Free Behind Enemy Lines by Cindy Dees

Tex moved into the bedroom, Tom moved out of it and closed the door behind him.
    Keeping her voice low, Annie asked, “What’s going on?”
    Tom answered her emotionlessly. “Tex is trying to spot whoever followed Mac. I closed the door so he wouldn’t be backlit from the light in here. Don’t worry, Annie. Tex is the best spotter in the Air Force. He’s got the damnedest eyesight I’ve ever seen. He knows what he’s doing.”
    She let out the breath she realized she’d been holding. On wobbly legs, she made her way to the sofa and sat down. Tom’s transformation into a Special Forces commander had been instantaneous and complete. Gone was the smiling, relaxed man from the bathtub. In his place was this cold, hard stranger who knew his way around guns and dark shadows.
    When he spoke again, Tom’s voice was perfectly normal. It showed no signs of strain over the last few tense moments.
    “Hi, Mac. Glad you could make it. Any reason you felt obliged to bring company to the party?”
    “A government guy picked up my tail, and a rebel guy picked up his tail. I couldn’t dump them both without being obvious about it, so I had to wait till the last second to get rid of them. I think they’re following each other right now.”
    The door from the bedroom opened. Tex strolled out, as unconcerned as Tom, as if this kind of thing happened every day.
    “All clear. Your tails are running around in circles trying to figure out who’s chasing who out there. Nice misdirect, Mac. Not bad for a dumb, Irish kid.”
    Mac flashed a fast hand signal at Tex, and all three men chuckled. She had to get Tom to teach her that sign language.
    “Macready Angus Conlon, this is Annie O’Donnell. I gather you’ve met already.”
    He nodded at her. “Yes. At the embassy and again at the hospital. Thanks for your help with our commander.”
    “My pleasure.”
    Annie wasn’t surprised when Tom wasted no more time on pleasantries.
    “Tex has given me a quick overview of the situation, Mac. We were just starting to discuss egressing Gavarone. Any thoughts?”
    “Yes. I’ve been working in a government supply depot the last month or so, and I pick up juicy tidbits now and again. In fact, we spent all day today issuing ammunition to the troops. Word has it the rebels are planning an all-out attack on the coast highway tonight.”
    Annie gasped. According to her situation briefing at the embassy yesterday, that was the last major road into or out of St. George that the government still controlled. If it fell to the rebels, the city would be surrounded and effectively under siege.
    Mac glanced at her and continued. “If you were a little stronger, sir, I’d suggest we leave this minute and head for the ocean.”
    “If we’ve got to go now, I’ll manage.”
    The Irishman frowned and his brogue abruptly disappeared. “Major Folly, sir. With all due respect, don’t BS me. I’ve been in this business nearly as long as you. You can’t handle the trip, and you sure as hell can’t swim twelve miles out into the ocean to get to international waters for a Navy pickup.”
    Annie piped up. “I second that. I’ve been at your side for seven weeks, Tom, and you’re in no condition to move yet. You’ve only been conscious a couple days, and walking for less than one.”
    Tex dived in. “Well, then. We’ll hunker down and wait this thing out until you’re ready to go, Hoss.”
    Annie looked at Tom. “Hoss?”
    “My handle. And don’t ask.”
    Tex and Mac grinned widely, but said nothing. Annie knew a challenge when she saw one. Sooner or later she’d get one of them to tell her where “Hoss” came from.
    The conversation drifted into small talk. A few war stories were swapped, and Tex updated Tom on how the other members of the team were fairing.
    Annie went to the refrigerator to get refills on drinks and was surprised when Mac joined her in the kitchenette.
    “How much morphine is the major taking, Miss O’Donnell?”
    “Call