Chapter 7
Parachute Jump School: Day Two
Early the next morning, Jill hobbled slowly to the Hummer on her crutches as she contemplated her situation. She had to gently operate the clutch with her sprained ankle. The pain was bad when operating the clutch, but not nearly as bad as walking. Jill wanted to finish HALO school because it was necessary for the upcoming mission. She also wanted the personal satisfaction of jumping out of an airplane at thirty-three thousand feet. If I could take one day off and get some rest, maybe I could finish HALO school.
Jill pulled into the parking lot for the HALO school. She was determined that she would get out of the Hummer and walk to the school without her crutches. She couldn’t risk letting anyone see that she had a weakness that would prevent her from finishing. Stopping the engine, she opened the door and gently put her weight on her left foot. Pain shot up through her ankle and into her knee. She had experienced substantial pain before, even broken bones, but this was excruciating. How could this sprain be more painful than a broken bone?
She wished for a miracle as she hobbled to the door. Entering the hanger, she heard the instructor yell, “Teen Hut!”
“As you were.” Jill’s weak voice trembled. She tried to minimize her hobbling as she walked toward the others. Everyone’s eyes focused on her left foot. The tight Ace bandage was tucked inside her boot so there was no visible evidence that she was injured, except for her limping.
Jack and the instructor walked toward her, probably so they could speak to her in private. The instructor spoke first. His voice was quiet, and surprisingly compassionate. “Ma’am, how are you feeling today?”
“I sprained my ankle, class two. So the pain is piercing, but it could be worse. Nonetheless, I need to continue the class.”
The instructor and Jack looked at each.
“The Pilatus airplane only carries four jumpers,” Jack said. “Maybe the lieutenant and I should jump tomorrow, that way the others could get all their jumps done today.” Jack looked at the instructor and waited for his response.
“Well, it’s going to be tricky getting everyone to jump today using the Pilatus. If someone has to jump tomorrow, it might as well be you two. Ma’am, take the day off and get some rest.”
“I’ll walk with you to your Hummer,” Jack said.
Jack let Jill set the pace. Jill spoke when they got to her Hummer. “Savage, did I miss something? I thought for sure that the C-130 was going to be used for today’s jump.”
“Oh, well—you don’t think the Army is going to spend all that money on fuel when they could use a more cost-effective airplane?”
“Savage, I don’t know whether to believe you or not.”
“You don’t think I would lie to you, do you, ma’am?”
***
Jack was pleased that his plan to give Jill an extra day of rest succeeded. He was glad the instructor went along with his impromptu story about the Pilatus Porter being used today. But, he still had mixed feelings about working with a female partner. The thought of protecting Jill during her recuperation makes me feel good. On the other hand, I still don’t like the idea of her watching my back while we’re in hostile territory.