My mom said, “I was worried about Natty getting lazy. I went by the academy and grabbed books and some assignments for him. Since they consider him kind of a hero after the explosion at Alicia’s, they didn’t have any problem with him studying at home for a while.”

“Did you get the money I deposited into your account?”

“Yes, I did. I appreciate it, Bobby, but I don’t want you to leave yourself short.”

“Everything is provided for here. And they’re paying me really well. Use the money for the medical bills.”

My mom hesitated then said, “Have you found the man who shot Natty?”

“Not yet, but he’s here.”

“Good. Pull off one of his nuts for me.”

I flinched.

She continued. “And feed it to a chipmunk in front of him.”

“Mom.” I almost shouted.

“What?”

“There aren’t any chipmunks in Afghanistan.”

Her rant left me in a better mood.

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

On the second day of patrol, things weren’t any more interesting. I tried calling Alicia but got no answer. She probably didn’t recognize the number. Or even what country it originated from.

I called Natty to see how he was feeling.

“I’ve already put on six pounds eating all the shit Mom makes every day. How is she not obese?”

“If you notice, she rarely eats what she cooks. Plus, she’s got good genes. And fat is probably afraid to stick to her for too long.”

“That makes sense.” There was a long silence, then Natty said, “We miss you here, brother. I don’t have anyone to pick on me when you’re not around.”

“And there’s no one here nearly frustrating enough to get me riled up. I miss you, too.”

“How’s the search for the asshole who shot me going?”

“I’m close. You have no idea how close. He works in an isolated building on the base. I wrangled it so I would be patrolling near that building.”

Natty said, “If you know he’s there, isn’t that enough? Can’t you tell someone and they’ll arrest him?”

“It’s not enough. I intend to confront him. Maybe fight him. Then both of us can get sent home. He’ll get shipped back to the US. Once he’s back home he’ll have a harder time weaseling out of anything.”

“You think the scary federal agent will come through, if you find him?”

“I think she’s embarrassed by what happened in the mine shafts. I don’t think she likes these guys at all. So I’ll find him, identify him personally, rough him up in a scuffle, then call her.”

“What are you going to say when you find him?”

“I’m not in a movie. I don’t have to say anything witty.”

“C’mon, Mitchum, I’m your brother. Don’t hold out on me.”