https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/This blog is named for the first story I posted here. Go back to the first post and read on from there if you are interested. Now it will be home to my other short stories, as I will most likely start a new one if I begin on another longer story. Big big big thanks to anyone and everyone who read James' story, your comments help to motivate me to keep on posting. hourly12000-01-01T12:00+00:00https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/217157In the lightlessness of his room, Andrew lays across his bed on his back, his legs hanging just slightly over the edge. With his face cupped in his palms he could feel each breath brush warmly against his lips and cheeks. It had been more than two months since he was contacted by what he believes...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/210364From just a short distance to the south a quick burst of shots cut through the silence. They were quickly followed by another burst from across the street accompanied by the screams of a wounded German. All at once the quiet vanished and a flurry of shots filled the air. Mike pushed open the door...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/210065The next hour and a half seemed to fly by, the four comrades taking some time to sit back and relax. At 10:30, they all got suited up to head out for Bascom Avenue, and their first attack during the day time. With all of their gear equipped and in check they left out the back door of Mike’s house...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/203640The group stayed awake for a few hours, talking about this and that while cleaning and checking their weapons. Mike felt glad that he had kept his M14 while the others had taken the Steyr rifles from the Germans. It maybe weighed a few extra pounds, but he preferred the solid feel and...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/202942“Jesus H. Christ.”, Was all that Mike could manage. Tearing down the street, the three transport vehicles made their way to the exposed American fighters. “Come on guys, let’s get the hell out of here.” Tom called to the others. The four darted across the street, passing up Ray who was calling...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/201910The two trucks rolled along Bascom Avenue, picking up speed as they made their way down the long stretch. They looked to be unremarkable military transport vehicles; a large flatbed truck with a wire spine draped in canvas. It became apparent to Mike that both of the trucks looked identical,...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/201872In the distance the group could hear the sound of gunfire from the north, the opposite direction of they were going. They smiled to each other, feeling a bit proud to be a part of what was looking like it might become something big. They made their way through backyards, jumping over fences and...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/201627After a hearty meal of pancakes, bacon and eggs, the four comrades sat out on Mike’s front porch; a freedom they all feared they wouldn’t enjoy for much longer. It was about 10AM at that point. Mike and Skip had a cigarette while Tom and Robert talked, quietly, about their plans for the evening....https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/201196The summer heat had not yet fell across San Jose, California, and the cool night air bit at the five men as they hopped over the last fence, emerging once again on Stratford Drive. They came out at a three way intersection, and hurried across the street to find the cover of shadows. Listening for...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/TorturedSoul/200795Skip took one last drag from his cigarette and threw it down, Mike following his lead and dropping his to the ground as well. Robert and Tom went first, pulling themselves up and over the fence, quickly disappearing from sight. Joe and Cody followed behind them, jumping up and scurrying over. As...