Chapter 2: The Last Page
Wes let out a short, shaky laugh.
"Come on.
Fury Ten is a legend.
Everyone knows that was a man."
"That's what the report said," Ellie answered.
Her voice never rose.
Doyle's hand was trembling as he reached into his breast pocket.
He drew out a worn photograph, creased white from years of folding.
"Twelve marines on a dusty road," he said hoarsely.
"I've carried this for six years.
Every one of them came home because a woman's voice on the radio told them to go, and she stayed behind."
A murmur rippled through the formation.
Wes took a half step back.
"Sergeant, I didn't know any of that."
"No," Doyle said, never taking his eyes off Ellie.
"But somebody did.
Somebody wiped her name off that mission report, ma'am.
I've wanted to know who for six years."
Ellie finally turned her head toward Wes.
Her calm eyes held him in place.
"You'll find the answer on the last page, Sergeant.
Ask him whose name is signed there."
The color left Wes's face all at once.
"Ellie, don't," he whispered.
"Please."
Doyle's head slowly turned.
"Wes…
May you like
what did you do?"
Ellie reached into her jacket, and something small and metal clinked in her palm.
