Why the hell hadn’t Mac told him that this teacher was a woman? He might have given her a heart attack. She’d had her head turned to look at the house when he charged the Jeep and he already had his arm in the window when she turned around. He’d never forget the look on her face for as long as he lived. There, reflected in her big brown eyes were all the things he knew he’d become. She’d been terrified, of course, and she’d run. He’d run, too, at first out of instinct. The flight of prey triggered something deep inside him now. Then he’d slowed to let her escape. He was ashamed. Even as he pounded on the door he wanted to beg her forgiveness for what he’d done and for what he’d become. But he couldn’t go back. He’d chased her away and that was best for them both. Maybe now Mac would give up this stupid idea and let him train for a combat mission. Johnny knew he could be effective in the field if they’d just give him a chance.
