Love In The House Of War

by Scott A Meehan

  “Yella!” Lyna yelled, reaching out her hand for Mariam.

  The chopper set down with its door gunner in a covering position as Ron ran back to the rear and loaded several items into his pack. Lyna and Mariam waited until Chris emerged and ran towards them.

  As Chris reached the front of the vehicle, Ron appeared from the rear. “We gotta go, Hawk. There's a swarm of hornets descending our way, just like that time when we were in Fallujah.”

  “They're pretty far off, aren't they?”

  Before Chris could reply, a mortar round landed fifty yards from the chopper causing a thunderous, ground shaking boom. “That answer your question?”

  The four began running toward the chopper when two other mortar rounds came crashing down around the bird, only closer, sending a cloud of dirt raining on them as they took cover back at the vehicle.

  Suddenly, the helicopter lifted off and flew rapidly away leaving them crouched against the Toyota. “What the…?”

  Heading towards the pursuing ISIS forces, rather than away, the 427 Canadian Special Operations Aviation Squadron opened a barrage of weaponry on the line of vehicles approaching like a cavalry, taking out everything in close range, including the mortar tubes set up in the back of three pick-up trucks. Then, within a couple of minutes, it was back on the ground.

  “Let's go!”

  Ron, Chris, Lyna, and Mariam sprinted towards the chopper, which took off immediately once everybody was inside. Then it headed back towards Kirkuk.

  The door gunner sprayed an array of bullets from his gun at anything moving on the ground. Breathing hard, Ron looked at Chris and smiled. “I knew you'd find a way.”

  Chris smiled back and slapped Ron on the knee.

  Ron looked over at Mariam, smiled, and then at Lyna. The two females were also in the process of catching their breath. “You have been through quite an ordeal, young lady.”

  Lyna smiled. “Yes we have.”

  The Canadian CH-146 from Joint Task Force 2 flew towards a rising moon as it headed back to Kirkuk.

  14

  The CH-146 chopper began its descent onto the tarmac kicking up swirls of brown dust through the dusk sky in Kirkuk. A Kurdish medical team waited inside a van until Ron ushered Lyna and Mariam into the arms of a couple nurses who rushed outside to receive them.

  “I'll check on you later!” He yelled above the engine.”

  Then he met up with Chris who was talking with the pilot. “Thanks again, sir. I owe you one!” Chris yelled.

  “Not at all. Take care of yourself, eh?”

  Chris saluted the Canadian and headed towards Brad Davis' makeshift headquarters. “Come with me, Hawk. You gotta' see this.”

  Ron followed him to the small three-room shack with a kitchen where Brad Davis was staying. As they entered, Ron noticed the empty planning area where the hanging maps and communication equipment were once located. “Where is everything?”

  “Exactly. This is what I wanted to show you. Nothing. Everything has been stripped. Davis? No sign of him.”

  “So, Davis never said anything about leaving to you?”

  “Nothing. I went to Colonel Mustafa to ask him about it and he assumed I already knew Davis took Major Kamal and some of his Peshmerga troops with him to Kobani.”

  “Kobani? What's there?”

  “A Kurdish populated area in northern Syria, bordering Turkey. ISIS began an offensive into the town. Apparently Kobani has emerged as a new front.”

  “And Turkey?”

  “They're disengaged for now. The Syrian Kurds are fighting them and Colonel Mustafa implied I should have known America is shifting its focus there, with a plan to launch air strikes in Syria to support Kobani's defenders.”

  “Does ISIS have a specific motive for Kobani?”

  “Depends. The official answer is that ISIS believes the town is essential to the group's strategic and spiritual vision as the leaders of a new Islamic Caliphate, uniting the Muslim world.

  “Unofficially?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine, Hawk.”

  “Any current or planned pipelines running through that region?”

  “Not sure. You think it has something to do with the pipelines?”

  “It's beginning to add up now.”

  “What is?”

  “Something Lyna told me. Long story.”

  “Suppose you tell me? I have all night.”

  “Maybe. Lyna told me several interesting things while we were together.”

  “You believe her?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “That's surprising, considering…”

  “I'll fill you in with the details later.”

  “So what do you think about Davis disappearing without informing us or the fact he just left without taking Lyna with him?”

  “All part of what I'm about to tell you. Sit down.”

  Ron shared the past forty-eight hours events, including Lyna's story and how Davis may have been behind a plan setting the two of them up for mission failure, along with the possibility of extermination orders for both.

  Chris interrupted on several occasions, mostly for clarity but also out of indignation and anger. “That's-that's just crazy! Totally unacceptable! What are we going to do about it now?”

  “Not sure yet. Have you been in touch with Colonel Carter?”

  “Just situation awareness, which until now was not much because I didn't know anything. I did shoot him a message about extracting you along with two passengers, including the human cargo. He thinks, as did I, you were also bringing along a non-human package, something with substance on their strategic plans for Baghdad.”

  “Sheik Abdullah said he'd already given it to Davis, a requirement for Mariam, which we now know was never a consideration at all.”

  “This is still too hard to swallow. This entire elaborate plan just to wax Lyna? And you? Why you?”

  “Maybe an opportunity opened for them when the Sheik requested me specifically.”

  “Makes sense, I guess. Davis is dead meat!”

  “If Lyna doesn't get to him first. But, remember who we're dealing with here.”

  “What next?”

  “Is Walker and the team still training the Kurds?”

  “They start tomorrow morning, unless that's changed. They've been twiddling their thumbs and getting soft, asking when they're supposed to start.”

  “Alright. Keep Walker out of the loop for now, until we know more. Send a message to Carter. Let him know about your discovery here. Tell him about Davis vacating, taking everything, leaving an agent behind, and not informing you. Try to get a feel for his take on the situation.”

  “Got it. What are you going to do?”

  “I'm going to check on Lyna and Mariam, to make sure both of them are physically okay.”

  “And emotionally?”

  “That too.”

  “Remember what I said, Hawk.”

  “Huh? About what?”

  “About being very careful with…”

  “I know, I know.”

  Chris went back to the area where the team had set up their operations to begin contact with Colonel Carter. Ron walked towards the field hospital to check on Lyna and Mariam. After arriving there however, the staff informed him to come back an hour later because both were undergoing full check-ups by a female doctor.

  Ron decided it was a good time to find a facility providing running water, possibly hot, or even warm, so he could take a shower. Picking up some clean clothing and toiletries, the idea of going back to Brad Davis's old dwelling occurred to him. After all, if anybody were able to pull off such luxuries, it would be the CIA. He was delighted after discovering his hunch was correct. “Hoo-yah!” This feels great!

  Ninety minutes later, after a refreshing shower, some food and a twenty-minute power nap, Ron decided to check on Mariam and Lyna again. It was close to 10:00 pm. On his way, he noticed a light on where Lyna was staying, two buildings away from where he emerged. Hmmm, th
ey must be finished with their exam. I suppose it will be okay to check on them since their light is still on, he thought.

  While approaching the door of the three-room dwelling, the light went off, leaving everything in total darkness. Must be bedtime. He started to turn around and look for Chris when he heard a light tap coming from the window. It was Lyna and she was beckoning him towards the door.

  Still standing motionless, the door slowly opened. “Come in, quick,” Lyna said motioning with her arm. He went into her quarters.

  “What's wrong?”

  “Nothing, but you can't just stand out there.”

  “I thought maybe something was wrong with Mariam, or you.”

  “No, in fact, we are both fine. She is sleeping now. I have a concussion only and Mariam's arm is not broken.”

  “Thank God, for both.”

  “The doctor is a little concerned about Mariam's emotional condition though. She has been through a lot in the past two days.”

  “Yeah, I know. I promised to take great care of her and get her all the help she'll need.”

  “Yes, please sit down.” Lyna motioned towards the chair backed against the wall with a small table in front of it. “I was just preparing some hot tea. Care to join me?”

  His eyes, more adjusted to the darkness caught sight of Lyna's legs, which were hard to miss since she only had on a long, loose-fitting, jersey sweatshirt coming down to several inches above her knees. I must assume she has shorts or something on underneath, he thought as he looked quickly towards the empty chair. “I just came by to see how you two were doing. I probably should be going.”

  Ron saw Lyna's smile disappear as she turned away in haste to retrieve a cup of hot tea. “I'm sorry you feel threatened by me. I was going to show you something I found on my computer. Brad left it behind in my room. However, as you can see, I am fine. You can go.”

  “I'm-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.”

  “Well, you did. But it is okay. You can leave now.”

  “No, it's not okay. I'd like to see what you found…and have a cup of tea, if your offer still stands.”

  Lyna turned to look at him. Her smile returned. “Alright. Please sit.”

  Ron secretly wondered if this was a good idea but he sat in the chair against the wall, where she indicated earlier, looking a bit uneasy.

  “Here is your tea. And, here is the email I found,” she stated while sitting directly across from him. “He mistakenly Cc'd me on this, probably because his address book was set up in such a way.”

  Lyna slid the printed email over to Ron and lit two candles next to him. Ron picked up the sheet of paper and began to read the email, addressed to Richard Crane, the CIA director of the Middle Eastern branch.

  Richard, Rendezvous set in motion as planned. Fallujah contact was notified. Meeting took place but with unfavorable results. Support team KIA; new unauthorized package arriving as cargo with targets. Roadblocks unsuccessful. I am in route to new location now. Will contact you later. Brad

  “Can I keep this?”

  “Of course. But now you know I was telling the truth.”

  “I didn't doubt you, Lyna. It is just hard to fathom. The whole thing is just so bizarre.”

  “I'm going to kill him when I find the chance.”

  “If he doesn't get to you first.”

  Lyna brought the cup of tea to her mouth and looked at Ron without saying any more. Ron stared back, fixed for what seemed like an eternity, meeting Lyna's glistening eyes over the candlelight. Probably too long, Ron thought as he lifted the tea to his mouth while contemplating an exit strategy.

  It was too late. As the cup touched his lips, he felt the distinct sensation of Lyna's foot rub up against the inside of his leg. Ron sputtered and spilled a portion of the hot liquid down his chin. Both reacted spontaneously, he setting the cup down and Lyna reaching over to wipe the tea with the palm of her bare, perfumed, soft hand.

  “I'm so sorry,” she exclaimed leaning forward towards him, revealing her breasts through the top of her shirt. As she slowly slid her hand down his face, Ron reached out and grabbed her wrist. Time stood still—there were no words exchanged.

  Then, Ron released his grip, thinking she might slide back into her chair. Instead, Lyna moved slowly forward, her succulent lips towards his. As she did, her mouth hid behind her wavy, black hair that fell forward onto her shoulders, flowing like a waterfall on a moonlit surface.

  In his dazed state of mind, Ron did not move. It was as if he fell into a trance—lured by sorcerous. Lyna's lips crept closer and closer until contact was imminent.

  Bang, bang, bang.

  The sudden loud rapping on the door snapped Ron to attention as he pulled away quickly. Acting as if his senses suddenly returned from hypnosis, Ron jumped up. Oh God, what am I doing here?

  Lyna stood up quickly. “Who is it?” Lyna answered in frustration.

  “It's Sergeant Short! Have you seen Master Sergeant Hawkins?”

  Lyna looked at Ron, not wanting to affirm his presence.

  “It's important I talk to him. I have a message from Colonel Carter.”

  Ron jumped up and ran to the door, opening it to a startled Chris, and walked straight towards him. “Let's go. Tell me on the way.”

  “Ah, we'll be back,” Chris said to Lyna who was standing at the doorway.

  “No we won't,” Ron whispered.

  “Yes we will,” Chris responded. “This concerns her and Mariam as well.”

  “Wonderful. What do you have?”

  “The MH-47 is on its way here from Erbil to extract the whole team, including Mariam and Lyna.”

  “What's going on?”

  “I'm not exactly sure but the old man said he'd explain everything when we got back. For now, we're pulling out…in three hours.”

  “You better let the girls know,” Ron said as he turned to walk away.

  “Hawk, I don't know what's going on, but…”

  “Carter will explain.”

  “That's not what I mean. I already told you that. I mean between you and…”

  “Nothing. Absolutely, nothing.”

  'Well, that's good to know, Hawk, but you…”

  “I what, Chris?”

  “Hey, you don't have to snap at me buddy. I'm looking after a dear old friend whose wife happens to be my wife's best friend, remember?”

  “Sorry, Chris. I-I don't know what got into me.”

  “Here, you left this with me before you went south. Maybe this will help you remember. I'll go tell the girls.” Chris handed Ron a small sealed envelope and went back to where Ron had emerged.

  “Thanks, Chris.”

  “Don't mention it. Carter was right about me having your back over here.”

  Ron opened the envelope and pulled out a picture, the one he had recently replaced for an older one to carry on his deployments. It was a photo taken of Sarah and their three kids standing on her father's boat, docked in the Black Sea—Sarah painted on the front. How can I be such a fool?

  Then Ron noticed a small 3 x 5 card he did not remember giving to Chris. Chris's handwriting was on both sides of the card. Ron's eyes moistened as he read it:

  For the lips of an immoral woman are sweet as honey and her mouth is smoother than oil. But in the end she is as bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave (Proverbs 5: 3-5).

  Ron decided to wait for Chris on his return from the female quarters. When Chris approached, Ron asked, “How did it go?”

  “They were surprised. Lyna woke up Mariam, who seemed confused. They'll be ready.”

  “Chris?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Thanks, brother.” Ron gave Chris a quick embrace.

  “Hey, what are brothers for, right? As iron sharpens iron…”

  “…So one man sharpens another. Thanks again.”

  “Come on, let's go get ready.”

  15

  Sept
ember 6, 2014

  The C-17 landed with a screech on the runway at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Two, thirteen-passenger vans waited for its occupants. Colonel Carter, along with his driver, waited next to a silver SUV, parked fifty yards from the vans. When the line of soldiers emptied onto the tarmac, they headed straight towards the vans. Ron heard a loud whistle off to his left causing him to look in that direction. Colonel Carter was waving his arm towards his SUV.

  “It's the boss.” Ron said to Chris. “He probably wants all of us.”

  As Ron peeled off from the group, Carter held up his hand showing four fingers. “Yep, Chris, you and the girls are with me.”

  “Let's go.”

  Ron waited for Lyna and Mariam to catch up with him before they walked side-by-side towards Colonel Carter. Chris stayed behind them, taking up the rear. Although Ron and Lyna exchanged brief glances, they did not speak.

  As they approached Colonel Carter, who stood next to his driver, he appeared formally dignified. Mariam grabbed Ron's hand. “It is okay, commander Hawk?”

  Ron held her hand tightly, “Of course it is, Shadow. You will be fine. I'll make sure of it.” She beamed from his response.

  “How was the flight?” Carter asked with his hand extended towards Ron.

  Ron saluted before taking his hand. “Good, sir. Smooth and uneventful.”

  Carter shook Chris's hand as well and then introduced himself to Lyna. “Colonel Carter.”

  “I'm Lyna.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Then, looking at Miriam, “And you must be Mariam,” Carter added with a smile, placing his hand over his heart.

  Mariam returned his gesture and smile. “Yes, please to meet you.”

  “Well, let's get going. General Bowman is here from Tampa and he's waiting for a debriefing from you guys.”

  “All of us?” Ron asked.

  “For now, just you and Chris. I'll have the two ladies come with me and we'll see to it they have time to refresh and rest.”

  The six loaded the SUV and departed to the 5th Group HQ building parking lot. Colonel Carter escorted Lyna and Mariam to the main building while Ron and Chris greeted the general's aid along with two MPs. “Follow me, please.”