He was about to make a check on the Marines posted to watch the rear and flanks when the grenadier tugged at Shake’s elbow and pointed into the dark. Shake shouldered his rifle and took a look through the Starlight Scope. There was a small figure wandering toward the intersection looking like a little lost boy. His body was quaking and Shake saw his mouth working. The kid seemed to be sobbing—probably scared to death and looking for his family. There was no reaction from the Murabitun. They had ceased fire completely. What the hell was this child doing out there?
“It looks like a f*****g kid, sir.” The grenadier whispered into Shake’s ear as if he was sharing a secret. “Somebody is gonna pop his ass shortly.”
“Hold your fire!” Shake shouted and heard the word passed from one Marine to an
