"Casey, we have to set off a flare or a marker to let them know that the base is here," Derek said, trying to sit up.
I nodded in agreement. "Derek, I'll do it. I can get there a lot quicker. You stay here and I'll be right back," I said, gently pushing him back.
"I can't let you go alone …" Derek objected.
"You don't have a choice," I interrupted. "I'll be fine." Then, I gave him a quick kiss and added, "You just stay safe."
Derek pulled me in for a passionate kiss. When he pulled back, he said, "Just be careful."
"I will," I replied and hurried off toward the main road of the insurgent camp as tears stung my eyes.
I ran through the woods as quickly as I could, keeping the road in sight, headed toward the insurgent base. I ducked quickly behind trees when military jeeps and cov
