‘Everyone get there flak jackets on and be ready to run for shelter. Get your game plan ready before I lower the rear hatch!’ Small arms fire was ...itting the side of the Raven. We all huddled into the tail section. Bill, the other howitzer operator was an old veteran to this sort of thing. He looked at me and said, ‘You want to make it out of here alive?’ ‘Is that a trick question?’ I said Don’t be a smart ass boy!’ he said. When the hatch opens, I’m gonna flank right with grazing fire, and. She lowered her stare and involuntarily bit her lower lip. I then left the room and went my room. I changed to the same baggy shorts and a sleeveless shirt.I came out and saw Anita sitting on the sofa watching TV. As I approached her she kept looking at me while I pretended to be interested in the TV. I knew she must be still thinking about the incident in her room. I sat down besides her as she adjusted to make room for me. We watched TV for a while. I took out some ice cream from the fridge. Susan McTavish.”She let me in, the house was the same, only the wallpaper was different.“Well, who’s this handsome young man?” my mom Lorraine came out to ask.“Excuse me ma’am, my name is Douglas Goode. Susan here asked me in to have a glass of water. I have been looking for my dog, Scruffy for two hours in the heat – I hope nothing’s happened to him. I have had him since I was nine years old...”“I thought you said his name was Ruffles?” Susan said.Damn! Marty told me to keep my lies easy to. " She turned to Sean and indicated the girls. "You like don't you?"I watched him look Vikki and Madeleine up and down as if sizing them up, then he said, "What's not to like." Better watch him," said Cindy laughing and looking at both girls in turn, "he'll try and steal both of you from under Justin's nose."They were just about to answer when my attention was taken by Julie Morris walking past and doing her best to pretend I didn't exist even though two of the group she usually hung around with.