TAPS WAS MISERABLE. His body ached, and the two rifles he carried were growing ever more cumbersome, but something else was on his mind. Ever since Mad rushed out of his tent, Taps had felt awful.

Well, I get to see you, don't I?

The words echoed around his head, smothering his thoughts and feeding his shame. Why? Why had he said that? His feelings for Mad were getting difficult to keep under the radar, especially after she promoted him to second in command. ...