ANDY, MARY, AND JULIAN were gone by the time Banjo was done with his dental procedure. He collected his only carry case from Kiko, said his goodbyes, and was off.
In the hospital lobby, a nervous young American Marine was waiting. Banjo had a feeling that he was his ride home to Base and, as it turned out, he was right. The trooper stood to attention and approached Banjo.
‘Good afternoon, Sir. I’m Private Cahill. I’m here to drive you back to Fort Irwin.’
Banjo’s eyebrow went up. No-one knew he was discharging himself today except Anna, the night nurse, Kiko, Andy, Mary, and by extension Julian. He doubted any of them had enough clout to get him a ride home. Banjo shook his head and mumbled to himself. Nonetheless, he smiled with gratitude.
‘First, could you drop me somewhere I can buy
