The Culprit

‘You’re no innocent bunny,’ Lemuel seethed. ‘You’re a burden whose wilful acts drag others into danger while you remain blissfully unaware!’ Callie was taken aback by the sudden onslaught of accusations. ‘I don’t understand,’ she protested, her voice shaking. ‘How am I responsible for what happened?’ Lemuel’s rage surged, and he fought the urge to lash out physically at the woman before him. He took several deep breaths, trying to control his emotions. ‘Both Elias and Private First Class Travis Campeau were injured because of you!’ he shouted, his voice sharp and filled with bitterness. ‘Every soldier who ventured out into that minefield this morning and risked their lives was because of you!’ Callie’s mind raced, trying to make sense of Lemuel’s words. ‘I didn’t ask anyone to come looking for me,’ she defended herself. ‘I didn’t even know they were coming!’ Lemuel’s frustration boiled over. ‘Drop the act!’ he snapped. ‘If you hadn’t rushed out into the minefield without protective gea