"What's that?" Moffitt asked.

"If you hurt her, you'll answer to me," he replied, deadly serious with his steely blue eyes flashing.