For the 101st Airborne Division, the Battle of Carrington was the final engagement of the entire Normandy campaign.
They were then gradually transferred to a field camp north of Utah Beach, equipped with radio, telephone, and bulletin boards, where they were responsible for local security, maintaining weapons and equipment, drilling ground formations, and implementing a training program.
The brothers of Easy Company were well-versed in all of this; they trained formations on the drill ground, by platoon, and changed formations according to commands under the leadership of their platoon sergeants.
"What do you think of these guys?" Nixon, Winters, and Parks sat together on a high point overlooking the beach, and Nixon asked Winters.
"What else can I say? Everything is like being back in Taccoa, just not as intense. No night marches, no sudden cross-country runs, and no unprincipled punishments." Winters glanced at Nixon, then nodded, "Most importantly, Sobel isn't here yet!" He said, his lips curling slightly upward into a faint smile.
"What we need to do now is keep an eye on these guys and make sure they don't cause trouble," Parks said with a smile. "That's the only thing we need to do well, isn't it? Just yesterday, several guys got drunk and got into a fight with some from the 502nd Regiment. It almost went to the military police."
"What a headache!" Nixon smiled, then looked at Parks and Winters and said, "Now there's good news and bad news, about both of you, which I heard in the battalion headquarters staff office."
"Don't play that trick, just tell me directly!" Parks shook his head and smiled at Nixon.
"Both of you will receive medals, that's the good news. The bad news is that Parks's medal might be of a lesser grade." Nixon looked at Parks with some sympathy. "This is absolutely unfair to you."
Winters also frowned, looking at Nixon with an inquiring gaze, "I know you know the reason, tell me, what's the deal here?"
"No deal, Winters!" Nixon sighed, "It's because of something that happened before this, before we entered the south of the Carrington defensive line, in that town. At that time, Parks had already completed his rescue mission. Colonel Sink accepted an interview with McCullum, a reporter from the Washington Star."
Winters nodded, "I know about that. I heard Colonel Sink also gained a lot of fame in the country because of it."
"soldier Cobb from Parks's platoon caused trouble!" Nixon nodded. "Cobb got drunk, spat at McCullum's car, and swore at him, which made the reporter very unhappy. He complained to General Taylor, believing it was a problem with the platoon's officer. So General Taylor chose to compromise; he downgraded Parks's meritorious service to appease the reporter's anger!"
Parks didn't speak. Although he didn't care much about medals, being able to receive a high honor only to have it unjustly taken away left him in a poor mood.
"A reporter's words outweigh the bloody battles of officers and soldiers; this is simply too good! It's absolutely wonderful!" Winters said angrily. "Why don't they let those reporters pick up guns and go deep into the German command center? Or let them stay in a hail of bullets, or huddle in foxholes like moles?"
"This is why the Army Department always gives blind orders!" Nixon was also a bit angry. "Perhaps General Taylor could conscript that reporter into the U.S. Army, preferably as a soldier, and let him experience how soldiers fight against the Germans." Then he sighed helplessly, "That McCullum has some skill; he's a veteran reporter with some fame in the United States, which I think is also why General Taylor compromised!"
"Alright, this is not a big deal!" Parks stood up, brushed the dirt from his pants, and then smiled at them, "I'm already lucky enough. To be promoted from a non-commissioned officer to a Lieutenant officer on the third day of the Normandy campaign, and in less than a month, I'm already a Lieutenant. For a non-commissioned officer who hasn't attended military academy for a single day, what is there to complain about? They've already treated me well enough."
Nixon nodded, also stood up, and patted his arm with a smile, "It's great that you can think that way. I was worried you might not accept it at first, which is why I leaked the news to you in advance, so you'd be prepared. It seems I wasted my effort."
"But, thank you anyway!" Parks smiled, "This result is already good; at least they haven't demoted me, which is lucky enough for me!"
Winters also smiled. He didn't offer words of comfort, but simply patted Parks's arm and smiled, "Let's go!"
The three men walked down the embankment and headed towards the barracks on the beach. The morning sun was gentle, casting long shadows of the three. Life at the Utah Beach barracks had officially begun; this would be a brand new day.
For some of the soldiers in Easy Company, their concern was how to make themselves more comfortable, or how to gain more benefits. They tried every possible way to get food and supplies.
"I know a way to get into that warehouse!" Moore whispered to Malarkey. There was a huge supply warehouse about 100 meters in front of them.
"Don't be silly. There are soldiers guarding it, don't even think about it." Malarkey clearly didn't believe him.
This made Moore very eager to prove his ability. He chuckled and said, "Just wait, Malarkey, I'll surprise you." With that, he returned to the camp. When he reappeared, he was carrying two bottles of fine wine, which he had found in a cellar in Carrington.
"You want to bribe them with this? I don't think it'll be easy!" Malarkey still wasn't convinced.
But Moore said to him, "You stay here, I'll go alone!" Then he walked forward and shouted loudly at the two sentries, "Hey, Ser Moya, do you remember me?"
One of the soldiers looked at Moore, then exclaimed happily, "Is that you, Moore? I can't believe I'd run into you here. I heard you went to join the Airborne Division, I didn't expect to meet you here." Then the guy turned to the other soldier and smiled, "This is my neighbor, we often played together. You can call him Moore!" Then he introduced him to Moore, "This is Kendia."
"Nice to meet you!" Moore smiled, then held up the wine bottles in his hand. "I saw you from afar, so I brought you some fine wine. I collected this from Carrington, high-class stuff!" He said, handing over the wine.
"Thank you very much, I knew you wouldn't forget me if you got something good!" The soldier named Moya said with a smile. "You know, after we arrived at Utah Beach, we've been stuck here, with no chance to fight the Germans at all. It's truly a shame. I heard your Airborne Division did well in Normandy, I'm really envious!"
"Yes, we often talk about you!" Kendia also smiled. He opened a bottle of wine, took a swig, and exclaimed, "This is really good; French wine tastes so pure."
"Of course, drink up, drink up. I have more!" Moore watched them drink sip by sip, then looked around with his eyes and smiled, "Are you two just guarding the warehouse here? What's inside? Are you afraid someone will steal it?"
Moya smiled awkwardly, "Oh, it's nothing much, just some supplies and food."
Moore thought for a moment, then smiled, "Can I go in and take a look?" Then, seeing Moya's hesitant expression, he said, "Don't worry, I won't make trouble for you. I just want to take a look, Moya, don't you trust me, your neighbor? We grew up playing together. Come on, open it up and let me see!"
Kendia was also stunned. He looked at Moya, then at the wine bottle in his hand, and said with a wry smile to Moya, "Just let him look. Maybe your friend is just curious, it shouldn't be a problem!"
"Alright, but you have to remember, don't touch anything inside." Moya smiled wryly and shook his head, then pulled out the key and opened the warehouse door. When Moore stepped inside, he froze, then a wave of ecstasy washed over him; there were indeed good things in here.
Malarkey watched from a distance as Moore continuously chatted with the two sentries and even gave them two bottles of wine, couldn't help but shake his head and mutter, "You'll regret it, you fool!"
But in less than fifteen minutes, he saw Moore emerge from inside, warmly bidding farewell to the two sentries. But he was carrying two cardboard boxes, which seemed quite heavy.
"Hey, Malarkey, come here and help me!" Moore shouted to him.
"You're amazing!" Malarkey was truly impressed. "Assorted fruits, pineapple? Oh, God, I love you so much, Moore, you're like an angel, always bringing joy!"
Moore and Malarkey had a great haul, but some others couldn't find a way, so they just spent all day wandering around the field hospital, hoping to talk to the pretty nurses there! In short, they wouldn't be idle.
In the afternoon, a big shot arrived at the field camp: Lieutenant General Omar Bradley. Many people guessed his purpose, which was to award medals to the officers and soldiers of the entire Airborne Division for their outstanding contributions during the Normandy campaign.
This was a very grand awards ceremony. A high platform was set up in the field so that General Bradley could overlook all the Airborne Division officers and soldiers participating in the ceremony. And it would also allow all the officers and soldiers of the Airborne Division below the stage to see the medal recipients.
He stood on the small platform erected in the field and read out the commendation order for awarding the Distinguished Service Cross to 11 individuals. Among these 11 were General Taylor, Father Maloney, and Lieutenant Winters.
"You are a very fine soldier!" This was what General Bradley said to Winters when presenting him with the award.
Winters was indeed happy; for a soldier, this was a great honor. But in his heart, there was still a very big regret: Parks had not received this honor with him.
General Bradley left after presenting the Distinguished Service Cross, and the entire unit was dismissed. Officers and soldiers who received other medals would be awarded by their respective Division HQs or battalion headquarters. Parks received the Silver Star, along with all other commandos. And Dukeman also received an additional Purple Heart.
After the awards ceremony, many of the brothers in Easy Company were left with a question: why Parks did not receive the high honor of the Distinguished Service Cross.
In fact, in their hearts, Parks' performance was absolutely on par with the eleven men who received the Cross, but Parks was unexpectedly not chosen.
"Damn it!" White cursed angrily after they dispersed, even though he also received the Silver Star, he couldn't be happy at all; in his opinion, it was unfair to Parks.
"Don't complain, you should be content, White, the Silver Star is not easy to get!" Cobb said somewhat sourly, "It's all luck, isn't it? Alright, I'm leaving first, I wish you continued good luck!"
But no matter what, this could not be changed.
However, they did receive the Silver Star, and the brothers who participated in the commando unit all seemed very happy.
"Parks!" Winters nodded to him, "To Company HQ!" He then waited for Parks to walk to Company HQ with him.
Nixon was already waiting at Company HQ.
He watched the two enter, raised his cup, and said with a smile, "Congratulations to you both! General Taylor will be going to Easy Company this afternoon for the commando members' medal ceremony."
"It seems he values it greatly!" Winters said with a smile, "This is a good thing for the commando members!"
"Dick, Major Horton told me to tell you to go to Battalion HQ." Nixon said with a smile.
"Alright, I hope it's not those guys from the company causing trouble!" Winters nodded, then greeted Parks and Nixon, and headed towards Battalion HQ.
"Good news or bad news?" Parks looked at Nixon.
Nixon poured Parks a glass of wine, handed it to him, and said with a smile, "I think it should be good news! We'll know in a bit!"
When Winters arrived at the entrance of Battalion HQ, he first straightened his uniform, then raised his hand and knocked on the door.
Then he heard a "Come in" from inside.
Winters pushed the door open and found Colonel Sink also inside, along with Major Horton and Lieutenant Colonel Strayer, among others.
They nodded to Winters as he entered.
"Are the brothers all doing well?" Colonel Sink proactively walked over and spoke to Winters, "You know, I applied for the Medal of Honor for both you and Parks, but during the review process, it turned out this way.
However, this is still a very high honor."
Winters nodded; he didn't quite understand what Colonel Sink meant, so he simply said nothing.
Sink nodded to him and said, "It's just that something went wrong with Parks' matter.
You know, a reporter made a complaint about him midway, which made it very difficult for the higher-ups, and they had no choice but to downgrade his honor.
I hope you talk to him well; I don't want him to have any emotional problems; he has always been the pride of the 506th Regiment."
"I understand!" Winters felt a little relieved.
It seemed the higher-ups weren't blind regarding Parks' situation; at the very least, they could consider a Lieutenant's feelings, which was already very good.
"Thank you, Colonel!"
"Hmm, by the way, this afternoon, General Taylor will be coming to Easy Company to meet the brothers, mainly to thank your company for holding the Carrington line alone.
He will personally reward the commando members who received the Silver Star.
Prepare well!" Colonel Sink said, patting Winters' arm, "Work hard, Dick."
After Colonel Sink finished speaking, he walked out with Lieutenant Colonel Strayer; it seemed they were specifically waiting for Winters here.
Watching Colonel Sink and the others leave, Major Horton walked over.
He stood in front of Winters and said with a smile, "Well done, Winters.
Colonel Sink said you are fully qualified to be promoted to Captain."
Major Horton took out the silver bars and pinned them on Winters' collar, then extended his hand and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Captain Winters!"
"Thank you, sir!" Winters shook his hand and then saluted.
This was his second promotion, and it was after receiving the Distinguished Service Cross, which made Winters' mood a bit excited.
When he returned to Company HQ, Parks and Nixon both saw the double silver bars on his collar, and Nixon couldn't help but whistle, "Woah--Captain Winters!"
"Congratulations!" Parks extended his hand to Winters and grasped it.
He was genuinely happy for Winters, and it was well-deserved.
He had led Easy Company to a series of victories, and these victories were the greatest cornerstone of his promotion.
What was even more commendable was his ability to win the trust of the brothers.
It was like the trust the First Platoon brothers had in him now.
This was something he could feel; it was the most precious thing.
In the afternoon, Taylor came to inspect Easy Company!
The officers and men of Easy Company assembled in an open space in front of the camp.
General Taylor stood at the front of the open space, waved his hand, and said loudly, "Alright, fellows, let's temporarily forget about formations; gather around."
"What's this old man up to?" Malarkey quietly asked Moore beside him.
"Who knows!" Moore said distractedly.
For him, what the General said might be important, but the most important thing was whether they could get leave or when the war would end; that's what he most wanted to hear.
General Taylor's opening remarks were very direct.
He said loudly to the officers and men of Easy Company, "I am proud of you; you are the pride of the 101st Division; all honors bestowed upon you would not be excessive!" His words, of course, referred to Easy Company's performance in the defensive battle, the line they held.
"I know he said many things, but do you know what one sentence I remember most?" Malarkey continued to whisper to Moore, "That is what he once said: 'Hit them hard for 3 days and 3 nights, and then I'll pull you out.' If he could fulfill that promise, I think the brothers would be very happy, even happier than listening to his speech."
"God knows if that's true.
You know he's just a division commander; above him are corps commanders, and General Eisenhower.
If General Eisenhower said that, I'd be willing to believe it!" At this moment, Luz, next to Malarkey, suddenly chuckled.
"Listen up, fellows!" Lipton interjected abruptly from the side.
Then their conversation ceased.
And it was clear that General Taylor was still in high spirits; he kept waving his hands, appearing very imposing.
"I know that in this company, there are also some very excellent soldiers and officers who once went deep behind enemy lines, fought bravely, rescued our soldiers, and destroyed the German command post.
Today I am specifically here to present them with medals.
Each of them will receive the Silver Star.
They deserve it." Taylor suddenly changed his tone and said with a smile, "But I think the Silver Star is far from enough; they should also receive the Cross, because they are true warriors."
Then he suddenly added, "Of course, the premise is that I have the authority to decide what medals to award." His words caused a burst of laughter among the Easy Company brothers.
The eleven commando members went up to the platform to receive their medals from General Taylor.
Each time he presented a medal to a member, he would personally pat his hand and say "Good job" or "You're great."
Parks was the last to be awarded.
Taylor personally placed the medal on him, patted his hand, and looked at him with a smile, "You know, when the Cross was awarded this morning, I had an impulse to punch General Bradley, because the person who deserved it most didn't get it.
But I couldn't; he's my superior.
This feeling should be the same as your current feeling, right!"
His words made everyone smile knowingly.
Parks saluted him, then said calmly with a slight smile, "No, General, I am proud to serve in the 101st Division."
General Taylor patted his arm and nodded; he was very satisfied with Parks' performance, not just because of his merits, but also because of his obedience and calmness.
After the awarded members went down, he suddenly smiled and said, "I know there are no reporters here today, so I will reveal a piece of news to you as compensation for the commando members."
"What I want to say is," General Taylor continued, "the war is developing very smoothly now.
In my opinion, there is now a possibility that by Christmas, we might enter Berlin."
As soon as his words fell, a burst of cheers erupted from Easy Company.
This was the news they most wanted to hear.
Although the war had only been going on for a few days, the torment it brought had already made them suffer enough.
"God!" Cobb clutched his chest, then burst into ecstasy.
Frankly, he had had enough too; these days he had been cursing this damned war and those damned Germans in his heart.
"We can go home alive!" Guarnere hugged Tibbett beside him and laughed loudly, "God, it's great, I think I can definitely last until Christmas; I want to go home for Christmas."
In fact, the topic of the war ending by Christmas had been circulating in Easy Company for a long time.
Everyone generally just thought about it in their hearts and didn't dare to truly confirm it, even if the rumors came from certain officers.
But now that these words came from General Taylor's mouth, it undoubtedly made all the brothers firmly believe it.
"I can't believe it, I think I must last until Christmas." Winters said this to Nixon when he returned to Company HQ, "I want to plan my post-war life now."
"Want a job?" Nixon said with a smile from the side, "How about New Jersey? There's Nixon Fertilizer Products Company there; I know people there."
"No, no, I haven't decided yet!" Winters said with a smile, "Maybe I'll go to the countryside and build a farm.
What do you think of me being a farmer? I like the smell of wheat fields."
"That's a good idea!" Welsh said with a smile from the side, "But I think I'll go drive a taxi.
And I immediately have to plan for Betty's wedding dress.
I've always kept that parachute.
I think we're going to England soon, and I'll have it made into the most beautiful wedding dress there.
I can't believe how beautiful Betty will look wearing it!"
Parks couldn't help but shake his head from the side; the Allied command's blind optimism would clearly harm these people.
Welsh said to Parks from the side, "I know you never believed we could end the war before Christmas.
Now it seems you'll still lose."
Parks looked at Welsh's excited face, shook his head, and said with a smile, "Originally, I really didn't want to spoil your fun.
But I still have to say, don't be happy too soon.
Our prospects are not as optimistic as currently predicted!"
Winters, Nixon, and Welsh all looked at Parks in astonishment, their faces filled with disbelief.
In this matter, they would rather believe a high-ranking general than a newly promoted Lieutenant.
Parks didn't bother to analyze, because even if his predictions were more accurate, or his analysis more reasonable, even if Winters and Nixon were willing to believe his analysis was sound, would those big shots above believe a Lieutenant's assertion about the war?
Clearly not.
The brothers of Easy Company had been immersed in joy ever since they heard General Taylor's optimistic prediction.
Many of them believed they could last until Christmas arrived.
But this didn't make them any more polite outside of training.
They still scoured everywhere for anything they could take, calling it 'souvenirs of war'.
Ever since Moore got his first benefit from the warehouse, he and Malarkey always brought back some fresh fruit and other delicious things every day.
Of course, they occasionally showed kindness, letting their brothers have a taste, but most of it they consumed themselves.
However, this did not include the box of pineapples Moore sent to Parks and the box of assorted fruits he sent to Winters.
Later, Moore discovered a motorcycle garage inside the warehouse, which made him very envious.
He always wanted to get one out of there.
But he didn't tell his fellow countryman, knowing he wouldn't agree.
So he had to find another way out.
And he really did find one.
Behind the warehouse, he found a dilapidated small door.
This was an excellent exit, allowing him to take the motorcycle away without anyone knowing.
July 10th, 15:00 in the afternoon.
"Easy Company soldiers, assemble!"
Whistles and shouts intertwined in the field camp.
The entire camp where the 101st Division was stationed became extraordinarily lively, and then large groups of soldiers gathered at their designated training locations.
"We are now going to Utah Beach immediately and camping there.
Everyone pay attention, take everything you think you need to take, put away your spoils of war, and don't forget to bring your weapons.
Tomorrow, we will board warships.
We are going to Britain!"
Winters spoke loudly to his brothers.
"Move out!"
Finally, Winters waved his hand vigorously.
The soldiers lined up in neat rows and began to march towards the beach.
Winters looked back at the sprawling inland and the lush bushes on the land, then turned his head away, no longer looking at it, and followed his company, beginning to march towards the beach.
"Hey, let's sing!"
Gordon walked at the front of the line, saying to Parks, who was leading, "Boss, let's have one!
I'm really excited to leave this place!"
"All right, all right, I don't object, but don't think you can incite me to start first!"
Parks replied with a smile.
"He's just a recruit, trembling with fear.
He checked all his gear, his backpack strapped tightly to his body."
Gordon began to sing loudly with his big voice, "He must sit there, enduring the hum of the engine.
He won't stand up again.
Bloody, bloody, what a terrifying way to die.
He won't stand up again."
Gordon's singing gradually drew responses from his fellow brothers, and the singing slowly turned into a chorus, with many brothers belting out their voices, letting them reverberate in the sea breeze blowing towards them.
"...He jumped into the cold air, his ripcord released.
He won't stand up again.
Bloody, bloody, what a terrifying way to die.
He won't stand up again.
He counted in a drawn-out voice, he counted loudly, afraid of making a mistake, he waited for the shock.
He broke through the wind, he shattered the cold, he plummeted terribly from high above.
The parachute ribbons fluttered, tangled around his legs.
He won't stand up again.
Bloody, bloody, what a terrifying way to die.
He won't stand up again..."
Gradually, Parks was also infected by the brothers' singing, and he slowly joined the ranks of the singers.
They marched while singing loudly, and soon, like a plague, it infected other companies, spreading to the entire 506th Regiment, and finally to the entire 101st Division.
They sang with hoarse voices, from the bottom of their hearts...
Winters did not speak, but he kept smiling.
Clearly, he also wanted to sing, but he finally held back.
However, Nixon, beside him, couldn't resist and also sang loudly along:
"...The tangled mess swaying in the air caught his neck, the shroud lines tore the canopy.
The suspension lines knotted, wrapped around his bony frame.
The round canopy became his shroud, he was hurled to the ground from the air.
He won't stand up again..."
Utah Beach, at a glance, was full of ships, looking like a huge, seemingly endless military port from afar.
This was the first time the brothers of Easy Company had seen this landing beach.
"Who would have thought that a great war had been fought here?"
Nixon gazed at the sea with emotion, watching the warships drifting on the waves, "This is probably the first time in my life I've seen such a spectacular sight; it's far more shocking than what we saw from high in the sky on D-Day night."
The beach was bustling, with many tanks and soldiers moving in groups towards the inland.
American flags fluttered everywhere on the beach.
Parks was also amazed by the landing site of the world's largest amphibious landing operation, but beyond that, he felt nothing.
As for Winters, his eyes were already starting to feel dry.
"What a magnificent war machine!"
Nixon exclaimed again.
This was precisely what Parks wanted to exclaim in his heart.
He smiled at Nixon and said, "Why not have a drink for such a magnificent war machine?
I know you have good whiskey hidden in your canteen!"
Nixon was stunned, then burst out laughing, "Yes, you're absolutely right.
We should have a good drink for this!"
Saying that, he unhooked his canteen from his belt, took a big gulp, and then handed it to Parks!
Parks took it and took a sip, then heard Nixon laughing at him, "Do you regret it now?"
"What?"
Parks handed the canteen back, looking at Nixon strangely.
Nixon pointed to the seemingly endless warships floating on the sea and the columns of tanks and soldiers moving on the beach, then nodded and said, "I'm even more convinced now that we'll end the fighting before Christmas."
As he spoke, several planes whistled over their heads, glinting silver as they disappeared ahead over the land.
"I don't regret it!"
Parks smiled slightly, "Don't forget, the Germans haven't completely collapsed yet.
Their strength is considerable, otherwise the French and British wouldn't have been beaten so badly by them.
You know, these two countries are major European powers!"
Nixon shook his head, saying nothing, he continued to raise his canteen and drink, then handed it back to Parks.
The three of them said nothing more, they just sat on the beach, looking at the busy beach in the distance, each lost in thought.
The brothers of Easy Company were like wild beasts escaped from a cage; after setting up their temporary tents, they immediately started looking for all sorts of fun things to do on the beach.
Some people even snuck to the other end of the beach, planning to swim there, then relax and enjoy sunbathing on the beach.
This was very pleasant for them.
"Are you really going to strip naked and go in here?"
Cobb felt ashamed of a few guys who were undressing, "Are you sure you want to strip yourselves bare in such a public place?
I certainly don't!"
At this point, a few guys had already stripped naked and were running bare-assed down to the beach, splashing around in the water.
"Hey, what are you afraid of?"
Luz shouted from the side, "Afraid someone will see your little bird? Or is your little bird making you feel inferior in front of our big birds?"
"Screw your big bird, Luz!
Don't point that thing at me, do you want to shoot me like a German?"
Cobb grumbled unhappily at Luz, "Alright, hurry up and get in!"
Cobb started taking off his clothes, but he still left on his loose shorts.
"Alright, brothers, here I come!"
Cobb shouted, then sprinted into the water, and soon a wave pushed him up from the water.
But he was embraced by a group of brothers who had already entered the water.
"Oh—my God, Landers, move that thing, it's poking me.
It's like a dagger!"
Cobb shrieked, about to struggle, when Heffron grabbed the drawstring of his shorts and pulled hard downwards.
"Hel—" Cobb hadn't finished his sentence when a big wave crashed, everyone let go, quickly floundering into the spray, and Cobb, unprepared, was pushed very high by the wave.
Before he could even shriek, the wave quickly receded, as if it had only licked the sand.
"Oh—God!"
It was a shriek from Cobb.
He was pushed high by the entire wave, then abandoned on the beach by the receding water, stark naked, like a big fish flopping on its belly on the sand.
"Cobb, that's your price!"
Luz laughed heartily, then quickly floundered into the water, watching Cobb quickly cover his privates with his hands and flee towards the shore.
They continued until dusk, almost soaking off a layer of skin in the seawater.
But what could be more comfortable and enjoyable than this?
Cobb still didn't dare to go back in.
Until they packed up and walked towards the camp.
On the way, they met Malarkey and Moore, those two guys were sneaking from the beach towards the embankment.
"What are they doing?"
Cobb asked, "Luz, why don't we go take a look, Moore always manages to get some fresh stuff."
"Let's go, they're having their fun, why should we disturb them?"
Luz pulled the reluctant Cobb and continued walking towards the camp.
He glanced at Malarkey and Moore; they had already disappeared down the road ahead, taking advantage of the twilight.
Malarkey and Moore were executing their plan for one last big score.
Not just the fresh fruits, but also a three-wheeled motorcycle that Moore had his eye on, something they had been wanting for a long time.
The plan went surprisingly smoothly.
They broke into the back door, then pried open the warehouse containing the motorcycles with an iron bar, pushed a vehicle out, and incidentally took four boxes of fruit.
They hid the motorcycle behind a sand dune near the beach.
Moore stroked the body of the vehicle, exclaiming, "God, what a beautiful baby, I love it to death!"
"Me too, Moore, I can't wait to take him for a ride!"
Malarkey chuckled, "We've got to plan this well!"