Page 50 of Freedom Fighters
Duardo’s eyes narrowed.
Minnielooked down at her hand, resting on her knee. “I know what a twelve hour furlough means,” she said. “I also know you can’t talk about it.” She looked up at him. “Iwant to talk about it, though.”
He picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. “Who told you?”
“I’m living on top of the army, here. I picked it up. Talk and gossip. You know.”
Duardo shook his head. “If you found out from idlechatter, anyone could. I may have to change that practice. Or change security around the issue of furloughs. It wouldn’t help us to have half of Acapulco guess our military movements from the scheduling of leave.”
“Schedule it after the mission,” she told him. “Or make it a high security order. They get five hours they can spend with family and loved ones only. Or stay in the camp. No exceptions.”
“Hmmm…” Duardo looked thoughtful.
“I am right, then?” Minnie asked. “You’re going somewhere to do something. Vistaria, I presume.”
It was Duardo’s turn to sigh. “I can’t tell you,mi amor. Yes, there’s something coming up. That’s all I can say.” He turned his head, his gaze cutting away from her. “I didn’t want to tell you until my leave ended.”
Minnie smiled. “Hey, I’m an army wife now. Ihave to deal with these things. Your mom probably has it down pat, but she’s had practice.” She kept her tone light and as unconcerned as she could. “When are you leaving?”
“In a few days,” he said. “Only, I will be gone from you once my leave is over. The preparations…” He trailed off.
“I get it,” Minnie assured him softly. “You get a break before you dive in to get the whole operation up andrunning. So, three or four days of prep, then you’re gone.”
Duardo gave her a small smile. “You understand.” She could hear the gratitude in his voice. He paused. “This is my first time, too.”
“First time?”
“Leaving my wife behind…and my son.” His glance dropped to her belly.
Minnie hid her smile. Duardo would not even consider that she carried a girl. It had to be a Vistarian male ego thing.She leaned over and kissed his chin. “It had better be your first time, buster. Although you’ve sneaked into Vistaria lots of times since you got back. Don’t think I don’t know.”
He looked startled. Then he smiled reluctantly. “It’s not the same as this…operation.”
“A bullet is a bullet,” Minnie said. “The Insurrectos wouldloveto shoot you, particularly Serrano. You step onto Vistaria witha target on your forehead every time.” She picked up his hand. “Promise me you’ll come back.”
He hesitated. “I can’t promise that,” he said flatly. “Things happen in war, Minnie. I promise I will do my best to come back to you.”
It would have to do. Duardo was good at being a soldier. She had picked up hints and more gossip about his skills from other soldiers. Rubén had been particularly admiring.He reported directly to Duardo.
If Duardo promised he would do his best to ensure he came back, she would do her best not to load him down with worry or concerns. “You’d better kiss me again,” she said lightly. “I have to store them up for a while.”
Duardo kissed her and it was no light peck.
A knock on the door sounded. She groaned her frustration.
Duardo grinned and got to his feet and threwon the robe hanging on the back of the door. “There are ten hours yet,” he reminded her and opened the door an inch or two.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” Calli said from the other side of the door. “Nick isn’t back yet and you’re the most senior army officer I can find. This is directly related to you, anyway. Could you come to my office? Minnie, too, please.”
Minnie rolled off the bed and reachedfor her jeans. “Five minutes!” she called to Calli.
“Ten, if I must put my uniform back on,” Duardo amended.
“Civilian clothes would be better,” Calli said.
* * * * *
An armed non-com stood outside Calli’s door.
