Well Fed - 05 (62 page)

Well, when she was ready… assuming she would be ready for anything at all. That was how Gus saw things.

So they stood, side by side. On safe land. Facing the late morning of a March day seized by a winter reluctant to leave.

Collie’s hand, protected by a red mitten, reached out and took Gus’s own. She sidled up to him and placed her head on his shoulder.

That simple contact left him speechless. Gus didn’t move, stunned with happiness, refusing to even breathe for fear of ruining whatever magic swirled about them.

But after a short time, he squeezed her hand back.

And together, they walked away from the shore.

Those of you in the know will see some story details either omitted, simplified, or flat-out fabricated.

I fess up to them all, especially the ones related to military combat tactics, weapons and equipment, and operations.

Most information surrounding Joint Task Force 2 is highly secretive, and I’d rather be guilty of inventing details about them than revealing the truth.

As always, thank you for reading.