Exhausted, Goose couldn’t feel anything but the pain throbbing through him and the sickness twisting in his belly. The cold water pressed against him. He searched for God, then just dialed himself down and concentrated on the emptiness inside him.
I’m here, God. Take me as I am. This is as good as I’ll ever be.
Then Goose felt his pain ease. Floating there in the river, he didn’t feel alone anymore. A quiet, confident joy boiled away the fear and the uncertainty, filling him up and warming his heart.
In that instant, his tears turned from sadness to happiness. He looked up at the brightening sky through the water, blinking understanding that he’d never before felt, laughing out loud despite the fact that he was submerged. Silvery bubbles exploded from his lips.
The need to be up and moving filled him too. Then, not believing what he was doing, he turned and swam back toward the riverbank. Gradually his feet found purchase in the thick mud, and he stood. His knee felt as strong and stable as it ever had.
“Sarge,” one of the men said, “are you doing okay? We thought…” Whatever he’d thought, he chose to keep it to himself.
They gathered around Goose. Danielle pressed in among them.
In amazement, feeling the difference and needing to see it, Goose clawed at the bandages covering his knee. They were reluctant to come free. One of the Rangers handed over a knife, and the job went much easier. In another minute, white bandages littered the river mud.
All of the swelling in Goose’s knee was gone, as was all the pain. He took experimental steps and found he could easily walk.
Healed, he thought. And for the first time in his life, he didn’t doubt that such a thing could happen. He believed and was thankful.
“Problem,” someone said.
Following the men’s attention, Goose looked up and saw Cal Remington standing on the bridge beside his Hummer. Even at the distance, Goose saw the anger and disapproval in the captain’s eyes.
“Looks like you made your decision, Goose,” Remington called down.
Goose didn’t respond for a moment, not knowing what to say. Finally he said, “Yes, sir.”
“You disappoint me, First Sergeant.” Before Goose could respond, Remington clambered back into his Hummer and drove away. Rubber shrieked.
“He’s not a happy man,” Danielle observed.
“No, ma’am. I reckon not.” Goose looked around at the Rangers. “You men carry on. When you get done here, we got work to do.”
“Yes, First Sergeant.”
Goose walked away, feeling the strength he had in his knee. It felt brand-new. Maybe even better than brand-new.
“Looks like your choice got made for you,” Danielle said.
Goose looked back at the river. “No, ma’am. That choice was mine. I walked into that water of my own free will. Standing on the legs I had left.”
“Remington’s not going to let this go.”
“No, ma’am. But with my knee healed, I won’t be off on medical discharge. I’ll be here to do my job.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re safe.”
Goose nodded. “I think we left safe back with realistic weeks ago, ma’am. Now, if you’re still up for that breakfast, I’m buying. I suddenly feel a powerful appetite.”
Danielle smiled. “All right.” She led the way up the riverbank.
Goose followed her effortlessly. Thank You, God. I’ll find a way to get those Rangers to You. What Baker started, I intend to finish. And I’m trusting You to bring Megan and the others here safely, if that’s Your will, and then keep them out of harm’s way. In the meantime, I got a war to get back to, Lord. Just guide me in whatever You want me to do. I’m Yours.
There were no doubts or illusions about what lay before him. With the devil loose in the world and the immortal souls of so many in the balance, Goose knew he was going to do his best to see through whatever missions God chose to assign him.
He was ready.
Roger that.
