“Seriously?”
“Nah, over there.” Chris pointed to another door at the opposite end of the hangar. “It's a, well, you know.”
“You mean it might be better to go around back. Get some sleep. I'm going to take a little walk.”
Ron left the hangar and looked for a quiet spot. Fortunately, he did not see anybody around the back lot area. Good, nice and quiet, he thought.
Although numerous flare stacks emitting rising flames of gas flares littered the horizon, Ron was able to find a clear view of the stars above. Turning back around, he took one more glance of the flames and closed his eyes. “Oh princess, how I miss you,” he uttered. Opening his eyes, he looked into the dark sky, scattered with the glistening stars. Keeping his voice low, Ron said, “I see you amongst a sky full of stars. You are the brightest, a heavenly view of the one who has my heart.”
Ron felt a drop of wet moisture run down his cheek, which he instinctively wiped away with his sleeve. “Lord, please just get me home. Please just get me home, Lord. Amen.”
6
Sarah finished examining her sixth patient at Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) 15. She looked forward to a quick cup of coffee before calling the next soldier, who was waiting to be seen by medical personnel. Every morning, soldiers needing to attend Sick call, required an individual sick slip, or, a DD Form 689. There was a space for a supervisor's signature at the bottom that had to be signed and a big space available describing the patient's problem.
Usually, there were somewhere between fifty and seventy-five soldiers needing or claiming to need medical attention each morning. These numbers increased well above one-hundred during extreme climatic changes, either hot or cold. Sick call was almost always completed by noon or shortly afterwards, allowing Sarah a quick lunch and a continuation of her Physician Assistance (PA) practice at the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital's family clinic.
All through her first pregnancy, delivery, second pregnancy, and delivery, Ron helped Sarah get through two years of college coursework in basic and behavioral sciences before she applied to a PA program. Subjects like chemistry, physiology, anatomy, and microbiology came easy to her, amazing Ron in the process. Afterwards, Sarah entered the PA program, with some pull, despite her excellent grades and hands-on healthcare experience in Afghanistan.
Throughout the next twenty-eight months, Sarah pushed through intense classroom instruction, two thousand hours of clinical rotations, and another baby. When finished, she received her master's degree. Her final two steps, before getting dual jobs on the base at Fort Campbell, was to become certified by taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and to obtain her state license. In Sarah's case, she obtained two, one for the state of Tennessee and one for the state of Kentucky.
Sarah walked over to the stack of medical records, ignoring the stares of young soldiers who hoped to be called next and seen by, “the gorgeous PA at TMC 15.” She read the SOAP notes on the front page while sipping her coffee.
“Sarah, could I see you a moment?” Dr. Stan Welch, her supervisor, asked.
“Of course, Doctor Welch.” She laid the medical record back in its bin, disappointing the young corporal who thought she was holding his tan-colored medical record. She entered his office, stopping long enough to take another sip of coffee.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Am I in trouble?”
Dr. Welch chuckled. “No, of course not.”
“That's good to know.”
“I heard that 5th Group deployed some soldiers. Did this affect your husband? I wondered since you mentioned about you moving to Tampa soon.”
Sarah sensed that Dr. Welch seemed to be fishing and knew she could not say anything about SF deployments. “Well, we are still leaving for Florida but probably not until the end of the year.”
“That's what I thought. I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch today? I'd like to discuss a professional opportunity with you.”
She thought for a moment and answered, “I cannot make it today but maybe a raincheck?” she asked, wondering what type of opportunity he could possibly have in mind.
“Sure, that will work well. I believe you can take your talent and skills to much higher levels than where you are now and I just wanted to present an idea to you.”
Sarah took another sip of coffee and stared at the floor. “Great, Dr. Welch, thank you. I look forward to discussing this with you then. Do you need me for anything else?'
“No, that was it,” he answered with a smile.
Sarah returned his smile nervously and went back to the stack of medical records.
* * *
Standing in front of the TV with a coffee in her hand, Sarah watched the news, not really knowing what to expect. A woman appeared on the screen with a microphone. Her words caught her attention.
“NATO is planning to set up new bases in Eastern Europe in response to the crisis in Ukraine. The Secretary General announced he would approve a plan at a summit next week to deter Russian incursions by deploying troops on Russia's borders. This announcement came as the Russian and Ukrainian Presidents met for talks in Belarus.”
“One more question!”
“Okay, go.”
“Isn't it true that this whole business stems from Russia's gas industry giant, Gazprom, turning off the gas flow taps through Ukraine to the European Union and the west would have more control if Ukraine within the EU rather than being a part of Russia?”
“Well, so to speak. The fact is Gazprom is not a normal company like you might understand one of ours, like Exxon, for example. They instead are controlled by the Russian state. We simply need to search for more gas sources and build more terminals for liquefied gas.”
“We, meaning the west?”
“Yes, NATO, the EU, and others.”
Sarah wanted to hear more news but after looking at her watch, she switched off the set and moved swiftly to the front door. Her father preoccupied her thoughts at the moment so she was not aware of Asha watching her from the kitchen. “Oh, sweetie, I didn't know you were up so early. I need to get to the clinic. Are you okay?”
“I'm fine, mom,” she answered while approaching her mother. “I couldn't get back to sleep.”
Sarah watched her move towards her and smiled. “Aw. Come here and give me a hug.”
“Okay. I will tell you everything is going to be all right. We prayed, remember?”
Sarah placed her arm around Asha's shoulder and kissed her on the forehead, and smiled. “We sure did, honey. Yes we did. I am going to miss you today. Pizza out tonight?”
Asha grinned. “Sure mom. What time did you say that Miss Carole was coming here?”
“Well, she'll be here by 7:30 to take the three of you to school. You might want to wake up your brothers in twenty minutes.”
“Can she take me to my Karate lessons after school?”
“I'm sure she can but if there's a problem, just give me a call, okay?”
'Thanks mom.”
“I've got to run, dear. Lock the door behind me and don't forget to wake up your brothers in time.”
“Okay mom. Have a great day.”
“You too, darling.”
Sarah considered today's sick call as routine and nothing out of the ordinary. When it was time to break for lunch, Dr. Welch was quite persistent about her joining him for lunch. He wanted to take her to a restaurant grill in Nashville, and then show her where his new office would be located along with the set-up and layout appearance.
“That's too far from the base. I would never get back to the family clinic in time.”
“Not to worry. I already spoke with Dr. Martin and asked him if I could use your services this afternoon. He said that everything was fine there for the day.”
“Really? And he said it was okay?”
“Yes he did. In fact, he was behind the idea of me showing you a new opportunity.”
Sarah looked confused but decided to go along
for the long ride with Dr. Welch. “Okay,” she finally said, “but I need to be back home by 5:00.”
“No problem.”
The drive from Fort Campbell to downtown Nashville took about an hour. Dr. Welch did most of the talking. Sarah, preoccupied with thoughts about her father and Ron, barely spoke a word. She also began regretting the fact she allowed Dr. Welch talk her into taking only one vehicle to save gas. He assured her he would have her back at the base in plenty of time.
They pulled into the parking lot and went inside Etch's, located in the Historic Downtown Franklin area. “This is very nice, Dr. Welch.”
“Yes, you've never been here? I'm surprised.”
Sarah ignored his added remark. “No, my first time.”
“They're famous for their pork belly and pork tenderloin.”
“This would explain why Ron has never brought me here. I don't eat pork.”
“Oh? I did not know that. My apologies. Well, they do serve some pretty good seafood, if you like that.”
“I'm sure I'll find something suitable, thank you.”
Dr. Welch went on about his upcoming transition to a private doctor in the civilian world, how much he was looking forward to the change, all the quirks associated with his new position. Sarah politely listened and acknowledged his excitement, telling him often how happy she was for him. A couple of times, she felt uneasy by his stares while she ate. Thinking of and quickly starting a new conversation distracted his attention on her, which was her intent.
After lunch, Sarah assumed they would go back to Dr. Welch's vehicle until he said, “This way. We're going to walk.”
“But the time.”
“No worries, look.”
Only a block away, Dr. Welch led Sarah into a four-story, modern building, and towards the elevator. Arriving on the top floor, he led her to a plush office suite equipped with elegant furnishings made by Steelcase. Their trademark, designs featuring adjustable tables for flexibility and graceful cabinets specializing in storing any intimidating medical equipment out of the patient's sight. The whole office held a warm, cozy, atmosphere rather than the bright, cold rooms inside the TMCs.
Dr. Welch engrossed himself with his future surroundings and introducing Sarah to a few of his colleagues. “This is the one I've been talking about who I hope will join me soon.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Doctor Reed. We've heard all about you and we do have an opening for a PA position being held just for you.”
Sarah was shocked and did not know what to say or how to respond, yet found herself replying, “Well, thank you, Dr. Reed, but I haven't made any decisions yet.”
“Take your time. You have another three to four weeks to decide because there is another PA we are considering who is about to depart from the military but for now, you are our first choice, based on everything Dr. Welch has been telling us. We'd love to have you on our team.”
“Thank you again, Dr. Reed. I shall give it some thought.” Sarah was not sure why she answered the way she did. In her mind, she did not intend to leave her current positions nor stay behind in Tennessee when the rest of her family moved to Florida. Looking at Dr. Welch, she said, “We probably should be going now. I really need to get back.”
“Sure. Come on. We still have some time. Talk to you later, Gerry.”
“Okay, see you soon, Stan. Nice to meet you, Sarah.”
“Likewise, Dr. Reed. Good-bye.”
As they walked back to Dr. Welch's car, he said, “Well, what did you think?”
“Very nice. I'm happy for you.”
“I meant, what do you think about coming aboard. I'd be a lot happier if you came along.”
Sarah stopped and faced him. “Dr. Welch, you know this would be an impossibility. We, our whole family, are moving to Florida soon. I couldn't possibly stay behind?”
Dr. Welch looked at her. “And I would not expect you to separate from your family. You could be part of our Physician Assistant Associates where you go in Tampa.”
“Really?”
“Yes, we are expanding across the country and you could set up there in Tampa.”
“Wow, I don't know what to say. This—this sounds like a great opportunity, for sure. Please let me give it some thought.”
“Remember what Dr. Martin said though, there is another potential prospect he is considering as well.”
“Okay. Two weeks?”
“Good. Talk it over with Ron and let me know in two weeks.”
“Thank you so much, Dr. Welch. I will definitely have an answer for you by then.”
Looking at her watch, Sarah asked, “Can you please take me back to the base now?”
“Sure. Come on. Let's go.”
Sarah followed him to his car. Staring out the window throughout the trip back, silence dictated the ride home. Oh Ron, please come home soon.
7
September 5, 2014
Ron sprung from his cot swiftly and looked around.
“Good morning.” Chris said. “Quite some dream you were having.”
“What's that smell?”
“That would be breakfast.”
“Wonderful.”
“You've seemed a bit edgy these past two days. Care to share?”
Ron grunted, “You're happy about this last minute mission?”
“Come on, Hawk. We're used to this type of crap.”
“Sure, when we were younger. Just not in the mood, I guess.”
“I think you've gotten soft.”
“What?”
“You don't seem to be into this one.”
“And you are?”
“Just another day.”
“Yeah, maybe so.”
“Listen to me Hawk. We both want to get this thing done and get on home.”
“You're right. I'm surprised to hear you say it, though.”
“I'm only saying what you're thinking.”
“And you know what I'm thinking now?'
“It's been all over you. I read you loud and clear.”
“I hope you're wrong.”
“Me too, Hawk. Me too. Listen, pull it together and do what you have to do. These guys are watching you.”
Back in the corner, the team was going through the motions of waking up. “You're right. Thanks.”
Chris walked over to SFC Walker. “Good morning, Tony.”
“Hey Chris. What's up?”
“Tell the guys that there's some grub out front.”
“Is that what we smell?”
Chris did not answer, but walked away smiling. Ron waited for him and then together walked outside the hangar. “Whoa.”
It was too dark to see anything the night before, so Ron and Chris received their first real glimpse of the fortress the Kurds had assembled to guard Kirkuk from ISIS.
“Quite a collection,” Chris said.
“Yep. I wonder who and how many countries are behind this arsenal?”
“No telling. It's the enemy of my enemy is my friend, mentality.”
“I bet it changes from day-to-day, depending who's waving the most money at the time.”
“C'mon, where's your patriotism, Hawk?”
“You know they asked us for tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, ammunition, body armor, helmets, fuel trucks and ambulances.”
“Guess they plan for the long haul.”
The Kurds tell everybody they need these to guard the mountainous region and to protect the Iraqi refugees they're sheltering.”
“Well, aren't they?”
“Sure.”
Chris looked at Ron a moment. “Ya know—I'm getting tired.”
“You just woke up.”
“That's not what I'm talking about.”
“I know. Well, I can honestly say, me too.”
Outside, a long table stretched across the front of the hangar. Behind it were several Peshmerga soldiers in uniform wearing tan aprons, serving food. A few of them were females in uniform. Ron and Chris went straight for t
he coffee, surveying the food before them, which consisted of bread, cheese, honey, and sheep yoghurt.
Major Kamal approached them. “Gentlemen, good morning!”
“Good morning, Kamal. This is Master Sergeant Short.”
“Yes, please to meet you. Please, both of you make yourself at home here. We will also have a special treat of lamb and peppers stew soon. Even now, your men are enjoying our fine grapes, pomegranates, figs, and walnuts.”
Ron and Chris could see members of their team eating the fruit and drinking some of the sweetened black tea. Ron hoped that one of them dared to take a swig of the Mastow, sometimes referred to as Ava Mast, which is a yogurt mixed with salt. “Hey, any of you guys like yogurt? You'll love that stuff,” Ron yelled while pointing at the chalky white substance.
“Is it good, top?” SSG Matt Winstead asked.
“You bet. Try some.”
SSG Winstead poured some into a cup and took a sip, sporting a horrifying expression that prompted both Ron and Chris to laugh. “You gotta' drink it now, Sergeant Winstead. We don't want to offend our host.”
Winstead looked at the cup and at a few of his teammates who gathered as spectators, and then in one swig, chugged it down, choking in the process.
Chris nudged Ron's arm. “We were right, look who's coming.”
Ron looked up to see Brad Davis with Lyna at his side, approaching them. The soldiers tried to eat their breakfast, inconspicuously while trying not to let their stares at Lyna's unexpected appearance become too obvious.
“Good morning gentlemen. This is Lyna Al-Jamil.” Lyna extended her hand.
“We've met,” Chris responded curtly.
Ron returned the gesture by extending his hand, adding, “Good morning, Ms. Al-Jamil.”
Lyna looked at Chris a bit puzzled. “We've met before, Sergeant Short?”
“Briefly.”
She seemed to be waiting for further explanation but Chris went back to sipping his coffee.
“I do remember you, Sergeant Hawkins, though the meeting was short.”
“I remember, ma'am.”
“Please. Call me Lyna, she said with a lustrous smile.”
Lyna, wearing jeans and a black sweater-shirt, stood five feet, eight inches. Her long, dark black hair draped over her shoulders; her almond shaped dark brown eyes, stared at Ron.
Love In The House Of War Page 16
