44
Caught
The horizon was brighter than usual, and unease gnawed at his gut.
As Pietro reached the pinnacle of the last ridge before the camp, he dropped to his belly. Not just the perimeter lights were on full power; the whole camp, even the chapel, was awash in electric daylight. Guards moved around like busy ants.
Pietro’s fear turned to bile in his mouth. It was over. He was caught. He thought of the consequences, including being blindfolded and shot, and he realized it was not that causing his overwhelming terror, but the thought of never seeing his Iris again.
He had no idea how long he lay there, agonizing. His side hurt like a b***h. In a way, he welcomed the pain. It was good preparation for what was to come.
At last, the lights went out. He stayed where he was until the sky
