Necessary Retribution

by Mike McNeff

  Bill rose from his chair. “I didn't mean to piss you off, Rob.”

  “Well, you did. We have two badly wounded men, prevented a nuclear attack on Sasebo, prevented the Chinese from having a reason to attack Taiwan and established a reliable intel source in North Korea and all I hear is the new president is upset. Well, that makes two of us.”

  “I think we should leave it at that for awhile.”

  “Fine with me. I've said my piece.”

  “Shall we go see how the immigration process is going?”

  “Not yet. We have some loose ends to tie up.”

  “Like what?”

  “I need to get Gunner, the North Korean Lieutenant, into Ranger School and I may need to get Lev in as well if he decides to join us.”

  Bill didn't immediately reply.

  “What's the matter, Bill?”

  “I'm not sure I can do that, at this point.”

  Robin started rubbing his head. “Are you going to make me play games like the Russians did?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Never mind.”

  Robin rose from his seat and headed for the door.

  “Okay, Rob, I'm sorry. I should be playing the games with the politicians, not with you. I'll get them into Ranger School. Same class as Carlos.”

  “Same class as Carlos?”

  “Yeah, we've done all we can with him. He wants to work for you, so I'll see they're all in together.”

  Robin let out a long breath and turned his head back and forth in a futile effort to loosen his neck muscles. He thought of Carlos, a Cuban agent who flipped and went into Mexico with the team. Carlos had been doing counterespionage work with Chris Fleming ever since. It would be good to see him again.

  “What else do you need?”

  “We have a Palestinian under wraps in Taiwan. He's agreed to work undercover for us. I want to bring him to you and get him trained to be a covert agent.”

  “Damn, why didn't you tell me that before?”

  “Because I want him to be a successful covert agent and not a dead one. I only wanted to tell you about him in person.”

  “Good point. Get him to me. I'll take care of it.”

  “Thanks.”

  Bill held out his hand to Robin. Robin clasped it warmly.

  “I'm sorry for the outburst, Bill. The president's concern just rubs me the wrong way.”

  “It's all right, Rob. I know you've been through hell.”

  “C'mon, let's go to the conference room and see how things are going.”

  “One more thing, Rob.”

  “Yeah?”

  “There is no other team like you guys. Nobody, not even the military, can deploy as fast as you guys can and there is no other non-military team that can take care of business like you guys. I made that clear to the president.”

  Robin put his hand on Bill's shoulder. “Thanks, Bill. I know you mean well and I know some day politics may come crashing down on the team, but I'm going to call ’em like I see ’em. It's the only way to get the job done.”

  Bill laughed. “It's good to see you haven't changed. Let's go to the conference room.

  Rob led the way to the conference room. They saw a lot of paperwork being filled out and discussed with Ralph, whose fingers flew on the keyboard of an IBM Selectric Typewriter creating permanent resident cards. “I should be done, in a couple of minutes. They have more paperwork to fill out, but Ernie is going to forward it to me.”

  “You're my kind of guy, Ralph,” Robin complimented.

  “I don't hear that very often, thanks!”

  Five minutes later, Ralph packed up. “Okay folks, you're now permanent residents. I don't know what these two gentlemen have in store for you, but I wish all of you luck.”

  Lev came forward and shook Ralph's hand as did Gunner. Then Bill and Ralph left.

  Robin walked to the flight deck. “Get us home, Jack.”

  Amen, boss.”

  THIRTY-SEVEN

  ROBIN AND ERNIE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY to the Marlette house. People poured out and Karen flew into Robin's arms as he walked up the driveway. Laurie and Eddie were right behind and it turned into a group hug with the dog trying to get in the act. Ernie held his wife, Sally and daughter Judy. Robin looked up and saw Cathy and Andy coming toward him. The others moved so both men could get a hug in. Then Karen hooked her arm in Robin's as they headed for the front door.

  “We have some surprises for you.”

  “No kidding! Cathy and Andy are a surprise.”

  Karen just smiled at him. They entered the house as Casey came walking into the living room.

  “Well, if isn't the third year West Pointer! Hello, son.”

  “Hey, Dad. It's good to see you. Hi Uncle Ernie.” Casey shook Ernie's hand.

  “Same here.” Robin and Casey embraced. “How are things going at the Academy?”

  “The third year is more about learning and less about hassle. It's much more enjoyable and I'm doing well in my classes.”

  “As usual. How's the military training going?”

  “Good stuff. I stay in the top five percent in performance.”

  “Not number one?”

  “Come on, Dad. I get first in a lot of the stuff, but there are a lot of smart, physically capable people there. It's tough competition.”

  “I know, Casey. I'm proud of your accomplishments. You should get one of the first picks of assignment when you graduate.”

  “That's what I'm shooting for.”

  “Still looking at the Rangers?”

  “Yep, and working my way into Special Forces and then Delta.”

  Robin put his hand on Casey's shoulder. “I have no doubt you'll get there.”

  “Let's all sit down, shall we?” Karen gently ordered.

  Everyone found chairs or the floor. Robin noticed Andy paying close attention to Cathy. He also noticed a certain glow on Cathy's face and a knowing smile on Karen's. He figured out the second surprise, but didn't say anything. He glanced at Karen again and she gave him the act surprised look.

  Andy stood up. “Can I have everyone's attention please.” Everyone quieted down and Andy surveyed the room, barely able to contain a wide grin forming at his mouth. “Cathy and I have an announcement to make.”

  Cathy took Andy's hand.

  “We're going to add to this wonderful family. We're going to have…twins! A boy and a girl!”

  “Hooray!” Eddie yelled. “I'm going to be an uncle!” Laughter and congratulations flooded the room as everyone took turns hugging the expectant couple.

  Karen, Sally, Laurie and Judy headed for the kitchen and soon produced trays of food and put them on the dining room table. The group gravitated to the food and passed the afternoon and evening celebrating being together and new additions to the family on the way.

  Robin and Karen lay in their bed. Karen gently rubbed ointment on Robin's back. “Does it feel okay, honey. Am I hurting you?”

  “It feels wonderful.”

  “The wound is healing well.”

  “That's a good thing.”

  Karen put a new dressing on the wound. Robin rolled over and saw concern on Karen's face.

  “What's bothering you, babe?”

  “The team keeps getting seriously hurt. First Doug, and now Rick and Mark…not to mention you.”

  “This mission stretched our skills and capabilities to the limit. We had to take risks I normally wouldn't have, but we didn't have a choice. The bad guys were up to some serious shit.”

  “And it's not over.”

  “No, it isn't.”

  Karen reached out and touched Robin's face. “I would start to whine about the danger and you not being home, but I guess I can't complain when you stop the detonation of a nuclear bomb.”

  “Okay, you don't whine and I will.”

  “What are you going to whine about?”

  “Missing you.”

  Karen sighed. “I know you miss me. I can feel you.”

/>   “You're not even touching me.”

  “No, silly, I can feel you. I can feel your heart, your soul and emotions when you are stressed or very happy.”

  Robin looked into those deep emerald eyes and felt his spirit merge with Karen's. He knew it wasn't supposed to be scientifically possible and he didn't believe in myths, but he felt this. “I can feel you. I'm not sure it's the same intensity as you feel, but I do feel it. Your face always comes to me during those times you describe. When I'm stressed you calm me and make me more determined. When I'm happy or exhilarated, I see your face and I know I'm sharing with you.”

  Karen smiled and reached for Robin and he pulled her to him and held her close.

  “Promise me you'll always come back to me.”

  “That's a promise I made a long time ago. You're the love of my life and I can't live without you. One of these days this will all be over and we can live on this island in peace and happiness and let this screwed up world pass us by.”

  Karen put her lips on Robin's and opened her mouth invitingly. They merged with tenderness and love.

  Robin and Karen walked into the lobby of the Silver Cloud Inn in Mukilteo just as Lev, Rada and their children came down the elevator.

  “Hello, folks. Hope you had a restful evening.”

  “The hotel is very nice, Robin. Thank you for letting us stay here,” Lev said.

  “No problem. Lev, Rada, this is my wife, Karen.”

  Karen shook hands with them. “Thank you for saving my husband.”

  Rada laughed. “He doesn't need much help. Your husband is a very resourceful and determined man.”

  “Believe me, I know.” Both women laughed again.

  “I'm glad you're not laughing, Lev,” Robin observed.

  “I'm remaining neutral, like Switzerland.” Everyone laughed at Lev's comment.

  “Karen this is Ilya and I'm sorry, young lady, but we've never been formally introduced.” The young girl smiled shyly and looked at her shoes. “This is Sasha,” Rada offered.

  Karen held out her hand to Sasha who tentatively took it. “You're a very pretty young lady, Sasha. How old are you?”

  Sasha looked at Karen with admiring eyes. “I'm nine years old.”

  “My, and you speak English so well. We have a son about Ilya's age and daughter who's older. They'll help you get settled in school.”

  Robin looked at his watch. “Let's get your luggage in the truck and head for the island.”

  During the ferry ride and the drive back to the Coupeville area, the Rogov family looked around in awe, except for Sasha. She had taken a definite liking to Karen and asked all kinds of questions about Whidbey Island, the United States and told Karen about Vladivostok.

  Robin drove down beautiful country lanes along the west side of the island. Lev and Rada commented on the beauty of the sea and forest together. Robin occasionally came back onto the highway, but then turned off onto more county back roads. Eventually, he pulled into the driveway of a nice home on a high bank overlooking the Strait of San Juan De Fuca.

  “You have a very beautiful home, Robin,” Lev observed.

  “We do actually, but this is your home for now.”

  Lev's eyes grew wide and Robin heard Rada gasp behind him.

  “Our company has rented this home until you find the house you want. It's fully furnished, you'll just need to go grocery shopping. I've got an appointment to tend to for a while, but Karen is going to help you get settled. I'll see you in an hour or so.”

  Karen was already out of the car with Sasha following her and Ilya not far behind.

  “Robin, this is all overwhelming.”

  “I know, Lev. Just take it one day at a time and everything will fall into place.” He turned and looked at Rada and saw tears streaming down her face. “I hope those are happy tears.”

  “Some are, but I remember how I treated you in the beginning. I am very sorry.”

  Robin laughed. “I deserved it back then. Come on, let's see your new house.”

  When Lev and Rada entered the home, Rada cried more and held Lev tight. Robin could see Lev fighting back tears of this own. It made Robin feel better about all that had happened to the family.

  Ilya and Sasha came running into the living room and grabbed their parents. “Momma,” Sasha cried, “come, come see our wonderful new home! It's the best home in the whole world!”

  Karen came into the room. “Everything looks good, Rob.”

  “Great. I'm going to leave now. See you all in a little bit.”

  Robin left and drove to Oak Harbor to visit Tim Echoles. Tim had been released from Harborview and now recovered at home. Alice let Robin in.

  “Hi Alice. I was pleasantly surprised to get your message about Tim being home. I thought it would be weeks.”

  “That was before you came. He's really perked up since then.”

  “That's wonderful. Where is the rascal?”

  Alice led Robin into the family room where Tim sat in a hospital bed. The back of the bed was fully cranked up into the upright position and Tim exercised with a spring tensioned muscle builder.

  “Robin, you're back!”

  “Yes, sir I am. How are you doing?”

  “I'm getting stronger by the day. The doctor says if I keep this up, I'll be able to go to work in about two weeks.”

  “What about working from home?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “We can get you set up here with an IBM computer and it will be hooked to our office and we can bring what paperwork you need to look at every day and take it back. I wouldn't expect you to do it all day, just as you feel good enough. That way you can ease into the position.”

  “That would be great. I'm really going nuts without enough to do.”

  “Okay, I'll get it set up.” Robin looked around. “Do you have a nursing service looking after you here?”

  “Yeah, we have one.”

  “Is it good?”

  “Well, they change them all of the time and it's a pain to retell things, but it's all right.”

  “I'm going to bring a nurse in to meet you. She is now our company nurse. If you like her, she can take over.”

  “Wow, you have a company nurse?”

  “Yes, she's Russian and she's very good. We picked her up in Russia this trip.”

  “Holy smoke, a Russian nurse. You guys really are international!”

  “We are international. You're part of the team now.”

  Tim grinned. “Thanks, Rob. That means a lot to me.”

  “Well, make no mistake; your job is going to be a tough one. We had a rough go this time. Two of our guys got seriously hurt. Rada, the nurse and our team doctor will also be looking after them. I'm going to figure a way to get the other two on the island.”

  “We have a team doctor, too?”

  “Yep. She's in Taiwan now, taking care of our other wounded man.”

  “Man, Russia, Taiwan…you guys were busy.”

  “Yes we were. I've got to run, but I'll check back on you in a day or two.”

  “Okay, Robin. I appreciate all you're doing.”

  “You can pay me back by getting up to speed and start running the business end of this company.”

  “I will.”

  “Good, I'll see you two later.”

  Robin drove to his own home, got the secure phone and called Doug on his satellite phone.

  “Doug here.”

  “Hey, Doug, how are you?”

  “Going nuts waiting around.”

  “What's the word on Rick?”

  “His strength is building back up, but he's still pretty weak. Maria thinks he should be able to fly back in about 5 days.”

  “Okay, I want you to get back here. Do you think Maria can handle things alone?”

  “No problem because she won't be alone. Cái and his former general are helping.”

  “Good. Get on a plane and get back here ASAP. We need to move on the current problem.”

 
; “Roger. I'll be back in a jiffy. The Taiwanese Marines are treating us like royalty and told me when we're ready to go, they'll fly us back.”

  “Whatever works. Just get back. Tell Rick I said to get off his ass and get healed up.”

  Doug laughed. “He'll appreciate your usual soft heart.”

  “Yeah, tell him I'm worried about him and do what the doctor says. I need him to be able to get back to one hundred percent.”

  “I will, boss. I suppose you know about Kahlid.”

  “Who?”

  “My Palestinian friend.”

  “Oh, yeah. Bring him with you.”

  “Roger, that.”

  “See ya when you get here.”

  “Bye.”

  Robin next dialed Jamie.

  “Com center, Jamie.”

  “Hey, Jamie.”

  “Hi Rob. I thought you'd be calling.”

  “Any news?”

  “Nothing concrete, but NSA did pick up some signals intelligence (SIGINT) about quote ‘important cargo’ end quote, out of the Middle East. The source is a cell phone belonging to a known tango in Pakistan.”

  “Do we have anyone working on it?”

  “Yeah, Jonathan is on it and has some of his Legionnaire buddies and some friends retired from the British Special Air Service (SAS) helping him out. They have a lot of contacts and hopefully they can flush something.”

  “Remind me to hire more Legionnaires.”

  “You got my vote!”

  “Who's coming to relieve you?”

  “Mike will be here in about an hour.”

  “Okay, you need to spend some time home. Take two days off. I'll handle the schedule.”

  “Rob, it's okay. Nancy understands. In fact, she's here helping me out.”

  “You guys need some time together.”

  “We all do, but this situation is too dangerous for any of us to be taking too much time off. Besides, I'm the only one with the deep contacts in the intel world.”

  Robin thought for a moment. “Okay, but when this is over you two are gone for awhile.”

  “We'll talk.”

  “Doesn't anyone follow orders around here?”

  “Yes, but what's good for the goose is good for the gander. I don't see you taking any time off.”