Shadows And Light. Lindsay McKenna

hear Peters’s approach. The lapse of attention to his surroundings was completely unlike him, and he quickly rose up on both elbows.

      “Susan?” he rasped.

      “I’m sorry, sir,” Peters said apologetically, “but Lieutenant Evans said she doesn’t want to see you.”

      “But I’ve got to see her!”

      Peters shrugged. He opened his palms. “Sir, she’s upset. She says no.”

      Craig glared at the doors at the end of the ward. If only he wasn’t injured… If only. He glanced up at the corpsman. “How is she?” he asked unsteadily, his emotions beginning to unravel. Susan hadn’t deserved what he’d said. What he’d accused her of.

      “Well, sir…she’s quite unsettled.”

      “Crying?” Craig tried to prepare himself for the answer. He saw Peters’s mouth twitch.

      “Yes, sir, she is….”

      “Please,” he begged hoarsely, “just tell her to come back and talk with me. Tell her I—”