Once a SEAL (18 page)

Brandwinde sucked his candy quietly, enjoying the opportunity to relish it. Every now and then he twitched, his muscles obviously still cramped from his imprisonment.

A wizened man holding a staff took goats down the road. The sound of the goats’ discontent at being herded filled the woods.

Dan took the opportunity to whisper with JC. “I know the place…there’s only one possibility near mountains and a hot spring. I can get us there.” He had spent hours studying the topography of the area. His mind could visualize every bump and hill.

“That’s crazy. We’re not prepped.” JC wasn’t buying into it.

“This might be our only chance. What if the terrorist cell moves?” His body was alive with anticipation. He was already making mental notes of the best direction to take and all of the options available to them.

For a time the sound of bleating goats was all they heard. It eventually faded.

A man in white pants and a shirt with a traditional straw hat led eight children of various ages past their position. They sang a song about butterflies in the sky. Before they made it all the way past, several scooter-type motorcycles buzzed by with couples perched on top. One child came dangerously close to Dan, JC, and Brandwinde.

Clapping a hand over Brandwinde’s mouth and nose, Dan held tight as the child paused and then ran to catch up with the rest.

When the threat was gone, Brandwinde said, “What gives?”

“Even though those are unscented and unflavored, there’s still some odor. I didn’t think anyone would come that close.”

“I thought we were safe in South Korea?”

“We are,” said Dan. “But you never know who’s watching. The DMZ is unmonitored in places.”

Time ticked by slowly. Dan had to stop Brandwinde from fidgeting several times. The man’s body had a mind of its own, and Dan could only imagine what was happening on the other side of the road with the rest of the Team.

Finally, they heard the gearbox grinding that signaled the approach of the truck. Just as before, the truck pulled over and the driver got out to inspect the front of his vehicle and look under the hood. The men loaded in, and Dan moved quickly to the rear. He had an earful for the LT about this lakeside terrorist headquarters, and he knew some of his brethren would want to join in on the fun, too. In Dan’s opinion, Operation White Hawk wasn’t complete, not until those responsible were made accountable. He wanted the headquarters of the terrorist cell.

***

JC stifled a sneeze. It was bad planning to stick him in that field, but there hadn’t been much choice. All the enemy had to do was walk about ten feet to their right and his swim buddy would be revealed. Splitting the Team—sending half to South Korea and the rest of them heading north—meant they would be moving faster. Being caught here would mean a slow death.

Dan held his knife at the ready. He could take two of them instantly and sink his weapon into the others fairly quickly. They’d stripped down to the bare essentials so they could move faster. Dan held himself poised to pounce.

There were four North Korean men patrolling together, just like the SEAL Team. Yet the tangos were all smoking cigarettes with their rifles slung over a shoulder. They were chatting amicably about a new girl at a bar, and nothing changed in their demeanor…as if they hadn’t heard or seen anything. The enemy continued down the road without even noticing them.
Hallelujah!

Dan let his breath out slowly and slid the knife back into the holder on his belt.

JC moved quickly, getting out of the field and standing by his side within only a few moments.

“I changed my mind. I want to go home,” JC joked. “Where are my pretty red shoes?”

“Too late. Wear the dirty diaper and like it. Ain’t no magic going to get us anywhere faster,” said Hammer. Both he and Dirks had caught up to them, too.

The rest of the Team stayed below the border accompanying the Marines, who were in pretty bad shape, back to base. It seemed likely the biggest guy would lose his leg.

“I want a beer,” said Dirks.

“I want a cheeseburger,” replied JC.

Dan ignored them, instead thinking about their course. Once they were on the other side of the border, he was the only directional genius keeping them on track. Though the LT had argued briefly about Dan’s plan, he understood its value. The Team, then, was split down the middle: Brock, Thomas, Zankin, and LT went to base and the rest of them followed Dan. In times like this, when his buddies trusted his instinct as the “human compass,” it made him feel good and reminded him of the US Navy SEAL motto, “Ready to lead, ready to follow, never quit.”

Hammer, Dirks, and JC were on his six. Everyone in the Teams had the same type of training in terms of compass reading, using the stars, and how to read plant clues such as moss, and so on. But Dan had a special gift, and his Teammates had seen it in action. He just hoped they weren’t going to run into a whole pack of trouble.

He’d asked JC to stay behind. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to him, especially with those baby boys on their way, but JC was stubborn, saying, “I came on this mission because there’s work to do. Besides, you’re still here, and I’m sticking for the same reason. So shut the fuck up and hop to it, frog.”

They were heading along the border, going back and forth, as it was beneficial until they reached a good spot to head north. Along the way, they discovered a kimchi pot and stopped for a quick feast. The pickled cabbage had the acidic flavor of garlic, peppers, and brine. They ate silently, only eating about half the pot, and then they put it back the way they had found it. Heading into territory where they wanted to blend in, the local cuisine would help them. Not everyone in the Teams agreed with what they were doing—adding to the smells that would come out of their pores—but Dan and his present Teammates had found it made all the difference.

They learned the technique from a Vietnam-era frogman who’d run missions throughout the region. Anyone who could survive that deadly and chaotic shit had their respect, and so far the advice had paid off for them—they were still alive.

Along the way, when he could, Hammer snapped photos to add to their database on the region. They knew how bad the risks were, but it wasn’t going to stop them. It was a day-and-a-half hike in and who knew how long out, depending on which path they took. But this score wasn’t private anymore; both Hammer and Dirks had been Marines before making it through BUD/S training and becoming SEALs. They were pissed at what had happened to those hostages—members of the Corps. With JC and Dan feeling connected to Sandra’s death and everyone wanting this terrorist group—which had been a major pain in the ass for all of them—dead, the stakes in this game were pretty high.

They stuck to what they knew…running when it was feasible and staying silently still when it called for it. Hiking up through communist country was dicey at best. They often had to stop and stay tucked away while troops marched by or citizens ambled past their positions. The city slickers didn’t appear very aware of possible intruders, but the country ones knew their terrain, and that made things trickier at times. Luckily the Intel placed the headquarters of the terrorist cell at the base of a mountain, tucked back into the mouth of one of the ravines. A scan of the region showed a lake, and that was their favorite kind of mapped feature. Dan was point man most of the way.

Finally, they reached the heights just above their goal. The waning smell of cooking gejang filled the air. The pot was abandoned, being stalked and eaten now not by human beings but local critters. The SEALs grabbed a few of the pieces and ate them, tossing the shells as the animals did before heading downward. Taking advantage of the starless nightfall, they headed down the mountain.

Dan had secured his night-vision goggles and took point. If there was an IED, he wanted to make sure he was the one who found it and the Team got over it safely. He wasn’t eager to get hurt or die, but this was his idea and he didn’t want anyone going down on his watch.

The hairs on the back of his neck rose. Something was up!

Dan held his fist in the air, giving the signal to stop, and they all froze like deer in headlights but with a small difference—the SEALs sank to one knee, becoming indistinguishable from the rocks around them.

They listened as a man and woman walked by. Dan knew enough of the language to understand the conversation. When the couple was out of earshot and eyesight, they continued.

“What was it, Mac?” Hammer’s voice was a throaty whisper over the comm.

“He’s trying to get her into bed…but they’re from rival families and it’s forbidden.” Dan’s reply was so soft, even a dog would wonder what he heard.

Spotting some sophisticated radar and listening equipment on top of the building, Dan knew they were in the right place. With the threat past them, Dan signaled to the rest of the group to move.

A shed was in their rather circular path to the building, and inside Hammer found the same kind of explosives as before. They loaded up and headed to their goal.

Amazingly, there were no guards. Either these terrorists were so confident in their ability and the security of their establishment or just horribly complacent. Dan didn’t care which it was; the lack of guards to be eliminated was in their favor.

Dirks and Hammer were the experts, so they planted explosives around the outside of the house and set up a remote trigger. If someone didn’t know better, it would look like little kids had decorated for a surprise birthday party. But these streamers were laced into the foundation and up the corners of the building with some rather unique explosives attached. Anyone would be hard put to locate the stuff, as it was underneath layers and layers of foliage. Though if someone did find it before the Team left the area, because it was their own stuff, the most likely thought would be that they had a traitor in their midst.

Excellent! See, two can play at that game, you bastards
, mused Dan as he thought of Ru and what he had told the government’s party officials.

Dan kept examining the doors and windows. He was eager to get inside. But there were people in there, too, and it was risky. He could hear them moving about.

Finally, someone opened a shade and then a window. A woman who looked as if she had just had sex smoked a cigarette and dumped the ash through the opening. She was complaining about the supplies they were lacking.

The ash fell an inch from Dan’s nose before the wind whisked it away.

She spoke quickly, talking about the electricity going out intermittently and that they needed to have a better generator. Yesterday the ancient thing had almost started a fire. Then she asked that a message be sent to that effect…that this place was a firetrap.

When Dan heard her footsteps and those of another person leave the room, he knew this was his chance.

Removing his goggles, Dan looked into a window. He could see several computers and a map of the USA with pins, and lists under the cities. Withdrawing a small camera, a high-tech one, he used the scope to focus in and then he snapped close-ups and one wide angle of the map. On the wall next to it were pictures of people’s faces. Sandra’s was up there, and it was x-ed out. He shot photos of that wall, too.

At
last! Here are the bastards who killed Sandra.

There was no telling what else was in there. His fingers itched to pull the hard drives and take them home, but it had taken longer to get over the mountaintop than they had planned.

JC got his attention and pointed to his watch. Dan looked at the sky. Shit! There was no way they’d make it over the mountain before they were revealed by daylight.

Hammer was thinking the same thing, and he signaled for them to tuck into the water for the day. They all agreed and headed for the place with the best cover…the lake.

Their steps were cautious, though they encountered no personnel or IEDs on the way. If there had been, their SOP—practicing in peacetime so fighting was a reflex—would have aided them. Knowing how to operate instinctively as well as make decisions on the fly made it easier to reach a goal effectively.

Silently Dan moved into position first. He squatted down and duck-walked into a great hiding spot. There was a minimal amount of dried leaves and twigs, and he’d stay covered as long as they were concealed.

Beetles moved around his body, some scattering out of the way and others nudging him, unsure of what he was. As long as no one took a bite, he wouldn’t need to reduce it to dinner. If there were any centipedes in here, he’d never hear the end of it from JC. The man had a serious aversion to them, and though he’d stand there all day covered in them and not say a word, later when they were alone it would be an endless tirade on how he hated all those legs and what they made him think about.

JC’s foot got caught in a rock. It took him a few seconds to dislodge it, but not before a ripple moved out over the lake. His swim buddy slowly stilled his movements…waiting for the wave to dissipate before going any farther.

Soon enough he was only a couple of inches from excellent cover. Among the plant life, this is where he would be hidden, and yet he could see around all sides if he must. Even in full daylight, the weeping trees bent mightily over them and grew so close to the reeds, they would shade them from view and even allow them to fashion a breathing tube, if they had to go for a dip. There were a couple of spots like that around the lake, and with them split into two Teams, if they got into a pinch, they’d be able to handle it.

Hammer and Dirks signaled they were all set.

Dan and JC responded in the same manner.

Unless they were discovered, which they had worked their asses off to make sure didn’t happen, their strategy meant…it was going to be a long fucking day.

At home, Aria was attempting to hold up her end of the agreement. She was tired, though. SEALs had been stopping by her house at all hours of the day and night. First it was Declan, and then Jack Roaker and his wife Laurie. The one that had amused her the most was Commander Gich. He’d stayed for two days and drunk the house dry of liquor. Jimmy couldn’t get enough of Gich’s stories, and she was thrilled when the two of them went running on the Strand together. If Jimmy stuck to the positive side of his behaviors, she’d welcome Gich back anytime.

Yawning for the third time in ten minutes, Aria thought about turning Dan’s car around and going back home. But she’d promised to check on JC’s wife, and that was exactly what she was going to do. Besides, she had to thank Jen for talking to the high school. She was the former vice principal and had talked the school board and staff into allowing Jimmy to do his work from home and finish up the first semester of his sophomore school year. Aria was grateful beyond words for the assistance and was bringing an overloaded gift basket that weighed almost as much as her brother, who was sitting in the front seat next to her. He had written a thank-you card and several paragraphs on what this opportunity meant to him.

During the next school break, Jimmy would be working in Judge Wasa’s courtroom. She had spoken to the judge and learned that her brother would be taking on the role of unpaid intern: getting coffee, doing filing, looking up precedents—if he had a knack for it—and attending court when the judge was presiding. It was a good way to spend the school break.

Aria had been concerned that Jimmy might run into Mark, but so far her former best friend had not contacted either of them. There were many times she’d thought of contacting him to get his side of the story, but then she looked at her brother and couldn’t do it. She was the only line of defense for him, the one barrier between someone harming him or protecting him, and she needed to be his superhero.

Keeping that in the forefront of her mind, she allowed him to use her computer for homework only, and he had to ask her to log in before he was able to use the Web.

“I think that’s the house,” said Jimmy, pointing. “Wow, that lady’s big.”

She looked at where her brother indicated and she smiled. “It’s the correct house number. Now remember, don’t tell her she’s big. Pregnant women are sensitive about such things. If you have to comment, tell her she’s pretty, but only if it’s the truth. Otherwise, say nothing but ‘Thank you for your help.’”

“Aye, Master Chief.” Her brother saluted.

“What’s that about?” Aria looked at her brother, puzzled.

“Dan told me women are a rank higher than their husbands, because they are in charge. I am to respect you and listen to you.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Really? How long is that going to last?” Not that she was complaining…

“I like Dan better, and I’m a lot more scared of Dan than I am of Mark. I don’t know why I ever listened to that tool! I should have known better.” Jimmy kicked at the floor with the toe of his tennis shoe.

Aria pulled the car into the driveway and put it in park. “I don’t like you talking that way. Can you get rid of the recriminations and the judgment for a little while?”

“Yes. Hey, she’s walking over.” Jimmy waved at the short woman with the huge belly.

Turning quickly, Aria almost wrenched her neck. “Get out of the car. I don’t want her to have to walk all the way over here. Get the basket, too.”

Opening her door, she hurried over to the wobbling lady. “Hi, I’m Aria, and that’s my brother Jimmy. We wanted to introduce ourselves and thank you for the wonderful things you’ve done.”

“Hi, Aria. I’ve heard so much about you. Hi, Jimmy. Come on in.” Jen stopped moving forward, though she was still holding her belly. She bent over for a few moments and then she stood. “I swear they are having a fistfight in there.” Sure enough, her shirt was moving. Directing her voice to her belly, Jen said, “Stop it this instant, or I’m calling your father.” It worked.

“That was amazing! Can you really contact JC?” Aria asked.

Jen shook her head. “But they don’t know that,” she mouthed. “Those two seem to be calm only when JC is around. It’s seriously frustrating. Better not be like that when they’re born. Let’s go in.”

Walking slowly beside her, Aria admired the yard. “This is gorgeous. Did you do it?”

Waddling more slowly as she walked up the steep bank, Jen said, “No, JC has the green thumb. He doesn’t even trust me to water any of it. There are sprinklers hidden everywhere.” Pointing to a line of rosebushes, she said, “He gave me that one for our first wedding anniversary and on down the line, except for the last two—those represent our sons.”

“Are you sure you don’t need any help? Your face is getting a little red.” Aria couldn’t stop herself from having her hands at the ready in case the woman fell or toppled or needed a push. Did women really get that big? From the back she looked like she was a small lady with a shapely backside. From the front, you just wanted to wrap your hands around her stomach and help her out.

“No. The exercise…is good…for me. My doctor wants me…to move around…some.” Shifting both of her hands to her back, Jen huffed her way upward. “I’m sorry…I didn’t make it to your wedding. JC takes…this bed-rest thing seriously. I’ve never been…so bored in my whole life. Though it is a weird break…not to have him singing dirty songs to the babies. My headphones and I have become good friends.”

“Seriously? Like Navy songs?” Aria laughed. “I could see that. How’s his voice?”

“Like a cat having kittens.” Finally reaching the porch, Jen yelled, “Mom. Dad. We have company. Come meet Aria and her brother Jimmy! You remember me telling you about them.”

Aria put her hand on Jen’s arm. In a hushed voice, she said, “What did you tell them? Jimmy’s sensitive about the whole school thing.”

“I told them that you were going to be my new friend and Dan has never gone gooey in his life, except when he talks about you. Any woman who can melt him like that deserves my praise and support.” Jen patted her hand and turned toward the door as it squeaked open.

There was nothing Aria could say. Never in her life had someone ever said anything so kind to her. Emotion squeezed her heart.
I
should
have
come
here
sooner, a lot sooner.

Visiting with Jen was incredibly heartwarming. Aria had never felt so at ease with someone as she did with JC’s wife. Dan was correct in his prediction that they would become fast-and-furious friends. When Jen’s parents took Jimmy out for ice cream, she told Jen the whole story, and for some reason trusted her completely, maybe because Dan did, too.

Aria took a sip of her iced tea. “Did I tell you I contacted one of my old roommates? Lulu knew Mark in college. When I asked her about him, she told me he was creepy and used to follow her around, asking questions. She considered getting a restraining order at one point, and then suddenly he lost interest. Lulu said she never understood how I could be friends with him.”

“Why didn’t she warn you?” Jen looked shocked. “If you were my friend, I would have said something.”

“Yeah, I asked her. The rest of our roommates talked her out of it.” That knowledge made Aria feel sick. “You know…the three of them were really close. They dropped out together, were in each other’s weddings, and had babies at the same time. I didn’t follow that path, so we didn’t stay…close.”

“No offense meant by this…but I think you can do better, friendwise.” Jen sucked on the lemon slice before she dropped it into her unsweetened tea.

“Me, too.” Aria smiled at her.

“I don’t think I would have had your restraint. I would have found the son of a bitch and kicked the crap out of him. A woman’s lower body, especially her legs, are often stronger than a man’s.” Jen kicked out a leg, demonstrating her technique. “One quick kick and that would end his lust.”

“I don’t know that it’s that simple,” said Aria. “He knows everything about me. I had to change every one of my passwords…because I shared them too. I feel absolutely violated, and I don’t know how to make it up to Jimmy. Do you have any ideas?”

“I’ve worked with a lot of abused kids. It’s a complicated situation. But there are actions you can take that are effective. Be open. Have a space for talking…a time away from your normal environment.”

“Yes,” said Aria. “We’ve been walking around the neighborhood every day. It’s been pretty good. Sometimes I talk. Other times he does. The silence is harmonious, too. I just want to make sure I’m doing it right. I don’t know who to ask questions of.”

“Me! Please ask me. I’d love to have something else to concentrate on.” Jen trailed her fingers over her belly. “Aria, remember, kids are resilient. Don’t keep bringing it up or trying to make it up to him. Let him come to you…unless you see a problem, and if you do, call him on the issue immediately. Pretend he is a canine—reward him when he’s good and say no when he’s bad.”

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you just told me to train my brother like a dog.” Aria laughed. “That’s so not politically correct.”

“Well, crap,” said Jen. “Practically every baby book says the same thing on training and guidance…it all feels like dog training to me. In my opinion, it’s a compliment. Our old treasure, Chilly, who was a boxer, ate better than us, slept on our bed, we picked up her poop, bathed her, and wiped her butt. She watched movies with us, got to go to the beach to run and play, took doggy-training classes, and generally had an awesome life. If I ever die, I’d want to come back as her. Wouldn’t you?”

Aria wasn’t sure about the dog/kid training stuff, but Jen did seem to have a generous heart. The whole house was baby-proofed, and there were two baby every things everywhere, from high chairs to infant swings. “Are you going to get another dog?”

“Yes. When the twins are two years old… We want them to have something to howl with besides us.” Jen waved her hands. “Just kidding. You are so easy to tease. I’m sorry, I’ll have to restrain myself. Honestly, we’re waiting for the terrible twos to arrive, because my sister-in-law will be going to college at that time and living with us. Part of her rent-free arrangement is to help out in the afternoons and a couple nights a week. I have visions of taking a nap or a bath and perhaps even having a date night with JC, but the reality will probably be all of us chasing the munchkins throughout the house. I’m sure the babes will be running.”

“You’re looking forward to it, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a mom…just like my own. It took me a long time to get pregnant, and I’m going to treasure these little guys like the crown jewels.” Jen tensed and then relaxed. “Are you going to…have children?”

“Yes…someday.” Aria looked around this house. Photographs of JC and Jen filled the walls, and every corner looked lived-in and enjoyed. She wanted that type of home, where people could visit and be comfortable, where she could be happy welcoming another stage of her life. She wasn’t sure how she would get her life into that position, but she felt it would come. Dan was the key—their joy together, communicating, loving, and enjoying every moment. Could she be as strong as Jen? In all likelihood, yes, she could. Regardless of any concerns, she wanted to try.

“I miss having a dog,” said Jen, staring off into space. “Excellent protection. You might consider getting one…given your situation.” She fanned herself with her hands. “I cannot wait for these kids to get out here so I can love on them. Though…” She paused and crooked her head to the side as if listening to something Aria couldn’t hear, and then she returned to the conversation with a smile. “I really, really want JC to be home for it. Maybe if I cross my legs…well, if I could cross them…”

***

Aria drove down the road, admiring the view of the ocean. It was a beautiful day! She found herself humming and enjoying the memory of meeting Jen. Jimmy had had a great time, too. He ate an entire ten-scoop sundae all by himself and then played touch football in the park with Jen’s dad. Her brother looked tired as he leaned back against the headrest and he yawned.

“So what do you want to do when we get home?”

“Veg out in front of the TV or play a video game.” Jimmy’s voice was getting sleepier. He cuddled his chest with his arms, a habit which he had done since he was a baby. There were so many times over the past few days she had been reminded of his childhood. Jimmy was a teen and growing up, almost a man, but it was hard to look at him without seeing his start in life.

“According to our agreed-upon schedule you have an hour of TV and forty-five minutes of gaming time. Are you sure you want to waste it now rather than save it for tonight?” She glanced at him, and his eyes were slowly closing. “We can watch
Fletch
. I know how you love that movie.”

“Fine. I’ll wait.”

She pulled into the turning lane and then into the Silver Strand neighborhood. There was a crowd of people at a house near hers.

“What happened?” asked Aria as she joined the group.

Several neighbors nodded at her as they looked in, too. In the arms of many of them were baskets or canned hams. Aria had a sudden impression of being at the zoo during feeding time, and she wasn’t sure who were the exhibits and who was the audience.

When she looked in the window, all at once it hit…making her stomach clench. Inside the house Eve was crying. Her triplets were sitting on the couch, dressed in matching blue sailor suits and holding their teddy bears. They looked miserable and their faces were streaked with tears.

She watched the hated Mrs. Hiney fetch and carry and comfort Eve. Standing there for ten minutes, it amazed Aria…seeing the ice queen’s warmth. Maybe she shouldn’t have judged that book by its cover. Filing that nugget away for future thought, she backed away from the window.

She knew what had happened, and the fact that no one had said it confirmed that terrible fear. Eve’s husband had been killed. There was no way to make it gentle. This was the ice pick of all outcomes. Everything changed from there. The death of a loved one was the devastation that would never heal, and the loss would never go away.