Chapter Twenty-Eight“Sergeant!” Watters started at Duff's whisper. “Sergeant Watters!” The raucous hiss sounded through the trees.
“I hear you,” Watters said. “There's no need to broadcast my name. There won't be many sergeants skulking around the woodland.”
“No, Sergeant.”
It was good to see Duff's honest, open face again. Watters hardly admitted how shaken he was.
“What time is it?” Watters asked.
“Just after midnight,” Duff said. “Your missus insisted we should come out for you tonight.”
“You've seen Marie?” Watters temporarily forgot his duty. “How is she?”
“Blooming, Sergeant,” Duff said, smiling, “but she's worried about you.”
“She's nothing to worry about on that score,” Watters said. “What's happening, Duff?” He made his voice gruff when he wanted to reach out and shake Duf
