“Not bad. Your handling was swift and deliberate. They trained you well.”
“I almost never miss my target.”
“This is good to know. Tell you what. Why don't you get some sleep? I'll guard the area and wake you up around midnight. Then, after a couple of hours, you wake me up by 0300. Deal?”
“Well, I can stay up longer than three. You will need your sleep too. How about 0600?”
“Four-thirty, and no more negotiating. If you see or hear anything, wake me up immediately, got it?”
“Alright. It is still a little early. Share a cup of tea with me before I turn in?”
Ron looked around. “A quick one, if you fix it.”
Lyna went back to the Toyota and pulled out a box of solid fuel cubes and a lighter. “One of these will boil a pint of water in eight minutes. You have that long, Sergeant Hawkins?”
“Sure do.”
“Watch, no smoke or sparks.”
“Well, that beats the twelve minute version of the FRH I have.
Together, they shared a cup of hot tea, along with some small talk and light laughter. When a rare breeze picked up, Ron watched Lyna's hair flow back, lifting from her uncovered shoulders. She noticed his observation and took a step closer towards him. “We are husband and wife, you know,” Lyna announced suddenly.
Caught off guard, Ron did not move but answered, “Um, not really.”
She took another step, nearly touching him before he took a step backwards, causing her to stop. Still staring at him she said, “What's the matter, Hawk? You have never heard the saying; the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious? Einstein.”
Ron took a sip of tea, looked straight into Lyna's penetrating brown eyes and replied, “What God has joined together, let no one separate. Jesus.”
Lyna plopped against the vehicle, took a sip of tea and said, “So it's true, what I read about you.”
“What?”
“You are a deeply religious, noble man.”
“Sometimes. I try, anyway. Besides, I'm very much in love with my wife.”
“Yes, Sarah. She's a beautiful woman and lucky to have someone like you.”
“She is beautiful, but also my best friend. I'm the lucky one.”
“You know, Muslims are allowed four wives and Allah does not mind.”
Ron smiled. “But I'm a Christian.”
“Don't they worship the same God? It's just a matter of worship style, right?”
“Who is your God, Lyna?”
“I haven't decided yet. You didn't answer my question.”
“Yes and no. What I mean is both believe in a divine creator, however, the way and method to the creator is different. Besides, much of the way worship is conducted comes from human tradition anyway.”
“Really? So then, how should one worship God?”
“Well, when Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman…”
“Ah yes, the woman at the well. The Samaritans were the direct descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. They were a mixed race who intermarried with the Assyrians and were hated by the Jews because of this.”
“Yes, and the fact they had their own version of the Bible and their own temple on Mount Gerizim. You know your history. Anyway, Jesus told her it didn't matter where one worshiped but that it should be done in spirit and truth.”
“And the truth is? You Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God.”
“The Samaritan woman made the connection between worshipping 'in spirit and truth' with the promised Messiah.
“How about you? Do you agree with this?”
“I believe one God created all things. Man sinned, separated himself from God, and then he became one of us, Immanuel, yes, the son of God. Then, we were redeemed by his blood.”
“Redeemed. So, your God does forgive.”
“More abundantly than we forgive ourselves.”
“Oh, so maybe you are more worried about how you feel. Tell me, who would know what happens here in the middle of nowhere, a cursed land, on what could be our last night on earth?”
Ron thought a moment. “The God who sees me. My soul.”
“Yes, if he is watching, but isn't he the God who forgives your soul? Maybe it is a soul you yourself cannot forgive.”
Ron took one last swig of tea, turned his cup over, shook out the remaining drops and said, “Thank you for the tea and your company. I am going up to pull guard now. Why not get some sleep. And by the way, I do like one of Einstein's quotes.”
“Tell me.”
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over again, and expecting a different result.”
Lyna watched him walk away, to the top of the berm, and lay down in the prone position facing southwest, looking through his night vision goggles. The Holy man, indeed, she thought.
Throughout the night, Ron and Lyna took their turns standing guard while the other caught some shut-eye in the vehicle. Both had plenty of clothing and blankets to keep themselves warm without having to start a fire or turn the engine on. Between them, they brought plenty of bottled water, snack items and a couple of MREs.
Ron used one of the fuel cubes to heat, and then drink some MRE coffee as the circular orange ball of fire began lifting slowly from the ground around six in the morning. Lyna was still sleeping. He decided to leave her alone for the time being and then wake her in another hour.
Standing just below the ridgeline, Ron took in the sunrise without fully exposing himself as a silhouette. After taking a sip of his warm brew, he looked out towards the sun. “Father, may this day bring forth word of your unfailing love as I put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go. It is to you I lift my soul.”
Ron meditated and prayed before walking back to wake up Lyna. As he approached, his eyes caught Lyna bathing herself with a few water bottles behind the Toyota. Hesitating for a brief second, he did an abrupt left face and began towards the north end of the berm.
“I'm almost finished!” Lyna called out.
“I'll only be a moment, but don't follow me. It's private. I'll be right back, Ron answered.” He heard Lyna's laughter behind him as he kept going. When he reached the end and turned towards the other side, he heard the sounds of several vehicles in the distance. He stopped a few seconds, enough time to realize the sounds were getting louder. Running back around the berm to face Lyna, he yelled, “Get dressed quick! We have company coming!”
Ron ran up the berm, falling flat before reaching the top and crawled forward to have a look. Lifting the binoculars he had been carrying around, Ron saw three white pick-up trucks coming directly towards the berm. There were four armed men on the back of each vehicle, all wearing black, from the covering of their faces to the bottom of their trousers. Ron crawled back a few feet and then ran back towards the vehicle. Lyna was just finishing getting dressed and placing the traditional clothing around her. “What is it?”
“Three trucks with armed men. Have your firearm ready and nearby, but out of sight”
“ISIS?”
“I hope Abdullah's people.”
“Me too. They are the only ones who should know we would be here. Unless it's a trap!”
“We're about to find out.”
In minutes, two trucks swung into view from the rear of the berm and drove directly towards them. Seconds later, the other truck appeared from around the berm's north end, approaching them from the front. Lyna clutched Ron's arm. He felt her grip tighten.
9
Asha spotted the news flash on her way out the door. “Wait!” She yelled at her brothers but they were already out of sight.
Sarah, waiting in the car, watched Caleb and Seth bound towards her without Asha in tow. “Where is your sister?”
“Still back there,” Seth answered while whipping his thumb over his shoulder.
“I think she saw something on TV,” Caleb added.
“Go ahead and get in, I'll be right back,” Sarah instructed.
Asha was watchin
g a reporter on the headline news speaking into a microphone.
“An American airstrike may have killed a top ISIS figure in Iraq, but the White House has not yet confirmed his death. The Iraqi defense ministry said a U.S. bombing raid near Mosul killed Hajar al-Sufi, one of ISIS commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's top lieutenants.”
“Good! Die, you coward!” Asha yelled.
The reporter continued, “Vice President Joe Biden promised that the U.S. would follow ISIS to the 'gates of hell' for executing two American journalists.” The image on the screen displayed a photograph of James Foley in an orange jump suit.
“Turn that off, please,” Sarah said softly, as she stood behind Asha.
“But mom…”
“Please.”
Asha pointed the remote towards the flat screen, aimed carefully towards the box and pushed the button with a jerk as if reacting to recoil after pulling a trigger. “You better not touch my dad you scum!”
“Asha! Come on, let's go or we'll be late.”
The younger boys, getting restless in the car, enjoyed learning about camping skills along with Biblical principles in a program called Royal Rangers. They planned to meet at the church with a few commanders and others their age for an overnight campout.
“Hurry up, Asha! You're going to make us late!” Seth shouted at her.
“Iraq was on the news, and I was looking for dad, if you don't mind!” Asha responded in a huff.
“Did you see him?” Caleb asked.
“No, she did not.” Sarah answered before Asha could speak. “And, I might add, I don't want the three of you to keep watching what goes on there, at least not without me being there.”
“Why not?” Caleb responded.
“Yeah, how come?” Seth added.
Asha was quicker than her mother was this time. “Because we might see something bad happen to dad, like that reporter.”
Sarah was cruising down the street when the chatter ceased. It was eerily quiet. “Your father is a wise and strong man. He can take care of himself and God will protect him also.”
When they pulled into the Clarksville First Assembly parking lot, Carole was waving them over to where she was standing with her two boys. “Over here, kiddo.”
The Ranger commanders were packing and loading aided by several of the boys. Caleb and Seth bounded out of the vehicle and ran for the assembling group. Asha got out slowly, grabbed her backpack and kissed her mother. “I love you mom.”
Sarah reached for her and grabbed her by the arm. “Hey, remember, you and I must be strong together, okay?”
“I know mom. I will.”
“Have fun with the youth gym night tonight. I'll get you at midnight?”
“Yes, or before, if I call you.”
“I love you!”
“Love you too, mom.”
Sarah walked over to where the boys were helping the commanders load vehicles. Carole was giving last minute instructions to Christian and Robert. “I gotta go. You two have fun and look out for each other, alright?”
“We will mom.” Christian answered, as he looked past her shoulder at Asha who was walking towards the gym. “I wish we didn't have the camp out and gym night at the same time.”
Carole glanced back to see who or what had his attention. “I know. The planners should get together. I'm sure Robert will appreciate you being there for him.”
“Maybe.”
Turning to acknowledge Sarah, Carole gave her a quick hug. “Hey kiddo.”
“Hi Carole.”
“Something seems to be bothering you.”
“Just a lot on my mind lately.”
“We'll just have to take care of that tonight with a little 'ladies night out,' you know, do some shopping and top it off with a coffee at Starbucks.”
Sarah smiled. “Sounds good. I'm looking forward to it.”
“I'll even treat,” Carole added.
“No, you don't have to. Besides, it's my turn, I think.”
“Alright, then I'm driving. Come on, we'll even take my car.”
Sarah followed Carole to her vehicle and then the two went together to Governors Square mall to spend time together away from the kids. After three hours, they headed to a nearby Starbucks with the full intention of relaxing in the cool late evening breeze while sipping lattés.
“So, have you heard anything from Ron?” Carole began.
“No, I haven't. How about you, from Chris, I mean?”
“Nothing. Chris assured me it was only a routine mission though and they wouldn't be confronting any ISIS forces.”
“They all have to say this.”
“Tell me about it. Well, it hasn't been a week yet so what could happen, right?”
“Asha had the news on before we left the house.”
“Uh oh, what did she see?”
“She saw a picture of the journalist in an orange suit. She's quite upset by the events over there.”
“Well, those jihadists are quite barbaric. She's naturally worried about her dad being there in the same place.”
“What about Christian and Robert? How are they taking this?”
“I try to keep them occupied with activities, you know, don't give them time to think about it.”
“I try the same thing but Asha and Caleb are always thinking.”
“Hey, speaking of Asha. Did you notice who seemed to have a keen interest in her this evening?”
“No, who? Somebody is watching my Asha?”
Carole laughed. “Nothing to worry about kiddo, it was only Christian.”
“Christian? Your son, Christian?”
“Yes, my son. Anything wrong with that?”
“Oh no, no, I am just surprised, that's all. The two of them have been like a brother and sister for so many years.”
“I know, I know. I was surprised as well.”
“Are you sure?”
“Well, I saw that look in his eyes, you know, when he didn't hear a word I said because he was so immersed with someone else at the moment. He seemed a bit perturbed about missing the gym overnight, which would not had made any difference in the past if he had an outdoor activity going on.”
“Hmm, interesting.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Anyway, that's why we were late. She was watching the news.”
“You won't be able to keep her from wanting to know everything concerning her father, you know.”
“I know, but…”
“In fact, you were the same way when you were young and just moved here, remember?”
“But Asha, she is still so young and innocent.”
“You were too in a way. You always came to my house worried whenever Ron was gone and you didn't hear from him…”
“And you were always so calm, so assuring. I couldn't have made it without you.”
“You had it kind of rough after you arrived, and I mean rough for any girl let alone someone who had never been to America before.”
Sarah laughed. “Thanks to Ashley.”
Carole laughed with her. “Yes, Ron's ex. She was so determined to prove to the courts you were here illegally and had no right being Ron's wife let alone being in the country.”
“I remember. She was a feisty girl and I was scared she would have me kicked out of the country.”
“She certainly tried. You had a lot of 'brass' on your side though.”
“Brass?”
“High ranking people.”
“Oh yeah, I remember.”
“You held your own though, girl. I like how you stood up to her, won the battle, raised one baby after another, stayed in tip-top shape, and earned your PA credentials, all within seven years. You are one special lady.”
“Thank you for saying so. I could not have done it without you, your family and of course Ron.”
“We've come a long way together, haven't we?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Anything else?”
“What do you mean?”
“You still seem to be deep in thought about something.”
“Well, I don't know. Something happened the other day and it still bothers me.”
“What kiddo? Everything okay?”
“I think so. It's just, well; Doctor Welch took me to lunch in Nashville to show me where his new practice was going to be. He offered me a position.”
“Wow! What did you say?”
“I told him that I could not take it because we were moving and he said the position would accommodate me in Tampa.”
“Sounds like a good deal!”
“Yes, maybe too good.”
“Oh? Something else you're not telling me?”
“Sort of. Please don't say anything to anybody…”
“Oh my God, girl, what did you do?”
“Nothing! I did not do anything! It's just that he keeps asking me to go with him to lunch…he knows Ron's not home and…”
“Whoa, girl. Yeah, you should step back. Sounds like he's interested in more than your career.”
“I was thinking the same thing but I did not want to assume anything.”
“Nope. Keep your guard up. There's more to it than your skills in the medical field.”
Sarah looked at Carole in dismay. “How would you handle this?”
“Honey, you don't want to know she answered with a smirk.”
“Let me guess, you would deck him?”
Carole laughed. “Probably. Listen. If he keeps on, just tell him how much you love Ron and how loyal you are to him. Just keep talking about how great Ron is and maybe he'll get the message.”
“I thought I did so already, but I will think of something.”
“Call me if you get into an uncomfortable situation with his overtures and I'll come square him away. What do I have to lose anyway, right?”
Sarah laughed. “I hope it does not come to that.”
“Me too.”
“It's getting late; we better head back to the church. Asha has not called me, so that's a good sign.”
The evening of reminiscing vanished quickly and they headed back to the church gym.
Sarah shrieked and shot up from a troubled sleep as if someone had dumped water on her. She held her chest, breathing rapidly. Then she started crying.
“Mom, are you alright?” Asha asked panic stricken while running into her room.
Love In The House Of War Page 18
