“It’s war, and I don’t give a shit who’s fucking who.” Hook flicked his ashes for emphasis. “That feeling I had of wanting to guard them? It was kind of a selfish feeling. If they were found out, they’d be…I don’t know, taken away, kicked out, and then the squad would be fucked. O’Hara’s the best goddamn BAR man in the platoon, but even if he were a lousy shot, he’d still take a bullet for any one of us. Jock walks with a swagger and talks a lot of bullshit, but look at how he crept around all day—he can’t bear it if a buddy’s put out with him. He’d rather die than disappoint one of us. He’d never leave a fellow in the lurch. Ever. He and O’Hara are the kind of guys you want on your side. Not just in war, but in life. If they’re queer, who gives a shit? Not me. I’m fighting with them. Not kissing them. They want to go behind a tree and…do whatever they do, I’ll fucking guard that tree.”

Now the gaze he turned on Kennet was calculating and expectant.

And you, sir?

“This conversation’s making me feel a hundred different ways,” Kennet said slowly. “And all of them hit close to home. Because my brother is queer.”

The words burned his mouth. It felt like a betrayal. It was definitely telling tales out of school.

“Which one?”

“Minor. He’s gay. Which is the word he prefers over queer.”

“Oh,” Hook said, pulling the word out long and slow. “So you got two reasons to worry about him.”

“Yeah. But talking to you about it… See, I never fooled myself there weren’t other fellows like Minor who joined up, but it was always nameless, faceless guys. But now, knowing O’Hara and Jock are together, I can truly believe Minor isn’t alone.” He jostled Hook’s side. “And maybe the Navy has decent, protective guys like you looking out for him.”

Hook hummed in his chest. “Does your family know?”

“I can only guess they do. None of us talk about it.”

“Hence…” Hook gestured around the barnyard. “Here we are. Fighting for freedom but making guys like Jock and O’Hara and your brother keep sneaking around. They could single-handedly take out Hitler or Hirohito, but the brass would still lock ’em up for kissing.”

“I’m getting depressed.”

“Well, on the bright side, our lovebirds haven’t come back yet. So either they killed each other, or they’re making up.” Hook leaned his head back, surveying the landscape. “I’m probably a dumb virgin for asking, but who can fuck outdoors in this weather?”

“You do what you gotta do.”

“I hope to God I find out before I die.” He glanced at Kennet. “Want to take a walk?”