Sand in the Wind by Robert Roth

Author:Robert Roth [Roth, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scanned and proofed by Krampus
Published: 2013-04-06T16:00:00+00:00

2. Hill 65

Kramer found Kovacs in the platoon hootch cleaning his rifle. He knew that Kovacs had only five days left in-country, and was glad he would still be with the platoon for their first three days in the Arizona. Kovacs’s first question was about Harmon. His second was a request to remain behind when the platoon left for the Arizona. Surprised, Kramer asked for the reason.

There was no hint of pleading in Kovacs’s answer, only a statement of what he considered facts. “I been here thirteen months. And I’ve stuck my neck out a lotta times when I didn’t have to. There ain’t a reason in the world I shouldn’t be dead now. I’ve got three days to spend in the Arizona. I ain’t gonna tell you what it’s like. You’ll have to see for yourself. If I played it safe, I’d make it; but if I get a chance to stick my neck out, I’d probably be stupid enough to do it. I just don’t wanna give my luck a chance to catch up with me.”

From what he had seen of Kovacs, this argument made sense to Kramer; but he also knew that he’d feel more confident having Kovacs with him, even if it was only for three days. “I don’t blame you, but it’ll be a lot safer for the men with you around. I’ll see you don’t stick your neck out. Besides, Preston got to the rear somehow, and you two are my most experienced men.”

Kovacs made no effort to hide his irritation as he replied, “Preston never was worth a shit. You’re lucky he’s gone. Now Tony 5 can move right up to platoon sergeant.”

“What about Valdez?”

“He’s got the short-timer’s jitters — wants to stay with his squad.”

“But you’ve had more experience than Tony.”

“Come off it, Lieutenant. I’ve been here three months longer than Tony. I’m him three months later. You know what the story is: If a man’s worth a shit, he gets better according to how many more lives depend on him.” Kramer remained silent, so Kovacs added harshly, “I don’t beg.”

Both of them were thinking about the time Kovacs volunteered to stay behind under the canopy; Kovacs with irritation and Kramer with guilt. “All right, I’ll talk to Trippitt.” Although he kept from showing it, this reply incensed Kovacs. He knew that Trippitt would make him stay until the last possible minute. Kovacs had previously reserved judgment on Kramer, but he now looked upon him as gutless and was sorry he had even asked the favor. As Kovacs started to walk out of the hootch, Kramer asked, “What do you think he’ll say?”

Kovacs realized that Kramer knew exactly what Trippitt would say. He stood staring at Kramer, making no effort to answer. “All right, stick around the hill for three days, then go in to An Hoa on your own.” Kovacs was still irritated at Kramer for not agreeing immediately. He turned his back on him and left without a word. Kramer

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