Page 97 of After 5
“I’m…I’m a doctor.” I said into his hand.
He removed his hand from my mouth.
“I’m a doctor.”
“Did you kill the man back yonder in the woods?”
“I did not. Now take your hands off me, Sergeant.” I’d seen his stripes, and I outranked him.
He released his grip, but not before he ran a hand across my collarbone, searching for a key. When he satisfied himself I didn’t wear the coveted jewelry, he stepped away from me.
I turned to face him, adjusting my coat in a display of feigned irritation. “How dare you assault an officer.”
“I apologize. Thought you might be the enemy.”
“Well, you can see for yourself I am not!”
“What do you know about the dead man in the clearing?”
“I know nothing. He was dead when I arrived, like the hundreds of other men scattered about.”
We stood staring at each other. Him deciding if I was legit, me avoiding his gaze, and grateful the moon provided shadows of anonymity.
A twig snapped and we turned toward the sound. Sam stepped into our space, lantern in hand.
“Doc, there you are,” he said, breathless. He saluted and started to speak, stopped when he saw Caiyan.
“Sam, this here’s,” I caught myself, and turned toward Caiyan. “What did you say your name was, soldier?”
“I didn’t.” Caiyan offered his hand to Sam. “Cal McGregor.”
Sam grabbed his hand and shook wholeheartedly. “Sam Raney.” Caiyan’s eyebrows shot upwards, unnoticed by the excited aid.
Sam turned toward me, “Dr. Seuss, I have retrieved the information you wanted.”
Damn.
Caiyan eyed me suspiciously.
“Call me Jeb, we’re all in this together.” I tipped my hat instead of offering my hand. Clearing my throat, “Good reconnaissance work, Sam. Important to know the locations of the wounded we’ll need to attend.”
“You came a long way today.” Sam directed the conversation toward Caiyan, acknowledging a patch on Caiyan’s sleeve. “I heard your division arrived only recently.”
“Rode in with a cavalry company, lost my horse. Skittish beast was frightened by the cannonade. Saw him come this direction and thought I’d pursue.” His accent was spot on, but Caiyan lowered his eyes. The tell of a liar, and a mistake the Caiyan I knew would never allow himself to make.
“Proud to meet you,” Sam said.
“Seem to be a bit turned around in these here parts.” Caiyan thickened his accent.
Do not roll your eyes.I commanded myself.
“Can you fellas point me toward the camp?”
Sam indicated the direction to the base camp.
“Will you be joining me there, after…” he paused and shifted toward the battlefield.”
“Yes,” I said. “We’ll make camp there tonight.”
