It was something Kenny couldn't do, but Marc immediately turned the music down. "You can tell me anything, Angie. You know that."
She nodded. She did. "I thought it was you at first, when the door closed, and when I turned and saw his eyes, I froze. Just like I always do."
The longer she talked, the guiltier and angrier Marc felt. He never should have left her alone. He should have swept the other buildings. He should have been the one to pull the trigger, and then she wouldn't be hurting so badly! As it was, all Marc could think to say was the same thing his CO had quietly told him after he'd finished throwing up. "He was the enemy. Don't doubt that. This is War and he got what he deserved for his crimes. He should have chosen better."
Angela found his words did help a little, and this time when she closed her eyes, sleep came without dreams.
8
Around 3 a.m., Marc pulled them carefully into a far corner of Siloam Springs State Park, the nature preserve very isolated. He wasn't surprised that she awoke the instant he shut off the engine.
"Where are we?" she asked groggily, pulling on her sweater with slow movements and tired eyes.
"Couple miles from Stonington. I'll set up camp and Dog will stay here with you until I'm done."
She dropped her head back against the seat, and as he got out, locking the doors, Dog took his spot. "Brady?"
He stopped, looking back at her.
"I don't really want to be alone. Y'know?"
Marc nodded, thinking he hadn't planned on separate tents or cars until her voice and eyes were normal again. He used his key to get in and out of the back and quickly had the small Marine tent up and ready. He put the blankets and heater inside, and as he stepped to her door, she opened it.
Angela didn't flinch when he offered a hand, and he noticed it, saw she didn't hesitate as she stepped out into the chilly fog and stiff breeze, but she stumbled, and almost fell. Marc swung her into his strong arms, thinking her face looked like the man had used her for a punching bag.
He headed for the tent, loving the curl of her arm around his neck, but Angela gasped in pain as images of holding her attacker that way flashed in her mind. Holding him tight so she could… "Angie?"
Marc had stopped. When she nodded against his shoulder, he got moving again, holding her closer. For a brief minute, Angela was distracted from the pain in her mind by the skin under her fingers, able to feel his strength as he ducked into the tent and gently laid her down.