Genesis: the Beginning and the End | Band of Brothers

【Ｃｈａｐｔｅｒ ５２ － Ｆｉｓｈ】

Chapter 52 - Fish

Bill Guarnere had gotten more and more anxious the longer he spent in the back of that truck.

The moment it stopped he was jumping out to try and find someone who'd seen her, or better yet, her. But it became hard to do that as everyone else began getting out too.

The wounded were to be treated, the situation assessed. Food was handed out and foxholes were dug.

It was night and still no sight nor sound of Margaret Watkins.

Bill was working through his cigarettes at lightning speed, trying to take the edge off, trying to calm down.

But he'd promised.

He'd promised he'd protect her.

Promised to keep her safe.

And then a day later she was missing, presumed dead.

That phrase made him feel sick.

He just kept trying to convince himself that if there ain't no body, there ain't nobody fuckin' dead. The others noticed him pacing nervously before going and making the rounds again and again.

"Hoob, any news on Bull yet?"

In the dark, Hoobler shook his head. Bill sighed and sat on his haunches. He didn't have to ask the next question. Everyone knew it was on his mind. All he'd done all day was ask after her. Now he was too disheartened to ask.

"Well if there ain't no body, then there ain't nobody fuckin' dead. Understand me?"

How he wished he could believe what he was saying. Because then she'd be fine. Or even there with them.

"I'm gonna look for them."

Finally, someone was saying that. He'd waited all afternoon and all night for someone else to suggest it. He'd tried to say something but was shot down immediately. He understood that it was reckless but he couldn't sit around whilst she could, they could be out there right now needing help.

"Not by yourself you're not. I'll go with ya, lemme get some ammo."

"That's okay. I'll go."

"Me too."

Bill nodded, good, a few were going.

"All right. Go get 'em."

In the end, everyone that had been there, save for Bill, went. Hoobler waited a moment, letting the others go.

"Stay here, in case she makes her way back."

Nodding, he sent Hoobs off with a pat on the shoulder.

Now he just had to wait

And wait he did. Bill wouldn't sleep. Not when she could come back. He saw the men eat, and then dig in for the night, he saw Eindhoven being bombed. But not her.

This was so new, it stressed him out. Had he ever been like this?

But he didn't stop to dwell, there were bigger things to worry about, like where the fuck were she and Bull?

The sun rose and Margaret was a no show. And the search party wasn't back yet. There was talk they were moving out soon too. It made him want to tear his hair out. They couldn't leave without Bull, without her.

"Bull!"

Martin's shout made him look up and see the truck with the search party jumping out of the back, and none other than Bull in the front seat.