"You never told me that!" Odeon exclaimed, horrified.

"I . . . had a hard time talking about it until now. Even during
debrief, with all of Colonel Bradford's skill. I still do, a little."

Odeon embraced her, swearing to himself. What he had known was bad
enough--but he hadn't imagined rape with a gun barrel, and he didn't
want to imagine any parts she'd still have trouble talking about. Brad
was right--they had to get Joanie out of the field, somewhere she'd be
safe, before the Brothers had a chance to get hold of her again, off
limits or not, and maybe do something even worse. Between himself,
Brad, and Ivan, they should be able to find some way to get her into a
safe job willingly! "It's okay, Joanie," he said softly. "We'll take
care of you."

Cortin started to pull away, protesting that she could take care of
herself, then she settled back into his arms. Mike meant well, she was
sure, and it was nice having him hold her. "We'll all take care of
each other," she agreed. "And yes, do invite Ivan and Brad
along--we'll make a real party of it."

"That sounds like fun." Odeon gave a theatrical sigh. "Which I
suppose means I should get up and call them."

"No need," Chang said, startling them both; they hadn't realized she
and Tiny were back until she spoke. "We will do so, though that will
give you only a few more minutes."

"Every little bit helps," Odeon said. "Thanks, Sis--Tiny."

11. Dinner

Supper was a festive affair. The meal was sent from the Manor, with
Prince Edward's compliments, and Princess Ursula sent Cortin a
silk-lined brocade evening robe with a note expressing the royal
couple's pleasure at the Captain's recovery. The robe was nothing like
the utilitarian one Cortin usually wore, but it was attractive, and
proved more comfortable than she'd thought it could be. It had seemed
too showy when she first saw it, but when the men appeared in full
dress uniforms, it seemed entirely appropriate. Only the two from the
capital appeared completely comfortable in their finery at first, since
they were the only ones who wore dress uniforms regularly, but by the
time the group sat down to eat, her team looked more relaxed.

When Bradford finished saying grace, Cortin looked at him, letting her
curiosity show. "A catered dinner from the Crown Prince, a robe from
Her Highness, and everyone in dress blacks--what's going on?"

"Attempted bribery," Bradford said cheerfully. "For wh