Page 31 of Bossy Hero

We’re really happy. He’s a totally different man. He even goes to church with me every Sunday. He never did that before. Never.

You’ve been so kind to me, and I consider you a dear friend. I hope you’ll accept this decision and trust I made it in the right state of mind. This isn’t like the other times. I promise. You don’t need to worry about me.

Take care and stay safe,

Maddie

* * *

Eighteen Months Later

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie2

Subject: Please respond!

Alan, are you okay? I got a call from Washington telling me Leo and his unit were involved in an RPG explosion that took out your vehicle. The entire team was listed as “whereabouts unknown.” They wouldn’t tell me anything else. I’m supposed to wait for more information.

I’ve tried calling and texting you, Leo, and Sawyer, but nobody responds. No one from the base will call me back about this either. I tried to get someone in the 75th Regiment leadership to talk to me. No luck.

I’m freaking the hell out. I can’t stop crying.

I called Sammy and Drew to come home but had to leave messages. Why won’t anyone answer the phone? I’m alone, and I’m scared. I’m so worried about you all.

I haven’t been to church in a while, but I’m going back there now. It’s all I can do from here. I feel so powerless.

Please be safe. Please take care of my boys too. Tell them I love them.

* * *

Three days later

To: justmaddie2

From: ALancaster

Just got comms back up. My CO told me the families were notified that our unit was recovered. So I’m sure this isn’t the first you’re hearing it, but just in case—your boys are safe and uninjured. I am too. But we lost two men. A few others were injured. Lionheart and Sawyer helped me retrieve the wounded and the casualties from the blaze. You should be proud of them. I’ll see if we can get a call out so you can talk to Leo. Not sure I can. No promises. We’re safe for now.

Chapter4

Nothing to celebrate

Big Al

No one does this job for the accolades or chest candy. No medal will erase what happened over there. Even a shiny one like this.

Two of our best men died when an RPG took out our convoy.

We pulled them out of the blaze because it was the right fucking thing to do. They’d have done the same if they were in our place. We don’t need to be applauded for that.

And so fuck this entire night. It’s a damn joke. Unnecessary to have all this pomp and circumstance.

In true military fashion, this isn’t even a timely ceremony. Wiggins and Bossell died seven months ago. But I guess it takes Uncle Sam some time to call a caterer and send out fancy invitations. Then again, it’s not just me and my men receiving valorous awards tonight. About fifty others are receiving medals for other various missions.

Nonetheless, if I weren’t ordered to be here, I wouldn’t have shown up. They could have had the courier drop off the medal in my mailbox on base. Eventually, I’d get around to opening it.

Maybe.

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