Water

by Anna Petrovich

  “Miss Ray.” Carlson shook her hand, his mind making an assessment of the young woman.

  “Tessa, are you alright?” Ethan interrupted, seeing the fear in her eyes and the trembling of the hands.

  “I don’t know.” Her voice was almost a sob. “They almost killed you…for me. Those men…you saved me.”

  “No.” Ethan replied, shaking his head in shame and dropping his eyes to the floor with a sad look on his face. “You’re a brave young woman, Tessa.” A slow smile spread across his face and he looked at her again. “That took guts to sneak out of there and then get my daughter’s help. They told me how you got out. Keep studying, don’t give up on that young man either.” She threw her arms around him in a hug before returning inside.

  “You’re an interesting man, Mr. Ryde.” Carlson said after she had gone, leaning with his back to the railing.

  “There’s a job offer in that file. Take a look.” Ethan flipped open the manila sides and stared at the papers.

  “Detective?” The file fell onto the porch boards and he struggled to his feet, shaking his head. “I’ve got a family who needs me to…stay alive, keep out of that world.” Carlson could see the struggle passing across the younger man’s face. His mind and body had been trained to deal with the issues in the file, but his heart was torn by wanting to be the man his family needed him to be.

  23

  A large vehicle took off from the parking garage, two men crouched in the dark interior around a large box. “Ishmael, this is for our father and our mother.” They clasped hands in the dark, opening the case to examine the contents. The plastic sat with wires stuck in strategic places – all connected to a timer.

  “Mr. Patricks was most generous in assisting us.” The man called Ishmael said, returning the cover to the case and pulling out a sheet of paper. “We are to take it to a residential area near a house where his enemy lives, as well as others who will die.”

  “This has been our dream for years. Who is this man who dares to make an enemy of Mr. Patricks?” The other man shook his head, unable to comprehend the stupidity of such a human who would sacrifice his life for mere vengeance, especially a man who was not a follower of Allah.

  “He was a soldier against our people.” Ishmael spat at the doors as the vehicle pulled to a stop, both men leaping out. His movements caught the attention of the injured man on the balcony who saw the case and read the intent of destruction in the men’s faces. He limped inside the house, shutting the door quickly.

  “Antione, get the women and children out the back door. We need to evacuate the neighborhood. No use calling the police, it’s probably one of Patricks’ operations. Two men, car bomb. Go.” Without another word, the old man pushed the women and children out the door. Amber tried to protest, but something in Ethan’s eyes warned her against fighting his orders. She saw him pull out a gun, then wince, a tear sliding down his face. Her heart was shattered into a thousand shards as Antione pulled her out the door and she had to leave him, alone.

  Ethan turned to walk to the front door, then felt a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not letting you go out there, son. Not alone.” He looked at Carlson who stood holding a gun, a smile on his face. “Let’s stop these traitors.”

  “Yes, sir.” Carlson let the way to the front door, crouching low as they approached the window. The men outside were carrying the bomb towards the front door, so he pointed Ethan into the next room. Both men aimed at their target, paused a beat, then fired simultaneously. Their targets collapsed on the green lawn, but the box fell hard on the cement. Carlson rushed out the door with Ethan covering his back. The timer was moving, quickly, a minute passing like a breath. “We need to get this bomb out of here!” Ethan grabbed the box and limped across the lawn to the Audi. Climbing inside, he slid the box into the trunk before pulling away from the curb. Carlson stood watching for a brief second before returning to the bodies and checking their pockets. The truck was deserted with nothing else of interest in the interior.

  His phone rang, the number unknown. “Carlson, I’m just reaching the pier…if I don’t make it…tell Amber that…I love her.” There was so much fear, determination, and regret combined in the voice that shook slightly, it made the older man wince.

  “Get out of there in time, son.” The phone beeped, the silence like a dirge for a life that was on the verge of death. Miles way a black vehicle sped toward the edge of the pier, the driving inside focused forward. He ignored the people who were scrambling to get out of the way. His hand scrabbled for the door, throwing it open and rolling out. It flew into the air, nosing into the ocean before the water went up in waves and the pier shook from the explosion. Ethan struggled onto his feet, limping to the edge and watched the water begin to calm down. A policeman approached, his gun aimed and fear on his young face.

  “Put your hands up, sir.” Ethan whirled around, an annoyed expression on his face and a bored look in his eyes.

  “Move along, son. This is agency business.” In his hand, a badge appeared glinting in the sunlight and distracting the officer. The next thing he saw was a foot slamming into the gun and sending it over the edge. Then a fist ramming into his head before he blacked out. People in the crowd began to run towards the edge, some talking and others beginning to scream. Ethan followed, searching for a vehicle, eyes roving around. Stepping close to a small blue Sonata, he pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around his hand before smashing the window. The seat felt comfortable, easing the aches of his body. Using the wires, he started up the engine and pulled out towards home.

  Amber was standing on the lawn with Carlson, a cup of coffee in her hand. She saw the vehicle approached, dropped the coffee, and ran to the door. Before he could climb out, her arms were around him, and the tears were soaking his shirt. He held her, his face a stoic mask and eyes revealing nothing. Carlson could see the pain behind the mask, understood the desperate act to save his family and other civilians. “I thought…maybe…we’d lost you.” She looked up into his eyes, giving a slight smile.

  “We’re safe, darling…for now.” He kissed the top of her head, tears watering up in his eyes. “Let’s…go home.” They walked back into the house, the rest of the family gathered in the living room. Ethan sank into a chair, his last reserves of strength giving out and a wave of exhaustion washing over him. His daughter wrapped her arms around him, relieved to see him alive.

  “Are you alright?” Her question was breathed out, the tears of joy glistening in her beautiful eyes.

  “I’ve been better.” He laughed, then a wracking cough shook his body, buckling him over in an attempt to keep breathing. Amber put her hand between his shoulder blades, bending down to look into his face. Her worried eyes scanned the haggard grey color of the skin and bloodshot eyes that were focused on the floor. Blood appeared at the corner of his mouth, sliding down in a liquid stream. A groan escaped his chapped lips and a look of pain came across his face.

  “Help me get him into the bedroom.” Carlson carried him into the bedroom with both women following.

  “You should get a doctor. I’ll have the agency send one over immediately.” He left the room, they could hear him talking in the hallway. Amber sank onto the bed next to the unconscious man, her hand clutching his own. “They have a man on the way. He’s a strong man, Mrs. Ryde, don’t be too worried.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Carlson, but I’m not Mrs. Ryde…yet.” For a moment, her mind went into a state of panic. What if we never end up married? Oh, darling, I can’t lose you. Then she took control again, bending over and kissing his forehead.

  “Begging your pardon, ma’am.” Carlson stiffened, his eyes going to the floor in embarrassment.

  “It’s fine…someone’s at the door.” He left, eager to get out of the uncomfortable situation. A man returned with him, ignoring both women and beginning to examine the wounded man.

  “Carlson, talk to me.” His voice was a terse army bark, a grim look on his face that made Amber nervous.


  “Patricks got to him. Had a man who worked him over for about…twelve hours. He was a mess.” Even Carlson was visibly moved, his eyes getting a shadow of sadness in the deep blue color.

  “He’s a strong man, but it…will take some time to recover. The nerve damage that was inflicted…I’m not sure…this will be difficult.” The doctor began pulling things out of his bag, muttering to himself. “We’ll need to set up operations in here, ma’am.”

  “Of course.” Amber stood, wiping a hand over her eyes to stop the sleep from fogging their vision. “Whatever I can do to help.”

  “Just keep the children out of my way.” She flinched at his rude tone, eyes following his every movement with concern. Ethan groaned, his eyes fluttered open and he tried to sit up. “Stay down.”

  “Gavin?” The doctor raised his eyebrows, then squinted at his patient before a look of recognition appeared on his face.

  “Ryde. Good heavens. Barely recognize you, man.” The men shook hands, a smile on their faces.

  “You broke my arm the last time we spoke and threatened to end my life.” Amber winced inwardly, watching the doctor stiffen.

  “Yeah…” He rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed look on his face. “That…was…a bad time…those shots were strong.”

  “I know, Gavin, I know.” They laughed, Ethan slapping the doctor on the arm before a look of pain crossed over his face.

  “Good times, old friend.” Gavin pulled out his stethoscope, his mouth moving in a low inaudible mutter. “I was sorry to hear about the wife.”

  “Yeah.” His tone shut the conversation down, but Amber stepped to his side and put her hand on his arm.

  “You must be Mrs. Ryde.” She smiled, nodding, a flush of pride on her beautiful features and in her eyes. Ethan looked up at her, marveling again at her beauty, love, and loyalty. The doctor could see the absolute change in the patient’s demeanor. A young woman came running into the room, her skin a pallid grey.

  “Esmail turned up dead this morning, this was on his chest.” She shoved a photo into his hand, watching the pallor cover his own face.

  “Gavin…there won’t be any need for the hospital equipment.” Ethan’s voice was emotionless, a dead monotone. The doctor ripped the photograph out of his patient’s hand and look it over. His body shrunk visibly, a defeated look in his eyes.

  “I can’t order you to stay here, you’re a civilian…but you have a wife and children to care for major. I’d advise you to get out of the country, let this whole thing blow over.” He put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder, trying to will the young man to listen to reason.

  “Amber…it’s up to you, darling. We can stay or fight…or leave the United States…forever. There’s a house in England…it belonged to my father.” Amber stared at the wall, fear clutching at her heart. If she said, stay, the children would be in danger, Ethan would be risking his life, even her own life might end. But, to leave, might destroy the love that they had for each other. She was so afraid of making a mistake and losing his love. Reason told her that it wasn’t a valid response, but experiences was pushing the fear into her mind. Tears slid down her cheeks and her hand was shaking as it caressed his cheek.

  “We’ll fight this…together.” Liquid welled up in his eyes, the pain visible in their clear blue depths. They clutched each other’s hands, the dread of the future clinging to their hearts.

  “Are you sure? The children…” He groaned as the doctor stuck a needle into his arm, his forehead creasing in surprise. “What the…what was that?”

  “An experimental drug just released on the market, promotes the growth of new tissue to heal wounds. Should put you back on your feet in a day, hold off on storming the castle until then. For now, get some rest. Mrs.…sorry, ma’am, if you could make sure that he’s well fed and stays in the bed till I come back tomorrow, it would be much appreciated.” Amber nodded, getting up and leaving the room quickly. The two men turned to examine the photograph, when Ethan noticed the hidden message in the cement above the dead man’s head. Run.

  24

  Two children slipped out of the doorway in the grey twilight with an older man, climbing into a vehicle that pulled away from the curb immediately. A woman stood at the door, sobbing, the tears sliding down her cheeks in a river. She gasped as a man appeared at her side, then buried her head into his shoulder. “We’ve never been apart, Ethan.”

  “I know, but they’ll be safe this way. He can’t lay a hand on them in England, not if we’re making enough noise here.” He rubbed her back, gently calming her down and giving her strength. “It’ll be alright. I love you.” His lips touched the top of her head, the soft kiss warming her heart. She turned, putting her slender fingers on his shoulders and looking into his eyes.

  “You’re the best thing that has happened in our lives, darling. We can’t lose you, don’t let this fight consume you.” He nodded, biting his lip with a heavy sigh. Don’t screw this up. I can’t lose them, this woman and those children are my life. Straightening, he led her into the house where the rest of the group were sitting at the dining room table working out a plan of action.

  “Mr. Ryde, there is the matter of my agency’s backing.” Carlson said, stepping forward with a file in his hands. “I can’t authorize anything without the board’s approval and they are insistent on your accepting the position, first.” The couple hesitated for an instant before Ethan picked up the pen, his hand moving quickly. It was a black signature on the paper that would bind his life to an organization that had the power to preserve it or destroy it. Strange that such a small thing could have so much control over the lives of individuals who dare to leave their mark. “I’ll make sure to alert the board to offer their full support, sir.”

  “It said in the file that a team would be assembled to assist me in the field.” Ethan spoke, stopping the older man from turning. “I want my wife as one of those people, Carlson.”

  “I’m not trained in anything, Ethan!” Amber looked at his face, saw the tender look in his eyes and the smile on his face.

  “We’ll learn together, darling.” He pulled her close to his side, meeting Carlson’s gaze without flinching.

  “That’s going to be difficult on such short notice, son. For now, these are the people that were picked originally. On the computer, you’ve got a tech expert who was on death row for hacking the Pentagon. His name’s Jack Davis. Your daughter and her group will be assisting as a third party, so your field team is still lacking. We have a database full of personnel, it might be more efficient for you to choose your own team.” He slid an iPad over the table to Ethan who took a seat with Amber by his side.

  “Tuvia Dolinsky. Israeli rogue assassin? I didn’t realize the agency was hiring trash from off the streets. But he’s good, get him.” Amber examined the picture, an instant disliking for the man coming over her. “You got any idea how many men we still need?”

  “A team of about five will suit you considering your daughter’s support.” Carlson leaned over the table, resting his chin on a fist.

  “Morgen. She’s got an interest in this case, what’s her part with your organization?” She glared at him, then nodding to Carlson.

  “She’s your handler, Ryde. While you’re in the field, she’ll be watching your back from headquarters. So, not part of your field team.” He nodded, then jumped as Zara put her hand on his arm.

  “Besides, she’s your sister. She will have to have your best interests in mind, right?” Both of them leapt to their feet, staring at her.

  “Sister!?” Ethan backed away, staring at his daughter’s face in surprise, shaking his head in denial.

  “We’re family?” Morgen stood unmoving, her heart bursting with a relief that sent it racing in her ears, pounding loud bangs that almost drowning out the other noises in the room.

  “Yes.” Zara stood, confused. “Didn’t you know that? Dhamar found your records in the deep dark net…they didn’t let you keep contact.”

  “Aft
er my involvement, they put Almira away for good in the system.” Antione broke in, staring at the young woman in amazement. “I tried to find her again, but…you know how that went, Ethan.”

  “So, my sister…” Amber was by his side, her arm around his waist and giving him the strength to face this news. “The military never told us.”

  “It must not have been important to them, people try to break up families all the time, even their own.” She sank into a chair, holding her head in her hands. “I can’t believe this.” To think that I actually thought him attractive. Thank you, Amber…for saving me from the fate of marrying my own brother. Her head came up, the relief of escaping that fate and finding her brother washing over her face. Their arms where around each other, tears sliding down their faces.

  “We should return to the task at hand…Colonel.” He finally back away, putting an arm around Amber with a smile.

  “Pick your men, Major.” She smiled back, suddenly grabbing Amber’s hand and pulling the woman into a hug. “Sisters!” The whispered words were projected over the room, but everyone couldn’t stop joining in the joyful mood for the moment.