She patted his cheek and stood just as a rucksack got tossed into the bed. It hit the side of her ankle, sending pain shooting up her leg. She gripped the top of the cab and breathed in through her nose, trying not to lose her patience with the men who simply followed orders as expediently as possible. Once the initial pain faded, she maneuvered her way around the gear and jumped out of the bed.

“I want someone in the back with him to keep any of that gear from landing on him.”

McBride nodded and climbed into the back. “I got you, Drumstick.”

The door to the clinic opened, and Captain Norton and Sergeant Fisher emerged with Ozzy between them. Ozzy had an arm slung over each of their shoulders, and he used them like crutches.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, rushing toward them. “I thought you were going to use the stretcher. That man should not be upright.”

“Tell him that,” Fisher said as they maneuvered to the cab of the truck.

When they reached the truck, Ozzy leaned against it, raising his face to the sun. Sweat soaked his shirt. Cynthia stood in front of him and had to crane her head to look up at him. “I feel confident that you have the medical background to understand the damage you can do to your leg if you walk on it.”

He panted as he spoke. “Doc, I’m not walking on it.”

“You could lose that leg,” she snapped, then she let out a breath. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t.”

He barked a laugh. “You and me both.” His eyes grew serious. “I’m not lying in the back of a cab. I’ll go down upright.”

“Die with your boots on? Something like that?”

He looked down at his feet. “At least one boot.”

“You’re on the verge of losing my good graces, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said as Fisher opened the door. He clearly braced himself as he prepared to get into the cab. Cynthia admired the delicate way Fisher helped him.

She turned around and found Captain Norton. He had his map open on the hood of the truck and conferred with Tadeas. She hurried forward. “Captain, Lieutenant Osbourne—”

He gazed at her, the hard look in his eyes cutting her off. “Is a big boy.” He dismissed her by turning back to Tadeas. “What is this bridge situation like?”

She clenched her teeth together tightly enough that she was surprised they didn’t crack. Spinning on her heel, she marched across the street and back into her hut. Her backpack sat on the empty cot. She had filled the small bag with everything she had brought with her into the country. She snatched it up and started out of the hut but stopped in the middle of the room.