Chapter 43: Two years later

At my last appointment, the doctor said I could walk without the knee brace, but my stride is still tentative. I walk slowly to my computer and bring up my email account: junk mail, a short "Just to say hi" from one of the secretaries at the department, and a greeting from my mother asking when I'm visiting.

I almost miss it, but buried in the fifty plus emails is an urgent message from Nathanial. Nathanial Monroe. I stare at the name and my mind drifts back in time.

Past

Location: South Africa, classified

The team had two goals: rescue the hostages and everyone return to camp alive.

I blew it and took a bullet to the shoulder. Then I was held in place of the rescued captives. I wasn't afraid, but I was one pissed off Marine.

I was secured to a chair with my arms and legs bound. I knew the captain of my team would get the hostages safe and then come back for me. Marines never leave wounded comrades behind-or any comrades for that matter. They would either take me to medical car