Free Brothers in Arms by Kendall McKenna Page A

Jonah replied. “If he’s successful, keep Sorg in rotation. If not, he’s to be transported to Camp Diyala for full medical treatment. Adjust the teams accordingly.”
    “Aye, sir. What do I tell Lieutenant Stoop?”
    “If Doc Bertel thinks Sorg needs to be transported, tell Stoop that’s what’s going to happen and you’ve adjusted the teams. There’s no need for him to make any decision at all.”
    “Roger that, Gunny.” Roner gave Jonah and Kellan a sharp nod, then moved off.
    “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Kellan asked from beside Jonah.
    “How’s that, sir?”
    “Shouldn’t your platoon commander be telling you how to handle that situation?”
    “Yes, sir. He should.” Jonah didn’t have to elaborate. Kellan understood all Jonah needed him to in the span of a single look.
    They assembled in Hoegerl’s office, along with the captain and Top Resler. Jonah made the introductions, saving Neil and Kellan for last.
    “Neil McMurtrie, formerly USMC. Neil was my radio officer during the initial invasion of Baghdad. He’s developed a communications system that’s in beta testing and he’s here to consult for the FBI on its use.”
    “Of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. McMurtrie.”
    “Forget the ‘Mr. McMurtrie’ stuff. Just call me Neil.”
    “All right, Neil.”
    “And this is a government advisor, here to consult for the FBI. Kellan Reynolds.”
    Jonah saw recognition instantly light Hoegerl’s eyes. “Kellan Reynolds, as in Lt. Kellan Reynolds? As in Captain Kellan Reynolds? The author of Brotherhood of Warriors , Kellan Reynolds?”
    “One and the same,” Kellan replied with an easy smile, stealing Jonah’s breath.
    “It is certainly an honor, sir.” Hoegerl pumped Kellan’s hand enthusiastically. “You are, without a doubt, a hard act to follow.”
    “That’s very flattering but wholly unjustified, Captain,” Kellan said.
    “I think this one”—Hoegerl gestured toward Jonah—“would argue that point fervently.”
    Jonah struggled to keep his expression neutral as Kellan regarded him keenly.
    “We knew Kellan was a heavy hitter,” Milagros said with a chuckle. “But we had no idea he was a living legend.”
    “What in the hell are you doing back here? You are still a civilian, aren’t you?” Hoegerl asked.
    “I am indeed. In my capacity as a governmental consultant, I provided the President with an outline of illegal activities I believed could be taking place in the States and here in Iraq, how they were being carried out, why, and then I predicted how anyone sent to investigate would very likely be killed.”
    “So, when Grizzly was killed, the President told you to get your ass out here and help the FBI prove your theory?”
    “More or less. I’m sure my time with the Corps contributed to the decision for me to actually travel here again. I’m certainly not going to be a liability.”
    “Fuck, man,” Neil suddenly interjected. “When the shit goes down, me and the Captain’ll get some for sure. We’re not just any wimpy civilians.”
    “Still, I would appreciate it if you’d keep your heads and your asses down and out of the line of fire while you’re here.”
    “Neil will behave himself if I have to tie him to the seat of a Humvee,” Jonah said.
    “All right, back to business. Agent Keef, how can my Marines be of service to you while you’re here?”
    “Thank you for your hospitality, Captain,” Agent Keef began. “We hope to complete our investigation and be out of your hair ASAP.”
    Jonah moved to stand in the rear of the room with the intention of allowing the FBI to have their say with the captain. He was acutely aware of Kellan coming to stand beside him. It was as if the intervening years had not passed at all, as if they were still in their first tour of Iraq together. Kellan’s solid presence at his side was comfortable; the silence between them was relaxed and easy.
    “We need to retrace Grizzly’s steps while