Page 138 of Cry Havoc

There!

Quinn was now pinned to a tree near the center of the depot. Tom could just make out a part of his left shoulder. He and the tall white man were behind it. Tom didn’t have good visibility, but he could see movement.

Was the white man using the tree as cover? Why had he grabbed Quinn?

Hiep and the other Americans were forced back into one of the huts, while other NVA soldiers took cover in the compound and continued to spray the hillside.

What was the man doing? Was he a Soviet advisor? He had to be.

What was he doing with Quinn’s tomahawk? Now he’s moving at Quinn’s waistline.

No!

Tom found the Soviet’s shoulder and pressed the trigger. He saw his shot impact the tree. The Soviet moved his body, so Tom no longer had a target.

Bullets impacted all around the Frogman.

All you did was show them where you are. These rocks provide cover, but they will send a hunter-killer team next. They are probably working their way up to flank you right now.

Tom sent another bullet that whizzed by Quinn’s tree.

What was the Soviet doing?

His left arm was moving. Tom caught sight of his elbow.

It looked like he was throwing something into the mud. Something gray.

An NVA solder stepped from behind a truck, and Tom put him down with a round to his chest.

He then moved his attention back to Quinn.

Was the Soviet tying Quinn to the tree?

No. He was doing something much worse. He was disemboweling Quinn while he was alive.

No!

Tom took up slack in the trigger.

Come on, Quinn, stick your head out.

How can I shoot my best friend?

Take him out of his misery.

Dear God.

Tom blinked in rapid succession to clear his vision.

Think, dammit! Think!

You don’t have a shot.

Tom was so preoccupied thinking of Quinn that it took him a moment to realize the shooting had stopped.

He was almost too late.

They must have men closing in on your position.