Page 11 of Kage

There was no need for the barkeep to answer me. The haunted look in his eyes said it all. “He went right to the front lines. The poor kid lost his life only a couple months in. Saved his team though. A real hero.”

Hero. Something I’d never be.

Hearing the news wasn’t new for me. How many good men and women had been lost when I’d served my time?

We remained in a moment of silence. I wasn’t nearly as emotional as I’d once been, but hearing of the corporal’s death after reading his letter was fucking personal. I almost felt as if I’d been a part of David’s life. I made a silent pledge to his spirit that I’d honor his love of Tank and keep him safe, well fed, and by my side no matter the circumstances.

“Damn shame,” Jarvis added, more emotional than I was. “Anyway, the drink is on the house.”

“For what?”

“For taking care of Tank. No one needs to be alone.”

“Quiet,” our commander said as we approached the group of buildings. With only the moon to guide us over treacherous terrain, our advance had taken longer than we’d hoped. Even the night vision goggles had been more of a hindrance than anything.

Commander Jenkins motioned for Maddox and me to advance. We flanked the sides of the door leading into where we’d beentold an Afghani army chief responsible for thousands of deaths during sweeping massacres was holed up.

I only prayed to God the intel was correct.

Maddox turned his head, the stream of moonlight catching his evil grin. The Navy SEAL loved this shit more than I did. And I thoroughly enjoyed kicking some enemy ass.

“We go on three,” Commander Jenkins instructed in a harsh whisper.

Exhaling, I took a step back. With a roll of the dice, I’d won the opportunity to kick the motherfucking door in. As soon as the ticking of three was finished, I slammed my boot against the wooden door with enough force a portion splintered.

Within seconds, we were inside the large compound, searching every room. With my weapon in my both hands, I swept the shadowed corners, searching for signs of anyone.

Dead or alive.

Where the fuck were the insurgents?

I turned, hoping to find Maddox right behind me. He wasn’t.

Only a few seconds later, a slight sound caught my attention. Oh, hell, no. We’d been lured into a trap.

There was no time to waste.

“Get out. Get the fuck out!” I roared and bolted in the opposite direction.

I was right. It had been a fucking setup.

Boom!

“Fuck.” Hissing, I jerked up, gasping for air. What the goddamn shit?

A hard thumping drew my attention, the slight whimper dragging me from the depths of hell. My eyes were clouded over, the rush of adrenaline making it tough to breathe.

Another whine and suddenly I felt a nudge against my arm. With my chest heaving, I looked down. “Tank.” My voice was scratchy, my throat almost closed.

He crawled closer, big brown eyes staring up at me.

Shit. Goddamn it, I’d thought the nightmares were behind me.

“I don’t know, dude.” Groaning, I raked my hand through my hair. It had been a long time since I’d succumbed to a nightmare. Once upon a time they’d been frequent, a rush of memories no one should be forced to relive.

In a pool of sweat, I turned my head. Very early morning light peeked in through the half open blinds.

Tank’s tail thumped again.

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