“Make sure he comes back safe,” Hannah said, her voice a whimper. Cramer’s wife clutched at John’s sleeve. They stood with the rest of the battalion and their families next to the buses, getting ready to load up. From Camp Pendleton they’d make the drive to March Air Force Base, then fly to Afghanistan. “He’s going to be a father. You’re his fire team leader. You’re responsible.” Hannah glanced over at her husband, who had his back turned toward her as he rifled through his pack.
