The Colonel's Daughter

by Lili Tufel

  “I know you think I deserve to be where I am. You always thought I was irresponsible…reckless…and you were right. I’m an adrenaline junky, going out there with no regard for my own life.” He recalled his recent days in captivity. “I begged them to kill me…but they wouldn’t…they needed me alive.”

  “You were always so courageous…the first one to jump out of a helicopter or…a…moving truck. Everyone that ever met you always said the same thing…that boy doesn’t have a fearful bone in his body…but when Jasmine was born…you ran. Am I the only one that has ever seen you afraid?”

  “You did right by not telling our daughter about me. I always hoped you would find a good daddy for her…some company man with a safe job…someone that would take care of the both of you…not that I wouldn’t take care of you or that I couldn’t…but we both know I was no good for you back then, Chelsea. I was a kid…I wasn’t ready.” He paused and drew a deep breath. “Look at me…even now…I’m no good at these emotional reunions.”

  “James, you mustn’t think that my only image of you is the one from thirty years ago. I think that you are very good at what you do…and…I feel a lot safer because of you. You are out there fighting them terrorists and it’s like you’re a guardian angel protecting us.”

  “You’re right, I ran. That’s why when Abigail’s mother got pregnant I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake all over again. Somehow I can raise these military boys making them some of the finest men…but I lose all sensibilities when it comes to those two girls.”

  A nurse entered the room and checked the Colonel’s vitals. Chelsea stayed silent holding his hand. The Colonel’s skeleton-like body trembled sporadically. The nurse injected some medication into the I.V. line and gave Chelsea a warm smile.

  The nurse’s smile reminded Chelsea of her daughter, and that she may soon find out where she is. “You have a second chance, James. Jasmine knows you’re her father. She confronted me with it and I told her everything. She’s probably going to come in here and talk to you. I pray that you get your second chance with her, for our granddaughter’s sake.”

  “Chelsea,” he paused, “You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

  She gripped his coarse hand and brought her other to his cheek.

  “I have to go, James.”

  He slowly released her hand as she stood over him. She opened her purse, took out a tissue, and walked out of the room softly dabbing her wet eyes.

  * * * * *

  Abby dashed out of the hospital elevator weaving around slower paced visitors. She entered Colonel Johnston’s room, throwing her arms in the air as she skipped past a nurse.

  “Dad! I’m so happy you’re back! I love you so much. How do you feel? Are you eating?”

  “What do you expect? They had me on a stale bread and water diet.”

  “Oh dad, that’s awful. I heard you almost died a couple of times from being severely beaten. I was so worried about you, daddy. There were nights I couldn’t sleep at all just thinking about your suffering.” Abby grasped his hand and sat on the bed beside him.

  The Colonel turned his face in an attempt to hide his vulnerable state. “How’s your mother doing? Is she safe?”

  “I think so. She went over to Coco Beach with Aunt Marcie. She acts as if she’s upset with you and blames you for putting yourself out there in the middle of all that danger, but deep down, I know she cares. I’ve seen her cry when they mention you in the news. This whole thing has been hard on her. She just does a good job at hiding it.”

  “You don’t need to make excuses for your mother, Abigail. She’s right in blaming me. I put myself in the middle of—“

  “Don’t even start blaming yourself dad. You’ve fought for my safety every day of my life. I learned that now…that you put yourself out there for mom and me. You kept us safe…and you sent me a guardian angel that saved my life. He’s so amazing. Thank you for sending him to me.”

  “Are you talking about Dallas?” He chuckled at the sight of his daughter blushing. “He saved my life too. He led an impressive rescue.”

  Clutching her clipboard Jasmine stood at the entrance to the Colonel’s hospital room. I need to act like a professional about this. I’ll just be in and out, she thought. “Hello Colonel. I’m sorry to interrupt. I just need you to sign a couple of papers. It’ll be quick.” She gave Abby a big smile.

  “Jasmine,” Colonel Johnston slowly exhaled. “Please stay. There’s something I need to say to both of you.”

  “I’m sorry Colonel, I really can’t stay.”

  “Please, please stay for a moment.” The Colonel said.

  Abby got up from the hospital bed and stood at her father’s side holding his hand.

  He began taking short breaths, “When I was sixteen years old, I thought I was a man. I was on top of the world, not afraid of anything. I excelled in school and thought…I can handle this. I had a beautiful girlfriend…boy was she beautiful.” He looked at Jasmine. “Your mom is just as beautiful today as she was back then.” He sobbed. “I’m so sorry Jasmine.”

  “Are you alright dad? What are you saying?” Abby asked.

  “He’s my father, Abby. You and I are sisters.” Jasmine said holding her clipboard tightly against her chest.

  “You knew?” Abigail whispered to Jasmine.

  “I just found out when he got here…and I…I confronted my mom.” Jasmine turned her gaze away from Abby and looked at the Colonel as he sobbed.

  Abby looked at her father, “How come you never told me?”

  The Colonel continued to sob. “I’m sorry. I have no excuse. I’m a broken man. I have failed you both. I don’t expect either one of you to forgive me.”

  Abby held his hand, “I forgive you dad. I want you to get strong again. What happened to your faith in Our Lady? Monsignor Augustine told us you are a man of great faith. People think you have no fear but it’s only because you have so much faith. Don’t lose your faith. Please, dad.”

  “You went to see the Monsignor?”

  “Yes, Dallas took me. I told you, he is so wonderful. We got the codes just as you planned it.”

  “Colonel, can I ask you a question?” Jasmine cleared her throat. “Did you send Javi here to protect me?”

  “Yes,” he gave Jasmine a nod. “I’ve known Javi since he was a young West Point graduate. I practically raised that boy to the gifted A-Team Commander he is today. He’s the best there is. Just like Dallas. I had to do it I had to send them to protect my girls. I couldn’t think of better candidates for the job.”

  “Thank you, Colonel for sending Javi. He saved Samantha’s life.” Jasmine said.

  “My granddaughter,” he whispered.

  “Yes.”

  Abby looked at Jasmine. “And to think it was my niece who had gone missing. Jasmine, I’m so glad I was able to be there with you. I always wanted a big sister.”

  “Abby, I think you’re an amazing girl. You were very sweet to me during the most difficult time in my life. I’m grateful for the support you gave me.” Jasmine smiled, “Can you believe we’re sisters?”

  Javi knocked on the door and entered the room. He approached Jasmine, embraced her back wrapping his arms across the front of her waist, and pecked her cheek.

  “How you doin’ Colonel? You’re lookin’ good. And look at you, already surrounding yourself with beautiful women.” Javi gave the Colonel a pat on the shoulder.

  “I hear you’re gonna become my son-in-law.” The Colonel joked.

  “What?” Jasmine yelped.

  “Only if I have your blessing, Sir.” Javi replied.

  “You have my blessing Captain. You’re like a son to me already. I couldn’t think of a better man to raise my granddaughter.” The Colonel winked at Jasmine.

  “I think the Colonel was just joking about you being his son-in-law. Are you being serious, Javi?”

  “Let’s go talk about it over some lunch.” Javi took her hand.

  The Colonel raised his v
oice, “The Captain here knows when I’m joking and when I’m being serious. Was I joking around soldier?”

  “No sir.” Javi replied.

  “You’re dismissed Captain.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Hand in hand, they walked out of the room.

  Abby sat by her father’s side on the hospital bed.

  “Abby, I’m worried about your mom. Why don’t you give her a call? Make sure she’s alright and let her know you’re here with me.”

  “Okay dad.” Abby retrieved a newly purchased cell phone from her jeans pocket and dialed. “Hello mom?”

  “Abby, is that you?” Susan’s voice echoed on the speaker.

  “Hi mom, guess what? Dad’s here with me. He was worried about you but I told him you were with Aunt Marcie.

  “Abby, I came back to the apartment.” Susan said dryly.

  “I told you not to, mom.”

  “Put your father on the phone.”

  “Go ahead you’re on speaker.”

  “How are you Susan?” He said in a soft voice.

  “James!” She shrieked loudly.

  Faisal ripped the phone out of her hands and spoke, “Either you release my nephew Maurice Shahrivar or I will send you your wife piece by piece starting with her left ear.” Faisal yanked her ear with force, causing her to scream at the top of her lungs. “You have twenty four hours!” He yelled then hung up the phone.

  “Quick, go get Javi.” The Colonel ordered.

  Abby ran to the elevator where she saw Jasmine and Javi clasped in each other’s arms.

  “Javi, my father needs you. They took my mom.”

  Javi dashed to the Colonel’s room leaving the two sisters trotting behind.

  “Get General Brown on the phone.” He ordered as Javi entered the room.

  Javi handed his cell phone to the Colonel. While holding the phone with his shoulder, he removed the medical tape from his arm, pulling the IV out of his own vein. “Get me some clothes, Captain.” He whispered to Javi.

  “Your dad needs some clothes as soon as possible.” He said to Abby.

  “Dad, I brought a small suitcase with clothes for you…its back at the hotel.” Abby said running towards her father.

  “Let him wear your jacket for now, Javi. I’ll go get him some scrubs.” Jasmine said as she exited the room.

  “The General is putting a trace on Susan’s phone. We’ll get your mother’s location soon enough. Javi and I will make our way down to Miami.” He said painfully getting out of bed.

  “Listen Colonel, I can do this myself. I’m sure the General can get some guys to meet me in Miami.” Javi said as he watched the Colonel struggle to get on his feet.

  “Nonsense, I’m going with you. This guy wants us to release Maurice Shahrivar. You know our policy. We don’t negotiate with those bastards. As soon as we get her location, we’re gonna surprise that son-of-a-bitch.” The colonel then turned to Abby, “Now honey, I know your mother and I have had our differences. But I’m going to go get her out of there myself. I know you’re always asking me to let you in on my missions but I’m going to need you to stay with your sister and help keep her and your niece safe.”

  “I understand dad. I love you.” Abby pecked his cheek.

  Jasmine hurried into the room holding a pair of nursing scrubs. They snuck the Colonel across the corridor and down the stairwell.

  * * * * *

  Jasmine picked up a pitcher filled with lemonade and poured the drink into three ice-filled glasses. She reached across the round patio table and handed one to Abby. “I’m glad you agreed to stay with us here at our apartment.” She handed another to Samantha. “Isn’t it cool? You have an auntie.” Noticing Samantha’s somber face she added, “I have an idea, let’s watch a movie and make it a girls’ night.”

  Samantha swayed her feet back and forth on the patio chair stirring her drink with a straw. “But Javi said we were going to have pizza tonight.” She said bringing her palm to her face.

  “We can still have pizza…ooh…and popcorn…and lots of chocolate. It’ll be fun.” Jasmine smiled trying to brighten the mood.

  “The sunset looks so beautiful tonight.” Abby looked into the distance thinking of Dallas. “He hasn’t called me. I haven’t heard from him in days. I wonder how he must be spending his night.”

  “Can I call you Auntie Abby?” Samantha asked still fidgeting with her straw.

  “Yes, of course. I would really like that.” Abby finally smiled.

  “I never had an auntie before. My friend Jenny has an auntie and she takes her to the mall and to the movies all the time. Jenny told me that her auntie was going to take her to get a haircut. Is that what aunts do?”

  “I’m not sure. I never had a niece before. I guess—“

  Abigail’s cell phone buzzed.

  “Hey Sam, come inside with me and help me order that pizza.” Jasmine took her daughter inside the apartment giving Abby some time alone.

  “Hello?” She placed the receiver to her ear.

  “Abby,” Dallas said in a deep melodic voice. “It took me a while to get through. I don’t have a lot of time…I just wanted you to know…that I’m thinking of you.”

  “I was worried about you. I’m so glad you called. I have to tell you about my dad and Jav—“

  She listened to the dial tone for a moment then placed the phone back on the table and exhaled slowly.

  * * * * *

  Susan sat barefoot and handcuffed to the solid brass tie down of the sixty-one foot motor-yacht. The setting sun reflected its final rays against the teak cap rail, where her red stilettos had been tossed into the ocean during a struggle while boarding the ship. Faisal stood at the fly bridge managing the motoring controls.

  A man with long black curls entered the fly bridge. “There is a fishing boat approaching. The idiots are waving at us. What do you want me to do with them?”

  “How the hell can a fishing boat be this far out? I will go see myself. You stay here.” Faisal said.

  Javi, disguised with a Hawaiian shirt, baseball cap, and dark sunglasses called out, “Hello! Please help us! I think my father is having a heart attack.”

  Wearing a similar Hawaiian shirt, the Colonel leaned against Javi clenching his chest and panting heavily.

  “Go away! We cannot help you.” Faisal shouted.

  “What? I can’t hear you.” Javi said as his boat reached the yacht’s swim platform, which made for easy boarding.

  “Go away man. We cannot help you.” Faisal repeated.

  “Please…my father…he needs…water.” Javi insisted. The Colonel pretended to gasp for air dramatically.

  “Alright, bring your father to me.” Faisal agreed. He lowered the swim platform allowing Javi and the Colonel to board the yacht.

  Javi examined every detail of his surroundings. He counted the number of men on board and the type of weapons they carried.

  Faisal escorted the Colonel to the interior dining area leaving Javi with two armed guards. Susan remained unseen as she fidgeted with her handcuffs unable to scream from the duct tape over her mouth.

  The Colonel leaned against the granite counter top. Faisal handed him an ice-cold bottle of water.

  The Colonel cleared his throat. “You ever fish for marlin?”

  “No.”

  “Have you ever seen a blue marlin?” The Colonel sipped his water.

  “No.”

  “You must have. They got a long pointy nose.” He made a gesture over his nose. “They got dark fins and a white belly.” He brought a hand to his belly. “They’re pretty big fish sometimes weighing several hundred pounds.”

  “No.” Faisal was unmoved.

  “You know what makes excellent blue marlin bait?” The Colonel stalled. “Spanish mackerel.”

  “I thought you were having a heart attack old man.” Faisal reached for his gun.

  In half the time, the Colonel pulled his boot knife to Faisal’s throat.

  “Ehh—E
hh—Ehh…I’ll take that.” The Colonel reached for Faisal’s gun. “Where is she?”

  “Not until you release Maurice.” Faisal grunted.

  He pushed himself against the blade moving the Colonel slightly back. The Colonel gritted his teeth and brought the gun to Faisal’s head pushing him back.

  “You’re in no position to make demands. I’ll ask you one more time. Where is she?” The Colonel pushed the barrel of the gun against Faisal’s head causing it to tilt.

  “If I tell you and you don’t kill me, they will kill me. Either way I am dead.”

  “Well today may be your lucky day.” The Colonel paused. “Listen, we already got Maurice. It’s just a matter of time before we get your boss Afshin Shahrivar. You’re already going down. The only choice you have is to join the winning team.”

  “Afshin doesn’t care for his own son, Maurice. But I do. He’s my sister’s son. I care about them both.”

  “Then join the winning team.”

  “Only if you protect my sister and you bring her to America.” Sweat dripped down Faisal’s sunken cheeks.

  “I’m not a family reunion coordinator. But…I’ll see what I can do.”

  “The woman is over there.” He pointed in the direction of the tie down.

  He escorted Faisal back onto the wooden deck.

  “Well it took you long enough.” Javi joked as he handcuffed his final prisoner to the stainless steel railing.

  The Colonel handed Faisal over to Javi and asked, “What time are you expecting your boss to call?”

  “I have to call him.” Faisal offered both hands for an easy handcuff. “He will suspect something if I don’t call by ten o’clock.”

  “Javi, I want you to get Dallas on the phone. I need him ready to move by twenty two hundred.”

  Colonel Johnston circled the deck and found Susan. He didn’t dare touch the duct tape that was placed over her mouth. As soon as he untied her wrists, she swung her right arm up in the air and swooped down slapping the Colonel with all her might.

  Removing the tape from her own mouth, she cried out, “How dare you put your daughter in such danger? I’m a mess…look at me…and my shoes…” She leaned over the railing mourning the loss of her shoes as her dress flew up with the wind.