CHAPTER ELEVENAugust 2006
“How long are you going to be on medical leave?” Blake asked as he watched Briggs pack his bags.
“With a little luck, thirty days, even though I don’t need it. It’s not that bad of a wound. I’m just a little sore, more than anything. I will be back before you have a chance to miss me.” Briggs had a sly grin on his face. “You sure you can handle the squad, Sergeant?”
“I’m not a sergeant yet, Sergeant.”
Briggs opened his palm to reveal a set of sergeant chevrons. “You’ll need these. The company commander is going to promote you in the morning at muster. Sorry I won’t be there. I have to leave tonight. So here.” He held them out to Blake, encouraging him to take them. “At least your first set will come from me.”
“You’re shitting me!” Blake’s eyes were wide as he
