Black Water Creek (12 page)

Paul sighed again and rubbed his eyes. “Our company commander was killed by a rocket attack one night. We’d been at a crummy little forward operating base on a ridge in the Korangal valley for about a month. The whole area was crawling with insurgents and they lobbed mortars and rockets at us on almost a daily basis. They couldn’t aim for shit and most of the time they’d take a few shots that would land short and we’d open up on them with the fifty cal machine guns and mortars of our own. They’d run off and try again from a different spot the next day.

“
One night the captain was walking back from the latrine and the bad guys got lucky. A round landed right in the middle of the base, practically right on top of him. It took out the shitters and one of the bunkers some of the guys were sleeping in.

“In the chaos after the hit we didn’t even realize the captain had been killed
until we moved some of the rubble and found his body. All of the guys took it really hard. He was a hell of a leader and we all looked up to him.”

“Nobody else was killed?” Kelly asked.

“Not a scratch. I think that’s what shook up so many of the guys. Captain Taylor was the best. We all turned to him for answers when things got tough and just like that, he was gone. If it could happen to him, a real pro who knew what he was doing, then what chance did a lowly private have?”

Kelly nodded but didn’t say anything, relieved to have Paul open up to her but at the same time not wanting to hear
anymore of the horrors of what he encountered.

“A week or so later we left the FOB and humped it back to
base to get relocated to another part of the valley. That’s when we met our new captain. You know in war movies there’s always some fumbling ignorant officer making bad decisions all the time?”

Kelly nodded.

“There’s officers like that in real life and we got one. Captain Deets. He was new to the battalion and our company was his first command. While Taylor was a down to earth guy that talked to us as equals, Deets came off like an arrogant jackass from day one. I’m sure he had to be nervous. By then, most of us had seen our share of combat and he knew he had big shoes to fill. Instead of being humbled by that fact and taking advice from his senior non-coms, he just puffed out his chest more and worked on being as big a hard ass as possible.”

Paul ran his fingers through Kelly’s hair. “You still with me or did I bore you to sleep?”

She rested her chin on his chest and smiled. “Keep going.”

“Well, I could drag this story out all night, but the short version is Deets is a dumbass and I contradicted him in front of his men. Officers aren’t a big fan of that.”

“What happened?”

“We were out on a typical mission, patrolling the valley on foot
, talking to the villagers, following leads on hidden weapon caches, that kind of thing. Usually, we’d only go out a platoon at a time, around thirty guys, but things had been really heating up so the whole company was on the move that time.

“The thing about the Korengal valley
is, you can see for miles if the weather is clear and if you’ve got a good vantage point. Somebody was always watching us and it wasn’t a matter of if we’d get ambushed but when.

“We got hit hard on the third day just outside a little village on the edge of a field when most of the company was exposed out in the open. We took machine gun
and mortar fire from both sides. My squad was on point when we got hit. While we tried to lay down suppressive fire, Lieutenant Ajack got on the radio to call in air support.

“Deets came running up to our position like a mad man
and hollering like an idiot. By that time, when shit hit the fan most of us remained calm and just did what we were trained to do. Probably sounds corny, but you don’t have time to be scared in a situation like that.

“
The captain wasn’t handling it well. Poor Ajack knew what he was doing but Deets shouted in his ear and told him to call in a fire mission on a hamlet just up the trail. He was convinced that’s where the mortars were coming from.

“Lieutenant
Ajack already told him they had a couple of Apache gunships on the way, probably just a few minutes out, but Deets insisted he wanted artillery on that hamlet. Ajack was a fine platoon leader but he’s the last guy to disobey an order from his commanding officer. Still, we both knew the mortars weren’t coming from the hamlet. It was full of innocent civilians, and on top of that, it was beyond danger close.”

“Danger close?” Kelly asked.

“Calling in artillery to a target 600 meters away is considered danger close and is risky. It’s only used as a last resort when things get really hairy because there’s a good chance of getting hit by your own arty. The hamlet Deets wanted destroyed was only about 250 meters away. That’s practically right on top of our heads. Lieutenant Ajack didn’t call it in but he also didn’t point out the captain’s mistake. Me and at least three other guys were in earshot and he knew we’d heard the LT ignore his order which really pissed him off.

“A mortar round hit just thirty feet away or so at that moment and it only encouraged the captain even more. He shouted at
Ajack to call it in and that’s when I lost it.”

“What did you do?”

“I don’t remember my exact words but I said something along the lines of ‘Lieutenant, don’t even think for a second of calling in that retard’s fire mission. He’s going to get us all killed.’

“Deets was seething. Not only was one of his lieutenants disobeying an order, but one of his lowly platoon sergeants just called him a retard in front of his men.
”

Kelly laughed and squeezed him tighter. Paul’s smirk faded. “That’s when
Sukow got hit. I knew he was dead but called for the medic anyway. It was pretty bad. That was the last straw for Deets. He grabbed the handset and started making the call. I pointed my rifle at him and told him to drop it.”

Kelly looked up to see if he was serious or joking. The look in his eyes made it clear. “I didn’t really plan on it,” Paul continued, “but before I knew it, the muzzle of my M4 was inches away from his face. I was at the end of my deployment
. Tired, cold, strung out, one of my best men just got killed. And this idiot was about to kill the rest of us with his incompetence.”

Paul stared at the ceiling for a minute, not saying anything. Kelly rested he chin on his chest again, rising and falling with each breath.

“The next few minutes were a blur. The Apaches got there and finally put some heat on the guys ambushing us so we finally were able to get a little breathing room. Somebody, Wallace I think, tried to wrestle the gun out of my hands, but for some reason I didn’t want to lower it. Maybe I liked the look in Deet’s eyes, I don’t know. They finally got me to let go of the rifle and the captain went ballistic.”

“But everybody else had to know you saved them, right?” Kelly asked.

“Didn’t matter. Calling him out and encouraging the LT to disobey his order was one thing, but to pull a gun on him was way over the line. I knew that. None of us respected Deets but once he reported what I did I knew at least a couple of the guys would confirm his story if they got leaned on a little.”

Paul stretched and ran his fingers through Kelly’s hair again. “That’s the last thing I remember. I guess we moved out again but the next thing I
knew was waking up once in the field hospital and then again on the plane to Germany.

“We were on the move again, trying to get out of that open field and find some cover when we got hit by a shell. I was the closest and took the brunt of the blast. Couple other guys were hurt but nothing serious.

“While I was in the hospital, Deets filed for court martial charges of insubordination. In the end, the whole situation ended up looking bad for him and he lost his command of the company. But it still didn’t change the fact of what I did. They dropped the charges, kicked me out of the Army, and here I am in your bed.” He slapped her on the butt. “Could have turned out worse, I suppose.”

“At least you didn’t get killed.”
Kelly glanced at the alarm clock. “Keegan is going to be up in an hour or so. Maybe even earlier once he remembers it’s Christmas morning. I hope Santa brought me a bucket of coffee.”

“Maybe I should get going,” Paul said.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know, but
it would be kinda weird trying to explain why I slept over, wouldn’t it?”

“Well…”

“It’s fine. I really should check in on my mom first thing anyway.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Thanks for the Christmas present. Just what I needed.”

“I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.” She playfully slapped him on the cheek.

Paul quietly got dressed and Kelly walked him to the door, debating whether to go to back to bed or just start a pot of coffee and tough it out until Keegan woke up. They kissed at the door.

“Merry Christmas, Paul. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, kid. Bye.”

Kelly opened the door, greeted by black spray painted letters on the side of her truck. Even in the dark, it was easy to read.

WHORE.

Chapter
20

The deputy leaned against the kitchen counter, his substantial girth producing a groan from the old cabinetry. As he scribbled in his notepad, Kelly wondered how far he’d get if he actually had to chase somebody on foot.

“But you haven’t actually seen him?” he asked.

“No, not since I left him in October.” Keegan clung to her leg so she picked him up. He stuck his thumb in his mouth and stared at the cop, impressed by the uniform and various gadgets hanging off his belt.

“Any phone calls? Email?”

“Not since I got a new cell phone number, no.”

The deputy made a final scribble on his pad, flipped it closed, and let out a big sigh. “Okay. I’ve got pictures of the graffiti on your vehicle and the dead rabbit in your trash. Any other signs of trespassers? Anything at all?”

Kelly shook her head and yawned. Four cups of coffee hadn’t helped her wake up much, just gave her a stomach ache. She considered for a second mentioning the person and the footprints across the river but decided against it. Unless Don gained the ability to fly recently is wasn’t him and it would only make her sound like a nut.

“Okay then, Miss Raney. Even though you suspect your ex is responsible, I’m afraid we don’t have any evidence. I’m not saying it wasn’t him, but truth is
, it could’ve been anybody.”

“You’re saying a random stranger came all the way down here from the road just to
spray paint my truck?”

The cop raised his hand and bowed his head. “I understand your frustration
, but unless he personally threatens you or trespasses on the property, there isn’t much we can do at this point.” He pulled out a business card from his pocket. “If you can think of anything else, give me a call.”

“Fine.”

Ed walked through the front door wiping his hands on a handkerchief. “Okay, that’ll do it. Got all four sides of the house wired up. Anybody gets close and those motion detectors will light up the yard like Lambeau Field.”

The deputy nodded his approval. “Good idea, Ed. That’ll scare off any
vandals just looking for a cheap thrill, trust me.”

Ed held out his hand. “Thanks for coming out
, Jim. Give my best to Bernice.”

“Will do. You all take care, now.”

Ed held the door open for the deputy, studying Kelly’s face over the top of his glasses. “How are you doing, kiddo? You look wiped out.”

“You can say that again. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She set Keegan on the floor and he darted back to his new Christmas toys now that the cop was gone.

Ed lowered his voice. “The guest room is still open.”

Kelly rubbed her face. “I don’t want to run away, Ed.
I already did it once and I’m not going to do it again.”

“I understand. Just remember, I’m right up the hill.
”

“I know, thanks for installing the lights. I’ll pay you back.”

Ed waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad Andy came in to open the hardware store for me on Christmas.”

“Is there anybody in this town you don’t know?”

“Trust me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I swear, it’s a never ending flow of gossip coming into the house, thanks to the missus.” Ed checked his watch. “I should get back. We got a few people coming over this afternoon. You and Keegan are welcome to join us.”

“Thanks, but I don’t feel much like a party.”

“Okay.” Ed kissed her on the cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

Kelly tidied up the breakfast dishes, her mind spinning in a million different directions at once. Despite the police, her truck, and the dead rabbit, her thoughts kept returning to her night with Paul. She couldn’t stop thinking about his gentle touch, his warm breath on her neck, his lips all over her body. Was it ever like that with Don? Even in the beginning?

As wonderful as it was, she still couldn’t help feeling conflicted. The day she walked out on Don she practically swore off men forever, content at the thought of being an abstinent old maid. At least then she could never get hurt again, never let a man control her. Paul was sweet and gentle now, but wasn’t Don once? What if it was all just a front to get her in bed?

Even as she thought
about it, she couldn’t believe it. She was in denial at the time, but deep down she always knew there was a dark side to Don. Even while he was playing the role of the sweet and concerned boyfriend, he’d slip from time to time. A look here, a harsh comment there. She let it go, making excuses to herself and shrugging it off.

Despite being a jerk on her first day of work, she’d never sensed a dark side to Paul. He was gentle, kind, smart, and Keegan adored him.
So what if he was her boss? Would it be the end of the world if they were a couple? End of the world or not, she’d slept with him so there was no turning back now.

Kelly was so lost in thought she almost didn’t notice her cell phone buzzing on the kitchen table. She quickly dried off her hands and reached for the phone, a flutter in her chest a
t the hope it was Paul on the other end. After the graffiti incident he insisted on staying, but she convinced him to go home and check in on his mother. Only when she promised to call Ed and the police did he finally relent. Despite all that, she hoped he was calling to see if it was alright to come over.

She picked up the phone and studied the display. The flutter disappeared, quickly replaced by a sense of dread. His contact
entry on her phone was deleted months ago, but she knew the number by heart.

The phone fell silent before ringing again. She flipped it open and held it to her ear. “What do you want?” Her heart pounded in her chest.

“Merry Christmas.”

Kelly glanced at Keegan, still occupied
with his toys, before rushing into the bedroom. “What do you want?” she asked again.

“
Whoa, that’s all you got? I’m trying to be civil, here.”

Don’s voice had a slight slur to it, something Kelly had become an expert at picking up over the years.
“How did you get my number? I’ve got nothing to say to you.”

“Don’t worry about. Put Keegan on, I wanna say hello.”

“Not going to happen.”

“He’s my kid
, too. Put him on the goddamn phone.”

Kelly lowered her voice after realizing she was almost shouting. “After what you pulled last night you are never going to see him again. Do you hear me? Never.”

“Last night? What in the hell are you talking about?” Don belched into the phone.

“I called the police and had an alarm system installed this morning,” she lied. “If you even think about stepping foot on my property again you’re going to regret it.”

Don laughed. “You’re nuts, you know that? I don’t know where the fuck you live and I don’t care. I got your number from Tammy, okay? That’s it.”

Kelly closed her eyes and exhaled. She realized for the first time she wasn’t scared at all. He was just a pathetic drunk on the other end of the line. She was b
etter than him. He was nothing.

“Don, you listen to me. You leave Tammy alone and you leave me alone. We both know you don’t give a crap about your son. He’s been nothing but an inconvenience to you since the day he was born.
”

She paced the room and kept going before he had a chance to respond.
“Just move on. I don’t want anything from you. No child support, no nothing. You’re off the hook one hundred percent so I want you to hang up the phone and never call me again.”

Don was silent. Kelly considered for a second just maybe she’d gotten through before he started laughing again. “Why don’t you tell your little friend Tammy to leave me alone? She’s over here screwing my brains out every night.”

Kelly didn’t know what to say. It was probably just another lie but how else would he have gotten her number? That would explain Tammy’s hurried visit.

“Now you listen to me, you little
twat. You should have killed me with that bat. You can act as tough as you want but I’m getting my kid back. Right after I drown your worthless ass in the river behind your cute little house. The cute little house I burn to the fucking ground. I’m gonna…”

Kelly flipped the phone shut and threw it on her bed.
She turned to see Keegan standing in the doorway, holding on to his new toy monster truck. She picked him up and squeezed him tight. “Mom loves you sweetie, you know that?”

“Yes.”

“I’m never going to let anybody hurt you ever again.”

“Okay.”

Kelly carried her son into the kitchen and rocked him back and forth as she looked at the deputy’s business card on the counter. She knew she should call and report what happened, but she felt utterly exhausted. The mere thought of dialing the phone suddenly seemed overwhelming.

She carried Keegan into his room and set him down for a nap.
She cuddled up beside him, practically falling asleep before her head hit the pillow.