Catch-22.
“My dad gave it to me before college.”
Mac opened the cover. To the one who carries too much. You don’t always have to. Let someone else carry you sometimes.
, Mel
Mac looked up. “You know this ruins a man’s emotional defenses.”
Melvin shrugged. “Consider it sabotage.”
Mac stepped closer and rested their foreheads together. “Thank you.”
“For the book?”
“For knowing when I needed something I didn’t ask for.”
Melvin’s hand settled on his chest. “I’ll keep doing it.”
Morning came early. Third Platoon returned from perimeter rotation covered in dust and sweat. Mac stepped into the readiness bay just as Melvin pulled off his helmet. He smelled the blood before he saw it, a faint metallic edge in the air.
Melvin reached for a field dressing but fumbled it. Mac stepped in. He took the wrap and opened it carefully. He lifted Melvin’s chin with his fingers. Too natural. He knew it the moment he did it. Melvin’s eyes flicked up.
And then Baxter walked in.
Mac stepped back immediately. Professional distance.
Baxter took in the scene.
Mac’s hand lowering. Melvin straightening. Three seconds at most.
Baxter said nothing. He set his folder down. Drank coffee.
“Lieutenant Hayes, when you’re squared away, I’d like a moment in the TOC.”
“Yes sir.”
“And Carter. Check with Diaz about tomorrow’s patrol prep. You’re cleared to adjust the rotation window.”
“Yes sir.”
Baxter’s eyes moved between them.
Just long enough.
Then he left.
The door clicked shut.
The silence afterward was deafening.
Chapter 21 - Melvin
The TOC felt cooler than the rest of the base, thick concrete holding the day’s heat at bay. Radios murmured. Boots crossed the floor. Maps rustled against plywood.
Melvin stood near the edge of the room reviewing convoy structure with Lucero.
Mac worked logistics at the table across from them. Melvin made himself focus on the map and not on Mac’s presence three yards away. It was easier when Mac was nearby. Harder at the same time.
