Page 105 of Enthrall Shadows
“The enemy fucking with your head.”
“They’d steal your kit?”
“Might try. More of a concern is when a sniper takes out your buddy.”
“Oh, God.”
“They try to weaken your resolve. Breed fear.”
“Are you trying to comfort me?”Because that shit isn’t working. “You don’t think someone is trying to sabotage us?”
“Probably just a hiker who ran out of supplies,” he suggested.
But he didn’t seem too convinced.
Uneasiness slithered up my spine. “At least I had nothing personal in there.”
He reached around and felt my butt. “There’s your phone.”
“Right.” I tapped my side. “Radio.”
The thought of a stranger rifling through my things made me feel violated.
“We’ll move faster now,” he added. “Your kit slowed us down.”
“How are you not pissed off?”
“Losing your luggage is a test of character.”
I’d just become the weakest link.
Henry squeezed my arm. “The last time I carried a ruck, grenades were flying over my head. This is a walk in the park. Just remain vigilant.”
“Do you have a gun?” I whispered.
“Can’t stand them.”
I hated them, too, but we were super vulnerable out here.
“What do you call a SEAL who hates guns?” he asked.
“What?”
“A former Navy SEAL.” He gave me a tired smile.
I sensed he’d had to endure the stigma of what his PTSD had wrought. I wished I could take all his suffering away.
“Who would do something like this?” I said, changing that gnarly subject.
“Dickheads.” He handed me a bottle of water. “Drink.”
I took a few swigs. “Could whoever stole it be a part of why you’re here?”
“Crossed my mind.” He took the water bottle back and sipped from it himself. “Best keep moving.”
“Regret bringing me?”
“Never.” He hoisted his rucksack onto his back. “I’ve almost forgotten what the objective is.” He gave me a heart-shattering grin.
