Battle Cry - Leon Uris [101]
Finally Danny laced on his boondockers and loaded up a couple of ammo clips.
“What you doing, Danny?”
“Going back in the hills. The farmer on the last hike told me they’ve got some wild boars back there.”
“Oh yeah, how far?”
“About ten miles.”
“Christ on a crutch, you hike six days a week. What you want to go back there on crap-out day for?”
“I don’t feel comfortable when I’m not hiking.”
“You’re cracking up bigger’n crap…wait a minute, I’ll go will you.”
They stepped to the tent flap. “Want to come along, Ski?” The Feathermerchant stared idly at the tent top and gave no answer.
“I’d better fill my canteen,” Andy said, “and check out with Mac. Christ, I’m worried about Ski.”
“Me too. But I suppose time is the only thing.”
“Goddam women.”
They crossed the open sheds that housed the mess and filled their canteens at a spigot. Then they went to the galley and bummed some sandwiches and soluble coffee from the cook.
“Danny?”
“Yeah.”
“Did you ever apologize to anyone?” Andy asked.
“What kind of stupid-assed question is that, of course I have.”
“Many times?”
“Sure.”
“I mean, be real sorry for something and just go up and say you’re sorry.”
“Sure.”
“Ever say it to a broad?”
“Why the third degree?”
“I just wondered.”
Andy Hookans walked into the Salvation Army Canteen and looked about for Pat Rogers. She was at her usual spot behind the counter. He stood and watched some Kiwis play ping-pong until the coast was clear. Then he advanced and took a seat. She saw him and turned away. His face reddened.
“Pat, please,” he said, “I want to talk to you for a minute.”
“Will you please leave, Yank. I don’t wish to see or have anything more to do with you.”
“Look,” he said, “if you don’t let me say what I came in to say, I’m going to jump this counter and drag you out by the hair and make you listen.”
“Be quiet! You’re starting a scene.”
“In ten seconds I’m coming over and get you. Please, two minutes is all I ask.”
She glanced about the room and saw eyes turning in their direction. She sighed disgustedly. “I warn you, Yank, I don’t want you to give me any more trouble. I’m just doing this to avoid a scene.”
They stepped from the canteen into the shadows cast by a small streetlight. Andy fumbled, face flushed and voice nervous. He lifted his eyes to hers. “Pat…I ain’t never said I’m sorry to no one as long as I lived. I ain’t ever apologized for nothing.”
She turned away.
“But I’m saying I’m sorry to you. I ain’t ever been sorry for a thing I’ve ever done or said…but I feel bad, real bad, and I couldn’t rest easy till I told you.” There was silence for many seconds. “That’s all I wanted to say,” he whispered.
“That was nice of you, Andy, I appreciate it. We all make mistakes, you know.”
“I don’t expect you’ll want to go out with me again and I don’t blame you…but I’d like you to take this.” He handed her a small package. “Don’t get the wrong idea…I…just want to show you…well, you know what I mean.”
“I accept the apology, but I’m afraid I couldn’t take the gift.”
“Please take it, I want you to. I won’t bother you no more.”
She opened the neatly wrapped package and looked at a pair of tiny, well-chosen earrings. “Oh, they are lovely.”
“You’ll wear them sometimes, maybe?”
“Yes, I’ll wear them…it’s nice of you, Andy. I know this hasn’t been easy for you to do.”
He extended his hand. “Thanks, I’ll shove off now.” He walked briskly, half cursing himself for the first honest humility he had ever shown.
“Andy,” Pat called.
“Yes.”
“Why don’t you come in and have a cup of coffee? I’m off duty soon and you could walk me home.”
CHAPTER 3
MARION HODGKISS was a happy Marine. A mail call never rolled by without a letter or package from Rae. Mostly books and more knitted stuff than he could ever wear.
We were proud of Marion; it wasn’t every outfit that could boast a writer. Each