by Holden, Abby
"I'll be right back." Jake stepped into the store and waited for a few seconds letting his eyes adjust to the dimmer interior. It was empty except for the clerk.
CHAPTER 5
Immediately the store clerk stepped up to wait on him. He smiled broadly and waved to the display, inquiring if Jake wanted to buy something. The store was darker than Jake anticipated, and smaller, but lined with display cases overflowing with jewelry of all sorts.
"Lovely stuff," Jake said with a smile, knowing the guy probably couldn't speak English. He pointed at the piece in the window. "Can I see it?" He pointed at his eyes then the piece again.
The clerk nodded his head as he reached for the necklace. He handed Jake the item. The clerk's smile got even bigger with pride as he patted himself on the chest and pointed at the piece. Jake took it to mean that the guy probably made it. He went back to looking at the necklace.
What caught his eye in the window was the incredible deep blue of the stone and the symmetrical beads cut from it. There were dozens of round, identical blue beads each separated by a small bead of silver. At the clasp was a stone about the size of a thumb with streaks of gold flecks in it. This was encased in a bed of silver. Jake studied the clasp and noticed that it looked like the necklace could be worn with the pendant on or off, as the clasp was an integral part of both sides of the pendant.
"What is it made of?" Jake asked, holding the necklace up. "Uh…"
The clerk seemed to understand the puzzled look on Jake's face. He rattled off something then pointed at the blue beads. "Lapis Lazuli." He made motions of mining and pointed toward the north. He imitated the carving of said beads then patted himself on the chest.
Jake rubbed the smooth blue stone. He nodded approvingly. "How much?" Then he indicated money.
The clerk rattled something off, then reached into the display and pulled out a card to show the price writing in Afghanistan currency. The card had been hidden by another piece.
Jake almost gave the piece back but the look of pride in the clerk's eyes was so prominent that Jake didn't even haggle. It was still cheap for a piece of this quality, even in U.S. dollars. He reached into his pants and pulled out a roll of local currency, counting off the correct number.
As he did so, the clerk reverently wrapped the piece in a red silk cloth and tied it with gold colored string. He held it out for Jake to inspect.
Jake looked up from his counting, pausing. The wrapping itself was a work of art. Jake smiled at the guy letting him know that it was beautiful too. He handed the money over and took the necklace with a slight bow.
Again the clerk's eyes beamed with pride.
Jake waved goodbye, and as he left he said with another slight bow, "I'll be back."
The clerk gave a slight bow back.
Jake stopped outside the shop. "Gunner, look at this."
"That is… goodly wrapped. Is it the necklace from the window?"
Jake nodded. "I almost don't want to send it to my sister. I bet she won't even unwrap it." He smiled at Gunner.
At that moment, the door opened behind him and he moved off to the side so that whoever was coming out could leave. He turned to see that it was the guys who had entered the shop earlier.
Jake was momentarily puzzled. He'd been so distracted by the necklace that he forgot the main reason for going into the shop. But they had not been in the store. They must have been in the back or somewhere.
The regularly dressed guy looked at them then hurried toward the truck. The other, more traditionally dressed Muslim man, came out second and almost ran into Jake because he was tucking a bundle of papers into the folds of his clothes. Their eyes met and the Afghanistan quickly looked down. He mumbled something.
Jake froze. Have I met this guy before? Something about him looked familiar, but Jake just couldn't place it. Still the feeling that he knew this guy was instant and gut wrenching. He watched as the guy hurried to the truck, which quickly pulled away.
"Jake?"
"I…" Jake shook his head and glanced around the area out of habit. "Too weird."
"What? Is everything good?"
"Yeah." Jake glanced back to where the truck had disappeared. "Just a feeling that I know that guy, the one with the turban."
"You come here before?"
"No. That's the weird thing." Jake shook himself again, then motioned for Gunner. "Let's head back to base. After putting our stuff away, Cowboy gave me directions to a good restaurant. Are you up for an adventure?"
"Most goodly," Gunner said with a nod.
Jake smiled. "How about we see if we can't find someone else to go with us? We know that Cowboy is out. How about Megan?"
"She not come off base often."
"Yeah, I know, but she needs to get out."
"We all invited to big feast, last day of Independence. She go then. I bet she no go now," Gunner said even as they started the trek back to the base. They were two miles from the compound.
"You're probably right but…" He winked at Gunner. "All work and no play, makes the Chief an unhappy camper."
"What? I do not understand. What is 'camper'?"
Jake chuckled. "Never mind. Let's see if we can't find her anyway."
"Most goodly."
But Megan was nowhere to be found. No one knew where she could be. Jake met back with Gunner after each had searched part of the compound. He frowned as they paused at the gate.
"I wonder where she is?" Jake asked looking back toward the main hanger.
Gunner shifted his weight on his feet. "Come. We go. I get hungry. Megan be okay by herself. She goodly at doing that."
Jake nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah."
They left the compound again, and as they walked Jake couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen something of importance. For some reason, those two guys were up to something. He didn't know what, but he knew that it was something. And he also knew without a doubt that he knew the turbaned guy.
***
The next day Jake, Cowboy and Gunner were en route to a different shop on Chicken Street. It sold mostly stone statues. As they walked, they talked about their home lives.
"She loves stone carvings. Bess is such a push over," Cowboy said.
"How many years are you being married?" Gunner asked.
"Twelve." Cowboy stopped briefly to look into a shop window that sold scarves. He looked at Gunner. "No little ones. I'm gone too much for'em. This is my last year workin' with White Pine. I miss ma home."
"Me miss family, but pay is goodly," Gunner said with a huge smile.
Cowboy nodded. "Ain't that the truth." He turned to Jake as they neared the shop. "Lookin' for anything special, Jake?"
"No. I need to get something for each of my sisters, my Mom and Dad. Maybe a statue. I sent all my sisters a scarf from Iraq." He rubbed his stubbly chin. White Pine encouraged the growth of beards as it was the local custom. Jake still hadn't decided if he wanted one or not. "How long have you worked for White Pine?"
Cowboy thought for a few seconds. "Too long. Too many scary ass missions." Then he smiled. "Four years. Like I said, this is my last. After Affie here, I'ma headin' home. I know that I can always pick up a job flyin' for someone, somewhere."
"How long have you been flying with Megan?"
"All four years. She needed a co-pilot and I had just signed up. Scared the shit outta me. Thought I was gonna die the first time out with her." Cowboy started laughing. "Been an adventure since. Ain't no borin' times with Megan."
Gunner nodded in agreement. "She make working a goodly time."
They laughed, weaving their way down the street around people. In waves, the young street urchins begged. Cowboy was fond of giving coins to the kids and they were always followed by a few.
"Here 'tis, gentlemen. The guy usually has some local glassware from Herat, too." Cowboy walked into the store ahead of the others.
Jake was the last in and the owner of the shop was hurrying from the back with a huge smile on his face. H
e noticed that Cowboy and the owner embraced in the local greeting of kissing both cheeks. The man greeted Gunner in the same way. Jake followed suit, although more uncomfortable.
"Come. Enter." The shop owner opened his hands. Then he motioned to Cowboy to wait. He hurried into the back then came out with a small statue. "You may like, Cowboy. I save for you. Is…." The owner struggled with the English but handed the statue over.
"Wow!" Cowboy looked at the statue. It was of one of the local sheep, an ibex mother and baby, standing on a mountainside looking down, carved out of white stone. "This is beautiful."
Jake wandered around the shop looking at various items. He'd have to keep this shop in mind for gifts too. The quality was excellent. Finally, he purchased a small snow leopard carving for his Dad then exited to stand and watch people again.
As he stood there, he was again accosted by street kids and handed out suckers. His sisters always sent candy. He had mentioned once, while in Iraq, that he had given candy to local kids and the reception he had gotten. Since then, every box from home contained hard candy, bags and bags of candy.
Laughter caught his attention down the street, and he noticed a group of men smoking and drinking. The men were sipping from small glasses in front of a chai khanas or tea house.
There were seven of them, mostly in the traditional garb. Three wore longer robes and turbans. They were arguing. Two in particular were actively discussing something and pointing north.
Jake narrowed his eyes as one of the turbaned men turned to spit in the street. It was the same guy from the white Toyota. Jake stepped back into the alcove made by the stone shop and riveted his attention on the group.
The man from yesterday was not speaking but listening intently, sipping occasionally at the tea. He was not smoking. That was odd, because most everyone in the country did and tobacco was widely used by the adult population.
Jake stared. I know this guy. His feelings from yesterday were confirmed. As Jake stood there, he ran though his mind everyone on base, comparing them with the turbaned guy down the street. No one matched. Then he compared this guy with men from Iraq. Nothing.
Finally, some sort of agreement was reached because the discussion went back to more civil tones and gestures. The turbaned man now nodded at someone who turned to him. He pointed toward the north and whatever he said caused the group to laugh. A quick drink emptied his cup. The man stood along with one of the others and exchanged embraces.
As the two men waited at the corner, Jake stepped out of the shop to get a better look. At that moment, the turbaned guy looked down the street and their eyes met. And in that look, from two blocks away, Jake saw recognition dawn in the guy's eyes. He said something to his companion. They hurried across the street and disappeared into the crowd.
Jake stepped farther into the street but lost them amid shoppers. He swallowed nervously. What is going on?
Gunner stepped into the street and saw Jake frozen. He looked in the same direction. "Is everything good?"
"Yeah. I saw that same guy from yesterday."
"The man in the…" Gunner motioned at his head.
"The turban. Yeah."
"Maybe you tell Megan about it. She in charge," Gunner said with a frown.
"Maybe," Jake said, seeing Cowboy finishing up, package in hand.
Later that night, Jake found Megan in her office reading paperwork. He lightly tapped on the door frame.
"Yeah?" She looked up.
He walked in and sat down in the chair. "I've been looking for you."
"Oh yeah?" Megan relaxed back. "Why?"
Jake smiled. "We're having an impromptu basketball game and looking for another player, if you can handle a ball."
"Pass," Megan said looking Jake in the eyes. "I was never good at sports."
Jake shook his head. With her body and quickness with her hands and feet in the aircraft, he bet she was a star athlete. "I doubt that."
Megan merely chuckled.
"I also…" Jake stood, closed the door to her office, then reseated himself. "I saw something today that…I don't know. If I were in Iraq, I'd report it to my commander. So, I guess that's you."
Megan's eye turned wary. "Yeah?"
"Yesterday and today, I saw something that seemed suspicious."
"Like?"
"A guy wearing a turban was acting, I don't know, strange."
"How strange? You've got to be more specific. What did he do?" Megan asked, drumming her fingers.
Jake sighed softly. "That's just it. He did nothing specifically wrong."
"But?"
"Yeah. But, I know something is wrong. My gut's telling me something's up."
"Describe him."
Jake did and the circumstances when he saw the guy. "My instincts are telling me something's wrong."
"Cupcake, I can't go to Fahim with a gut feeling. I have to have more to go on."
"Yeah." Jake looked down at his hands. "I know."
"What else?" Megan asked.
Jake glanced up. Her brown eyes seemed to be trying to read his soul. This neutral expression was even attractive, better than her angry face, which in a weird way was sexy too. "Okay. This is going to sound weird."
"Coming from you?" Megan said with a smile to ease the tension.
"I know him."
"What?" The surprise was genuine.
"Yeah. Twice I've made eye contact with this turbaned guy and, so help me God, I know him."
"How can that be?"
Jake shrugged. "I've thought about every man on base but…"
Megan rubbed her fingers on her lips. She finally shook her head. "Just keep your eyes open. Next time you see him, point him out to someone else. Maybe if more than one of us see him, we'll be able to ID him."
Jake nodded. "So, are you coming to the game?"
"Pass. I've got work to do."
"Chief, you need to rest too."
"There's no rest for those in charge, Cupcake."
"Are you at least coming to the big feast tomorrow night at Masood's house?"
"Yeah. I've got to go to that one."
"Good." Jake paused then frowned again.
"Look Cupcake, put this guy out of your mind. I'm sure it was nothing. After all, this isn't Iraq. Not everyone is the enemy." Megan's finger played with the edge of her shirt.
Jake studied her. This was odd. Her attitude completely changed. She was almost nervous. Finally, he nodded. He would never understand women.
***
Megan stood in the living room of Masood's house talking with a pilot from another crew. It was a modest home, small and middle class compared to homes in the United States, but in Afghanistan it was considered upper class.
The meal had been spectacular. Since most crew members were new to the country, it allowed them to experience the splendid flavors of local food. Even Megan was impressed. As always, her two favorites were served. The first was mutton kebab with raw onions covered with a very spicy sauce. The second was pilau, a dish consisting of rice with raisin, carrots and lamb. It was a hard choice between the two for her.
She glanced around and saw Jake complimenting Masood on the feast. Jake met her eyes across the room then moved with a smile toward her. Megan swallowed nervously. Damn, he's good looking. She could just imagine how it would feel to be pulled into him and held against his naked chest. His muscles rippling as he embraced her, his hands gently stroking her arms or caressing her breasts with his strong hands. Her mind flashed back to the hug on the roof and she could feel herself warming in places she shouldn't be, especially since it was in connection with a member of her crew.
"There you are," Jake said. He nodded at the other pilot who left Megan's side in search of more food.
"Yeah. What did you need?"
Jake gave her a smirk. "Knock it off, Chief. This is a social event. Make nice."
Megan chuckled but inside she was sweating harder than ever. Whenever he stood next to her, she felt like she was having hot fl
ashes. What is this about? She hadn't felt this way since her first crush at the age of eight. She looked at her watch again. It was after prayers, yet not quite dark. From prior experience, she knew it was best to be back at base long before it got dark.
"Got a date?" Jake asked with a smile.
"Funny." Megan glanced around. "I need to be heading back to base."
"Why? Masood said he'd escort us all back in about an hour. That's still way before curfew."
"For you," she said slightly annoyed. She hated this part of Afghanistan and Muslim society. "I'm a woman. Different rules."
Jake nodded in understanding. "You came with Kelly, but he's still eating―"
"Damn," Megan said softly almost under her breath. She usually had a male escort anytime off base. It was not only safer, it was Muslim law.
"I'll walk you back."
Megan didn't answer him right away, but just studied his face.
Jake held up his hands in surrender. "Seriously, I don't want you walking back alone. I figured that was policy anyway. I'm done here. Sometimes spicy food does me in."
Megan glanced again at her watch. She really didn't want to be alone with McGrew unless it was work related. It was a test she wasn't sure she could pass. "I guess."
"That was a resounding testament to my ability to keep you safe," Jake said jokingly. He moved with Megan to Masood's side.
"Fahim, I'd better be getting back."
The head of the base looked shocked then glanced at his watch. He nodded then looked around for Cowboy.
"McGrew offered to escort me. Thank your wife again for me."
"She loved the scarf you gave her, Megan. She says thank you. And the loaves of bread were much appreciated." Fahim gave her a little bow. Under their religion, it was wrong for a man to touch a woman that he was not related too. Then he turned to Jake. "The bag of candy for the children will delight them to no end. Thank you." He gave Jake an embrace.
Jake nodded after the greeting. "Tell them not to eat it all at once. It'll make their teeth rot." Both men chuckled.
Megan pulled a dark green scarf out of her back pocket and waved at Cowboy who was sitting on the toshak mats and pillows which serve as couches in many Afghanistan homes. He nodded back, his mouth full of food. With a wink, he did a little head bob to McGrew, and his grin got wider. Megan shot him a dirty look, then turned toward the door. Jake followed her. She wrapped the scarf around her head and tucked the ends over her shoulders. They walked quietly for several blocks.
