Page 3 of Scars of Fate

Long enough to know politicians always wanted miracles without giving soldiers what they needed to deliver them.

Adam’s voice returned over the radio.

“The mission hasn’t changed.”

“It has for me.”

I rose into a crouch.

“I don’t walk in blind.”

“You won’t.”

Another pause.

“We intercepted communications an hour ago.”

I waited.

“The prisoners are scheduled to be moved tonight.”

“Destination?”

“We don’t know.”

Of course they didn’t.

If that convoy disappeared into the mountains, finding those hostages again would become nearly impossible.

I’d heard enough.

“We move.”

“Agreed,” Russ answered immediately.

The rest of the Brave checked in over the radio, one after another.

No hesitation.

No speeches.

Just professionals preparing for another impossible mission.

I glanced once more toward the ruined school.

Toward the tiny drawing of a family still taped to the cracked wall.

A mother.

A father.

A little girl holding both their hands beneath a bright yellow sun.

Someone had believed this place was safe once.

I hoped they’d escaped before the bombs fell.

“Gear check,” I ordered.