EXCERPT

 

Beginning of Chapter 1

 

    They were all dead; except for one. 

    Ron grimaced. Not Again!

    Staying low and zigzagging in a quick pattern, Ron dashed over to Lieutenant Uebelacker. He was the last man on his team still alive; barely. 

    Mortally wounded, Uebelacker was lying motionless on the ground. His blackened face and military garb were soaked in patches of blood.  

    "Wh...where did they all come from" Uebelacker attempted to focus in spite of his pain. His eyes were half closed in agony, and his breathing was labored. 

    "Hush, Lieutenant," Ron ordered, kneeling over him, "I'm getting you out of here!"  

    "No. I can't move. Save yourself, Captain."

    Again, bullets began flying all about them. Death abounded. Ron, still kneeling. returned fire from his submachine gun and remained untouched, but Uebelacker took another bullet. He jerked in agony, as though something had exploded in his head.

    Ron's return fire halted the incoming fusillade, but now he was out of ammo. Suddenly an Arab was upon them, unsheathing a dagger; its sharp blade glittering in the moonlight. With uncommon speed, Ron jumped to his feet, sidestepping the Arab's charge, in the same instant hitting him squarely in the throat with the barrel of the submachine gun, smashing his windpipe. The deadly blow hurtled the Arab backwards to the ground. He saw no more.

    Hastily, Ron returned his attention back to Uebelacker. The lieutenant's eyes were closed. On his knees again, Ron gently shook him. "Lieutenant."

    There was no answer.

    Ron quickly took his pulse. It was indistinct. Then, with enormous effort, Uebelacker partially opened his eyes in a bewildered stare, rapid gasps coming from the back of his throat. "You're not wounded," he grimaced painfully. "No blood...no blood."

    His mouth fell open with his final breath.

    Ron looked at him stunned. Then he cradled Uebelacker's head in his arms. "No," he pleaded. "Not you too. Don't die on me, Lieutenant. Don't!"  Ron's breathing suddenly became very shallow. He felt like a being without substance. "No," he protested. "This isn't right."

          OF GOOD

AND EVIL