Chapter 19

* * * *

Before we pass the first checkpoint, I

wake Alden up and hide in the back seat beneath the blankets while

he takes the wheel. I assume Maxine has alerted the guards by now,

sent a fax to the front and maybe the MPs are already assembled,

waiting for us. God, I can’t believe Al managed to talk me into

letting him help. This isn’t just my rank anymore; it’s his as

well. Max won’t let this die, and Alden might never get that drink

with the soldier back at the guard house after all.

Alden slows down as we reach the

outskirts of the camp. This time there’s no flirting with the guard

when he hands over his papers. A thin tension stretches between us.

I’m afraid to breathe, afraid to move; my legs cramp, my nose

itches. I want to yawn and can’t.

One move and the soldier at the window

will hear or see me and then it’ll all be over, Tomas will be lost

to me forever, I’ll be court-martialed and Alden will lose

everything because of me—

“Move on,” the guard