15
Kathryn shot upright, gasping for air. Sweat glistened on her chest and face, and she felt her ribcage tighten around her lungs. She glanced around the room, Abby lay asleep in the bed next to her, but everything else remained quiet. The journalist touched her cheeks then her forehead before regaining her composure. She crawled out of the bed and, sliding on her shoes, left the room.
The bathroom on the top floor lay between her room and the next but was only accessible from the hallway. She entered, wet a towel, and pressed it repeatedly against her face and neck. Her breath did little to calm her as she inhaled and exhaled deeply. The dream, the first of many she knew, still lingered in her mind. Already a notoriously bad sleeper, the nightmare didn’t help. In it, she stood, surrounded by the mangled bodies of dead Marines, covered in blood from head to toe, screaming as the blood from the bodies rose from the floor. It rose to her ankles, then her calves, then her thighs, waist, chest, and neck. Stricken with the horrifying realization that she would drown in their blood, fear had forced her awake.
Kathryn glanced in the mirror and immediately noticed the dark circles under her eyes. She sighed and draped the rag on the edge of the sink. She wasn’t going back to sleep, that much she knew. What dreams would she have? She didn’t want to subject herself to her uncontrollable subconscious. She could try, but she knew she would just lay there fearful of closing her eyes. No, she would attempt sleep tomorrow night, and maybe it would come easier once she was back home.
The bathroom door creaked open, and Kathryn, dressed in borrowed athletic shorts and a tank top, descended to the main floor. Her thoughts fell on Wyatt, and she smiled. Was he awake too? She thought it couldn’t hurt to find out.
Kathryn quietly opened the door leading to the courtyard. The night was surprisingly cold, and her skin prickled in response. She wrapped her arms around her torso and walked across the courtyard. Halfway to the other building, Kathryn shrieked as the suppressed gunshot rang out on the mountainside. It wasn’t deafening, but the sound was unmistakable. The same fear from earlier that day surged throughout her body and paralyzed her. The door to the security building burst open, and Wyatt, fully dressed in his combat gear, rushed forward, grabbed her, and hastily guided her into the security building. The contractors were already donning their gear and scooping up their rifles when the pair entered.
“Confirmed suppressed gunshot from the northeast, up the mountain,” Wyatt told them. He guided Kathryn to the couch and calmed her.
“Good copy,” Lincoln replied. “Guys, keep your heads down until you reach your designated defensive positions. I want to know what’s going on out there.” He hoped it wasn’t what he feared. He was the first kitted up and out the door. The rest quickly followed.
“You alright?” Wyatt asked her. She looked around, panic smeared across her face. “Look at me,” he urged. Her eyes snapped to his, and she took a deep breath. “You’re okay,” he told her. She believed the words and felt the calm wash over her. “It’s always easier the second time around.” The journalist found truth in the statement. The crippling fear was easier to fight off, and her mind stayed relatively clear. “Stay here, okay?” She nodded quickly.
“Be careful, John,” Kathryn called. He paused and looked back at her.
“Always,” he said before he disappeared into the night.
Wyatt snapped down his NODs and moved to the edge of the building, careful not to expose himself to a northwestern trajectory. He turned on his radio, which was still connected to Lincoln’s team.
“You guys seeing this?” came Becker’s voice.
“Yeah,” answered Adara.
“Me too,” came Sotelo’s response.
“We going to check this out?” Becker asked. Lincoln remained silent. Wyatt peeked around the corner of the building and smirked. An IR laser painted a halo in the sky as the green beam, visible only under night vision, spun in quick circles.
“Those your Marines?” Lincoln asked Wyatt. Natalie had filled him in on the planned insertion.
“Appears to be,” Wyatt replied. “I’m headed up there; anyone coming?” Wyatt moved toward the steel doors.
Lincoln thought quickly and assessed the situation with what information he had available. From his position, he gazed through his NODs. He made out the clear silhouette of the man tracing the halo. Two others stood next to him. They certainly looked like American military. Lincoln’s eyes snapped to the man’s left hand. His thumb and pinky flared out in the familiar shaka. Lincoln returned it and nodded his head.
“Quinn, Becker, on me,” he said into his radio. “The rest of you, hang here until we get back.”
Quinn and Becker fell in line behind him as he neared the gate. Receiving a quick nod from Lincoln, Becker activated the controls to open the gate. It screeched open, and the four-man unit, including Wyatt, made their way up the mountain.
Shaw watched them approach and picked his way down to them. Wyatt pushed past the others and embraced Shaw when they met. He squeezed him tight.
“Captain David Shaw, MARSOC,” Shaw greeted the others once Wyatt released him.
“Scott Lincoln, SAD. What’s going on up here?”
“Follow me,” Shaw answered. The group traversed east about fifty meters and steadily ascended the slope.
“Well, this is a mess,” Becker said. The deceased insurgent lay slumped over his rifle. There was no question as to where the rifle was pointed. Blood splattered the ground to the left of the corpse, showcasing the exit trajectory of Shaw’s bullet.
“Lincoln, Wyatt, this is Barone and Hogan,” Shaw introduced. The two Marines stood nearby keeping an eye out for more threats.
“What do you make of this?” Shaw asked.
“Just as we thought,” Quinn answered.
“Looks that way,” Lincoln added. He squeezed he PTT, “Guys, they know we’re here.”
“How long do you think we have?” Becker asked.
“At most? A couple of days maybe,” came Lincoln’s reply. Shaw watched and listened intently.
“Out of the frying pan and into the fire,” Becker said. The weight of the situation bore down on all of them.
“You could be putting that lightly,” Lincoln retorted. He turned to Shaw, “He alone?”
“Yeah, we already swept the mountainside. It’s clear,” Shaw answered.
“Let’s get back to the outpost. We have a long night ahead of us. Shaw, I’m glad you and your men are here. We could use the extra muscle,” Lincoln replied.
“We’ll help where we can, but we’re here for Al Amiri,” Shaw stated.
“We fear an attack on the compound, and because of your new intelligence, our evacuation orders have been delayed. I hope it’s worth it,” Lincoln said. Shaw noted the contempt heavy in his tone.
“We’ll work as quickly as possible,” Shaw replied. He hadn’t known the situation was so dire, and he certainly didn’t want to jeopardize the safety of the personnel in the compound. “Excuse me,” he said. Lincoln nodded, and Shaw turned away. “Warhorse, this is Philo Actual.”
“Go ahead, Philo Actual,” came the communications specialist under Lt. Bateman’s command.
“We’ve got a new development on the ground. The outpost is compromised. Please advise,” Shaw informed.
“Understood, Philo Actual. Stand by.”
“Roger that,” came Shaw’s reply.
“So, what’s the situation?” Wyatt asked, moving next to him. Shaw turned toward him and then glanced back at the dead sniper.
“I’m not one for leaving Americans high and dry. Until we hear from command, we stay our course,” Shaw replied. “Let’s get down to the compound.”
• • •
Kathryn perked up as the door opened. Wyatt strode in wearing a wide smile. She returned the grin and rose from the couch. Three men she didn’t recognize entered next.
“Kathryn, this is Captain David Shaw. He’s my team commander,” Wyatt said.
&nbs
p; “Nice to meet you,” she said.
“It’s a pleasure, Kathryn,” Shaw said. The rest of the team entered, and Lincoln stepped last over the threshold.
“Alright, we’re on watch shifts. You guys know the drill. Let’s get a couple pots of coffee going,” he said. The team disbursed through the area, prepping for the rotating watches. Shaw turned to Wyatt.
“I want to meet with Officer Hale.”
“Sure thing,” Wyatt replied.
16
Natalie pressed the top of her fist against her mouth as Lincoln addressed those present. She had dragged them out of their beds as soon as Lincoln had come knocking on her own door. Natalie didn’t possess a large team, but they were talented. Despite the haze of sleep, they all listened intently as he spoke.
“I won’t sugar coat it. A trio of Marines engaged a sniper who was fixed on our position. The reality of this information suggests that someone knows we are here and has hostile intentions toward us,” he said gravely. He glanced around the room as he uttered the words, and he witnessed the fear spread across their youthful faces. “I’ve got only five contractors and four Marines to defend this place, and I can’t promise that we will be successful.” He made eye contact with Natalie, “I’ve got actionable intel that there is a serious threat against this facility.” She didn’t miss the reference to their previous conversation, but she held his gaze and received the firm warning. All eyes fell on her, and she lowered her hand from her lips to address her team.
“Alright, team,” she began, her voice strong and unwavering, “I want everyone prepared to evacuate. Prep all the hard drives for destruction. I don’t want to leave anything here that can be used against us.” She met Lincoln’s gaze again. His eyes showed his approval. “But we are not to forsake our orders to find Al Amiri. We will evacuate only after we have found him.” Lincoln’s approval slid off his face, leaving behind a scowl.
The door opened, drawing everyone’s attention, and Shaw strode confidently inside followed by Wyatt, Kathryn, and two additional Marines.
“Natalie Hale,” Shaw greeted, extending his hand, “Captain David Shaw. I want to thank you for your actions yesterday.”
“Nice to meet you, Captain,” she responded, gripping his hand. “I’m just glad we were in a position to help. I’m sorry we couldn’t do more.” He nodded before casting his gaze around the room.
“Prepping for an evac?” he asked, observing the commotion.
“I want to be ready just in case. Did you have something you wished to speak about?” she asked. Shaw produced an old cellphone from his pocket and presented it to her.
“Took it off the sniper on the mountainside,” he answered. “I want to know if that sniper had any connection to those who launched the attack, and I’m hoping you have someone here that can trace the next call that comes in.”
“Bryon,” she called, suppressing her excitement. The young man approached swiftly. “I want you to trace the next call this phone receives.”
“Will do,” he said. He took the phone from her hand and moved to his desk. He plugged the phone into a device on his desk before turning to his computer.
“Now we wait,” Shaw stated. “I want to find out who’s on the other line.”
“Hopefully Isaam Al Amiri,” Natalie stated. She couldn’t deny the glee she experienced at the sight of the device.
“That’s shooting in the dark,” Lincoln retorted.
“Who else? He’s the highest profile target we know of in the city. If anyone has the gall to shoot down two United States helicopters and plan an attack against our compound, it’s him,” Natalie countered. Lincoln retreated; she did have a point.
“Al Amiri,” Shaw started, “could he get access to a MANPADS?”
“MANPADS?” Kathryn whispered to Wyatt. He leaned toward her.
“Short Range Man-Portable Air-Defense System,” he replied quietly. “Like a bazooka for helicopters.”
“Thanks,” she said. He smiled.
“No problem.”
“We don’t know much about Al Amiri other than he was within bin Laden’s inner circle and now that is confirmed by your recent findings. I assume he has the resources to acquire such weaponry,” Natalie answered. She turned toward Bryon. “Bryon, I want to know the minute that phone rings.” Bryon simply nodded. Lincoln seized the opportunity the brief silence presented.
“I could use you guys if you’re up for it,” he interjected. Shaw turned to face him. Lincoln’s expression forecasted his annoyance with the entire situation.
“My men need time to rest and get some chow, but we will be ready if you need us,” Shaw answered for them. A grateful Lincoln turned to leave. Shaw nodded again at Natalie, confirming his faith in her ability, before following Lincoln out.
The four Marines and Kathryn made their way across the compound toward the security building.
“Shaw, hold up,” Wyatt requested. Shaw gave Barone and Hogan a nod and waited for them to enter the security building. Kathryn paused. “Go ahead, I’ll just be a second,” he explained. She nodded and hurried after Barone and Hogan; she didn’t want to remain in the courtyard any longer than she needed. “What are you thinking?” Wyatt asked Shaw after she disappeared inside.
“I want what I came here for,” Shaw replied.
“Then what?”
“I’m going to hunt down everyone who’s involved in this,” he stated. His grave tone struck Wyatt. He had never beheld such a manner within Shaw.
“You mean after Al Amiri? How far are we taking this?” Wyatt asked. Shaw noticed his use of we.
“As far as we need to,” he replied.
“Then I’m with you all the way,” Wyatt said. Shaw gripped Wyatt’s shoulder and gave him a thankful nod. In truth, he didn’t expect any less from the man before him. Shaw continued toward the security building.
Once inside, Kathryn, Wyatt, Shaw, Hogan, and Barone sat at the kitchen table and feasted on a quick meal. Sotelo had offered them some leftover ground meat, cheese, tortillas, and a spicy sauce he had whisked together. There was enough left for each person to down two tacos, but Kathryn refrained and simply accepted a cup of coffee. Barone and Hogan were more than happy to eat hers.
They stuck to pleasant topics while they ate, and they laughed together as Shaw and Wyatt recounted some comedic stories from their deployments together. Hogan and Barone enjoyed watching the experienced Marines interact, and Kathryn thought Shaw was delightful. He was well spoken and polite, and it was obvious how much the two men cared for one another.
“Well, that was amazing,” Shaw said as he finished his last bite. He placed both hands on the table and released a satisfied exhale. He cast his gaze toward Wyatt, and his eyes softened. After a long pause, he said, “Tell me what happened.” Wyatt’s eyes drifted to Kathryn before returning to Shaw. He began slowly, recounting everything about the previous day’s tragic events. When he finished, Barone stared at the floor, and Hogan clinched his fists.
“We’ll get them,” Shaw calmly promised. Kathryn reached for Wyatt’s forearm and gave him an affectionate squeeze. He looked at her and offered her a half-hearted smile. He knew healing would come, but it would be a long road, a long road for all of them.
“I’m the last one, David,” Wyatt said. He fought back the grief as it rose within him. Shaw nodded slowly, somberly.
“You’re not alone,” Shaw said. Wyatt looked at him. He knew that, but the words didn’t help him feel any better.
• • •
Natalie pushed through the French doors as her team finished their last preparations for the evacuation. Everyone stopped and looked at her. “Where are we on Al Amiri?” Abby rose from her station and addressed the room.
“My sources say that bin Hashim arrived in country in May of 2017. He’s been a vocal opponent of Saudi and Western influence. He made numerous trips to the capitol advocating for a return of the Imams of Yemen, no doubt building support for his own claim,” she explained. Fo
r hundreds of years, imams and later kings, whom the people revered as religious and political leaders within the Shia faction of Islam, ruled Yemen.
“But from what we know of Al Amiri’s involvement with al-Qaeda, he’s not Shiite but Sunni. Does he have any support?” Natalie asked. It was only to satisfy her own curiosity. It didn’t matter one way or another.
“I don’t know,” Abby replied.
“What else do we have?”
“Bin Hashim seems to care little about Sunni and Shia relations. From the dossiers we pulled on him, his intel has helped the US destroy numerous Taliban networks. Both the Taliban and al-Qaeda are Sunni,” Rachel added.
“He’s attempting to place himself above that then,” Natalie noted.
“I believe Al Amiri is more of a nationalist and may be more politically motivated. He’s not a true believer,” said Stephen Carson. Natalie looked at him.
“Go on,” she said.
“His return to Yemen after rising so high in the ranks of al-Qaeda suggests to me that he wants to see his nation and his people prosper. He only returned to Yemen after things got really bad here. You should see how the people praise Taaha bin Hashim. His name is everywhere, and he is providing for his people: food, water, medicine, you name it,” Stephen said. “He’s living this double life out to perfection.”
“If he’s able to provide for the people, then he’s certainly able to procure weapons,” Natalie noted. She sighed. It was never easy and most certainly always complicated. Removing Al Amiri meant depriving people of hope and provisions necessary for life. “Do we know where he is?” Natalie asked.
“Not yet,” Bryon stated.
“Come get me once we find out,” Natalie stated.
“Will do,” Bryon responded.
The team returned to their work, and Natalie was grateful for how much they had dug up in so little time. However, she was not going to thrust the burden entirely on them. She too had been working to uncover Al Amiri’s location, and, so far, her search hadn’t turned up anything promising. She turned around and reached for one of the French doors.
Saber Down Page 12
