Call of Duty Ghosts: The Aftermath

Chapter 22

29 hours earlier

KEEGAN

I grit my teeth as I strap my sleeping roll to the outside of my backpack, then slip my knife into the sheath on my leg. Shoving some extra mags for my rifle into the side pocket of my bag, I zip it up, then clip a water canteen to the side.

I have to leave soon.

They can't know. Otherwise...

"What are you doing?"

I jump and spin around to see Spike standing in the doorway, staring at me, eyebrow raised.

I bite my lip.

"Uhh...."

He looks from me to the backpack behind me, to the rifle laid on the counter, then back to me with a frustrated look. I glance to the side, trying to avoid his angered eyes.

"You're going after them, aren't you?!" He shouts, and I cringe, then sigh. Looking up at my friend, I shake my head.

"I can't just let them go alone, Spike. Besides, I just have this...bad feeling." I say slowly, and Spike crosses his arms.

"I know that look, Keegan. You're worried about Hesh. I get it. But you can't just leave." He remarks, and I raise my eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? Watch me, Spike." I say harshly, and Spike's eyes widen, then he takes a deep, exasperated breath, rubbing his face with his hand.

"Man, you know what? You're starting to seem like the young eighteen-year-old Keegan I had on my team those ten years ago. Irritable, irrational, irresponsible, and deliberately disobeying orders." He mutters, and I frown as I sling my backpack over my shoulder, then pick up my gun.

"Spike, I'm sorry. But I can't just let Hesh and Logan lay down their lives. I have to help. Whether you like it or not." I say roughly, and Spike groans.

"See?! This is exactly what I mean!" He exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. "You just wouldn't quit! Still won't! WHY?!" He asks restlessly, and I stare at him with a curious, angry look.

"Are you serious?! THEY'RE GHOSTS! LIKE US!! We don't let them go out and get themselves killed!! They're two of the best Ghosts I've ever seen, yes, but they're still young! Hesh is the same age as me! He and Logan, they're...I can't just let them-"

I stop myself and sigh, looking down at the ground.

"I don't want them to get hurt."

I say quietly, and Spike's eyes widen. He opens his mouth to say something, then he closes it, rubbing the back of his head.

"Keegan.....I...." He takes a deep breath.

"There's a Jeep down at the gas station that you can take. You'll get there faster." He says strenuously, and my head snaps up.

"Wait, what?" I ask, confused, and he shrugs.

"I know I can't stop you. So I might as well help you." He says gruffly, and I smirk. Meeting my eyes, he smiles, and I walk to stand next to him. Putting my hand on his shoulder, I nod.

"Thanks, Spike," I say earnestly, and he nods, then hugs me.

"Just watch out for yourself and those two." He says softly, and I hold him tight.

"I will." 

He lets go, and as we meet each other's eyes, a silent salute is given. I smile sadly, then turn to run down the hall, careful to not attract any attention from the other Ghosts.