but the men in the gap were packed too tightly , hampered by the mud and their heavy packs they could not budge . the waitress was soon back with our pancakes , and left a plate in front of each of us . chris is taking over until i can get some rest . '' `` anything , '' i whispered , feeling my heart cry with the gravity of the shadows in his tone . `` good to know you 're there to serve and protect , chief . '' she did n't want to hand this case over . 