by Ali Vali
“Thanks.” Wiley kissed both of Tanith’s cheeks before standing and facing her parents. “This might incentivize you to retire,” she told her father, and her mom hugged her.
“You remember your responsibilities while you’re out there, and you come back. I’ll be praying for you, and I’m going to help Tanith with Aubrey after they go home.” Danielle squeezed her and stepped away to allow Buckston a chance to say what he needed to. “I love you.”
“I love you both, and I appreciate you watching over my family while I’m gone.”
“Remember,” Buckston said with his hands framing her face, “in and out. I know how much you love the countryside, but this is no time to linger. You go knowing how much you’re loved, and you come back.”
“Yes, sir. Believe me that I don’t want to miss a minute of this baby with Aubrey and Tanith. Thanks for everything, Dad.”
“You bet, and how about we go see the ships before your mom has to leave, Tanith?” he asked, and Tanith seemed reluctant but nodded and followed them out.
“Promise me you’ll take care of yourself until I get home,” she told Aubrey when they were alone. “I love you so much, and if I had my way, I’d stay.”
Aubrey nodded and stepped into her arms. “Whenever you’ve had to go before, I always had time to prepare myself, so this sucks. I want you to remember something too. You’re taking a huge part of my heart with you because you own it, my love. It’s that love that gave us Tanith and this baby.” Aubrey placed Wiley’s hand on her abdomen. “Our kids need you and everything you bring into their lives that I can’t give them. I want you to remember that as well.”
Wiley took her time kissing Aubrey, trying to make it last for all the days she’d be gone. “You are the love of my life and everything that brings me joy. I love you.” She kissed Aubrey again before bending and kissing the spot where her hand had been. “I love you too, little one, so take it easy on your mama until I get back. No making her throw up. She hates it.”
“I love you, Wiley. We all do.” Aubrey hugged her and held on with what seemed like all her strength. “Don’t forget what your father said.”
“I won’t, and I’ll miss you,” she said, kissing Aubrey one more time. “Let’s go, baby.”
The family exchanged their last good-byes dockside, and she showed Tanith the picture in her cap that Tanith had given her of her and Aubrey. It was the first and only thing of a personal nature she’d ever taken with her on a mission.
“I won’t be long, love,” she said to Aubrey before she climbed the gangplank and stood close to Berkley and Aidan. Her torture would truly begin when her family was out of sight.
* * *
Chase Bonner’s assistant Ron Bollinger got back into his car and headed for his boss’s home. Nothing had come across the Speaker’s desk about any type of military action, but enough firepower was leaving Andrews to level any enemy. He was glad he’d listened to the contact they had on base to get there before the Jefferson sailed. Olivia Michaels’s presence meant this was more than an exercise of any kind, so perhaps they could use this against her.
“Sir, I’ll be there in forty-five minutes,” he said to Bonner and hung up.
He’d outgrown the role of lackey years ago, but he’d accepted the position with Bonner when Dick had asked him to. Anyone with a pulse and a bit of intelligence knew of Chase Bonner’s unquenchable ambition, but he’d proved useful. That the idiot thought he’d be president still amused him, but he wouldn’t crush his dreams until the day he outlived his contributions to the mission.
“You need to call a press conference in the morning to question Michaels about initiating actions that might lead to war,” he said when he sat down with Chase and explained what had happened that night.
“Not unless we know what it was about. You know that bitch will deny it all, if pressed. The sad fucking thing is, everyone in America will believe her, and I’m not up for looking like an idiot.”
Ron almost laughed at how formal Chase appeared in his baby-blue pajamas, robe, and slippers. “That doesn’t matter. Right now, the public is on edge about everything, and we need to keep up the pressure.”
“Then what?”
“Then it’s easier to get answers. We need to know where the ships are sailing,” he said slowly, hoping not to have to repeat himself. “If they’re heading toward Mr. Chandler, we need to prepare, and possibly move him before it’s too late.”
“Fine—take care of it,” Chase said, crossing his arms over his chest. “And, Ron, don’t forget who you work for.”
“No, sir. I never forget that.”
* * *
Aidan ordered them underway but told the bridge to hold to half speed until further notice. She was in her office going through the file General Greenwald had given her, and the first item was the reason for not opening the Jefferson up to full throttle. Of anything she’d done during her military career, the coming days would be the most bizarre.
“Come,” she said when she heard a knock. “Hey, you need to get back to the deck,” she said to Berkley when she stuck her head in. “You’re getting a special delivery.”
“Did my bath salts and massage oils come in?” Berkley asked. “Good. I needed something to take up my time until you get us there.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Not yet, but your North Korean captain should be here in about fifteen minutes.”
“She’s not exactly mine, Captain, and I thought the defense secretary had changed his mind.” Berkley scanned the page she handed over and moved her head from side to side to crack the bones in her neck.
“He wanted to make sure she’d get here as safely and covertly as possible. Until I say otherwise, she’ll be assigned to your team. Let me know if you have any problems with that.” She stood and closed the door, not wanting anyone to eavesdrop. “I’m putting Wiley with you too, unless you’d rather her be with the guys on the Arlington.”
“Wiley’s a good egg, and she’ll be fine with us. We were in high school together but lost touch when she headed for West Point and I went to the Academy.” Berkley handed the sheet back and sat in the visitors’ chair.
“Wow, that must have been an impressive class,” she said and winked.
“Military dads, what can I tell you, but joining Greenwald’s unit is like trying to get into the SEALs. That makes Wiley not only a badass, but the top badass. I never got the whole story, but something happened a few years back, and she went covert for years, so this might be a good time to catch up. You saw her when she had to walk away from Aubrey and Tanith, and I’d like to look out for her.”
“You’re a good egg too, baby, and you took two things off my list of stuff to worry about,” she said, locking the folder away. “I can concentrate on just worrying about you.”
“That’s an easy job—I’m totally low maintenance.”
She laughed harder this time and pinched Berkley’s cheeks. “Later on, we’ll review what happened the last time you were in North Korea before you spin any more tall tales.”
“I can guarantee I won’t get shot down this time,” Berkley said, standing to follow her out.
Aidan realized the truth of why that was, and it didn’t make her feel better. “Don’t remind me.” They walked toward the bridge together and returned a few salutes along the way. “Go welcome our guest, and I’ll meet you both in the mess hall after I can speed this baby up.”
The ship was cutting through fairly calm seas, but the cloud cover made for a dark night. She ordered them to slow down even more when the radar reported a helicopter approaching. Jin Umeko had been cleared for this mission to act as a guide to get their team close to Lowe Nam Chil’s compound, so it was like déjà vu when she stepped onto her deck.
“Wait for the escort to get clear and go to full speed.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“I’ll be in the mess hall, but call if anything comes up.” She stood from her chair and motioned for Devin to follow. �
��You might remember our newest crewmember, but let’s get reacquainted.”
They were just underway, but the crew was already busy with their assigned task as Aidan moved through the corridors. Two years ago, she would’ve relished the beginning of another tour, but this time her stomach was in a knot. “Let’s hope I’m just being silly.”
“Ma’am?” Devin asked.
“Nothing. Just talking to myself.”
Jin was sitting with Berkley having coffee, but she stood and saluted when Aidan was in her sight. “Captain Sullivan, thank you for this opportunity.” Jin appeared different in the US uniform, but she didn’t seem displeased with her lower rank of commander.
“Welcome, and I hope we’ll have the opportunity to speak as we make our way. This is Commander Devin Clark, our security officer. He’ll get you squared away in a room close to Captain Levine’s. Your gear is already in there, but let us know if we forgot anything. It’s late, so you can retire if you like.” Aidan nodded slightly when Jin did and smiled. “You should get some sleep.” Aidan pointed at Berkley. “This one likes to run the deck every morning, and if you’re on her team, there’s no getting out of it.”
“That’ll be nice after so many days of being in one place.”
“Good night,” Berkley said to Jin and stayed with Aidan. “You staying up much longer?”
“For a bit.” Aidan poured herself more coffee. “I want to get us farther out to sea before I go to bed. You can head in if you want. I’ll tuck you in if you’re still awake.”
“I will, but not yet.” They separated, and Berkley headed outside. She walked the deck until she reached the bow and wasn’t surprised to find Wiley there gazing out at the darkness. The lights of the coastline were getting dimmer, but they could easily make out the lights of the Arlington and the Anchorage as they kept pace. “You have a beautiful family, and I’m sorry you got dragged into this and had to leave them behind.”
“Thanks. Leaving was tougher than I thought it’d be. Before, it was hard, but both Tanith and Aubrey’s sad faces were hard to walk away from.” Wiley leaned against the rail and turned to gaze into the wind.
“Even when they can come with you, it’s tough.” Berkley looked up at the bridge and thought about Aidan. “As much as it sucks, though, I appreciate you being here.”
“I missed the high school reunion and figured this was the next best thing.”
* * *
“You’re wasting your time, amateur,” the translator told Walby. From the moment of his capture, Lowe Nam Chil had refused to speak English. But Walby suspected he spoke it fluently.
“The only thing captivity has done for you,” Walby said with a smile that he hoped didn’t hide his amusement, “is make you finally succeed at staying true to a diet.” Lowe did appear much slimmer than the last time Walby had questioned him. “That’ll make you really popular when I bunk you with someone who’s plenty lonely and waiting for those seventy-two virgins.”
Lowe spoke again, his tone harsh and laced with so much venom Walby didn’t need the translator to understand his intent. “He says he’s killed more people than you’ve ever met, sir,” the translator said.
“That’s true,” he said, knitting his fingers together and placing them on his knee. “I almost admire a man who can take what he’s dished out for so long. I’m sure you never expected the tables to be turned.”
“If what you’ve done is your idea of torture, you have little imagination,” the translator said after Lowe laughed at the short statement.
“We have standards, and we abide by them even though we understand people like you won’t return the courtesy. It’s not that we claim the moral high ground, but it’s the decent thing to do.”
“It’s your hypocritical decency that makes you weak,” Lowe said and waited for the translator to finish before slamming his hand down. “The world saw you for the cruel cowards you really are during the Gulf War.”
“Like you, I do things for the good of my country, and I sleep fine at night.” He glanced at the piece of sky he could see through the high window and exhaled. “Don’t think of that as me trying to explain myself.”
“Do I look like your priest then?” Lowe laughed, which only made him appear crueler.
“No. I was explaining why I think this job would be better done by someone more familiar with you.” Walby stood and headed for the door. Even with the air conditioning, Guantánamo Bay was oppressively hot and uncomfortable, since the cinderblock buildings heated up so much that the units couldn’t keep pace.
“You admit defeat so quickly?” The translator delivered the taunt in the same deadpan tone she always used, and he smiled, thinking how it lost the bite Lowe put into every exchange.
“I’m more of a supervisor who understands the importance of rewarding my employees,” he said, placing his hand on the knob.
“What does that mean?” It was such a paradox listening to Chil’s unhinged personality, followed by the translator’s monotone delivery. It was another technique of theirs since he personally knew the woman translating, and she was extremely animated, except when she was with someone like Chil. If they spoke English, the subject went a little nuts hearing that flat delivery of their words.
“You sound like you’re so proud of your life’s work, and to honor that, I want to introduce you to someone who’s familiar with it firsthand.” He opened the door to Henry Lee, the youngest member of his team.
Henry was brilliant and driven since he’d come to the States alone at the age of eleven. From the moment of his arrival he’d worked hard and succeeded in school, despite the horrendous foster homes he’d been placed in until he’d aged out, and he started contacting the CIA during his senior year at Harvard. His persistence got him a meeting, and the agent he’d spoken to contacted Walby before Henry had left the building. After their initial meeting and hearing his story, Walby had offered him a job, and today would be Henry’s reward for all the shit he’d gone through.
“You probably don’t remember Henry, but he remembers you.” Walby waited for the translator but noticed how intently Chil was staring at Henry.
“Who is this puppy?” Chil asked, finally relaxing his face and smiling.
“I’ve waited a lifetime to see you again, you pile of shit,” Henry said in English and put his hand up to silence the translator. “You torturing and killing my family has played a loop in my mind for years.”
Chil stared at him and cocked his head to the side as if trying to remember something about Henry. “Do you think this will make me talk?” he asked in perfect English that had a bit of a British accent.
“I’m not sure,” Walby said as Henry laid out his tools, and Lowe showed fear for the first time. It wasn’t much, but it was a crack in his façade he couldn’t help but let slip. “It’s not about that any longer.” Two men came in and bound Lowe to the chair. “Talk or don’t, it doesn’t interest me now, but helping Henry replace his memories with something much more satisfying does.”
“Wait,” Chil screamed when Walby took a step out. “What do you want to know?”
“I’m curious as to how loudly you can scream before you pass out from the pain.” Walby closed the door and moved to watch from the next room.
“You killed my family for keeping part of the crop they worked hard to grow,” Henry said, removing a small knife that was rounded at the tip. “You did it in the village center so they’d be an example to everyone else.” He placed the flat of the knife under Lowe’s chin, forcing his head back. “Do you remember pulling out their guts slowly? Do you remember how they screamed in pain, or how my parents begged you for the life of my sisters? They were only six and eight years old.”
“I was only following orders,” Chil said, his breathing quickening when Henry cut the buttons off his shirt one by one.
“If it makes you feel better, so am I,” Henry said, slapping Lowe gently on the cheek. “Only they’re my orders, decided by me the day you killed my f
amily.” He moved the knife to the spot under Lowe’s belly button and laughed. “It’s like Christmas, so thank you for not talking to my boss. If you’d spilled your guts, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to literally do it now.”
“I have information you need,” Chil said, pushing back from Henry as hard as he could and dragging the chair until it hit the wall. “It’s important.”
Henry used his cell phone to call him, and Walby figured Chil would pass out from how hard he was breathing. “I doubt he has anything useful, but he claims he does,” Henry said.
Walby made them wait a half an hour before he came back and sat across from Chil. “If this is only to delay what you have to know in your dead heart you deserve, I’ll make sure Henry takes more time with you than he already planned to. This building will be cleared, and we’ll deny anything to anyone who asks about what happened to you. The only useful thing you’ll do in this life is feed the fish off the beach outside.”
“I want protection,” Chil said first, then started talking like a man trying not only to save his life but unburden his soul. They listened, and even Walby was surprised by what Chil knew.
“It’s going to be a long couple of days,” he said to Henry when they had Chil taken back to his cell. “Let’s take a run at the others again and see what we can add.”
“Yes, sir, but I am a little disappointed,” Henry said.
“Don’t let go of your dreams just yet, Henry. Karma has a way of either punishing or rewarding us, and you’re due a reward.”
Chapter Seventeen
Aidan joined Berkley’s team for their daily meeting, wanting to know every part of the plan General Greenwald and his advisors were putting together. They’d been sailing for a week and received updates at least five times a day. Every report seemed to contain something new, but it was making her a little crazy that they were sharing a lot of it with Jin Umeko.
Jin had done a good job of fitting in, running with Berkley’s group every morning, eating with them, and giving her opinions on occasion when they allowed her in the strategy sessions. Nothing in all that raised any specific red flags, but the woman had shot Berkley down. In that one instant she could have blown Aidan’s world to shit, and it wasn’t until Aidan was in Jin’s company that she realized she hadn’t gotten over it, much less forgiven her for it.
