“That's at least four hours from here,” Riser said. His second for medical went to the large topographic map on the far wall. “We might need a bird to extract the girls if they're non-mobile.”
“We can get a helo in from Bagram Airfield,” Ranger said, “I've got a buddy there right now.”
“So, let’s set up Jared on the south mountain, and Hoyt on the north mountain for over watch. The rest of us will breakinto teams, each moving in from different locations and set up blocks on the road in and out of the meeting area,” Hunter joined Riser next to the map, pointing as he spoke, his dark hair a stark contrast next to Riser's blond. “What do you think, Aaron?”
“I like it. Our snipers can take out anyone if they get past our road blocks after the meet and drop. We try to keep as many alive as possible for intel.”
Ethan stepped forward. “But if the girls’ lives are at risk...”
“We take them out,” said Hoyt Crowe, his lips pulled to the side from a deep scar up his cheek. Before his captivity and torture, he'd been all smooth and easy going, but now, the sniper rarely left his fiancée, Hayden, or spoke. In spite of or because of his trauma, his accuracy with a rifle had only improved after he recovered and Aaron wouldn't want anyone else guarding Celine.
“I agree,” Aaron said.
“Me, too,” Hoyt’s brother Jared chimed in.
Merc, the silent one, stepped in and rapped his knuckles on the plastic table. “Anyone else ready to kick some ass?”
Chapter 5
Celine eased backonto the incredibly plush cushions of the low-lying white couch and inhaled the sweet aroma of jasmine. Polished white granite floors with veins of gold streaking throughout were dotted with huge columns that ran up to domed hand-painted ceilings. Priceless vases filled with bright colorful flowers. Plush, different expensive rugs and a gigantic bed adorned with silk throws and pillows. The entire room was out of an Arabian fantasy.
While stark desert lay as far as she could see beyond the walls, the palace itself bordered on a tropical oasis with potted palm trees and bright green and pink flowers filling the surrounding courtyard, trapped much like herself in a world she didn't belong.
Her servant, A’idah, dressed her in a hijab; a long tunic that fitted about the waist with a matching long sleeved skin-tight type of slip to wear underneath. She'd also insisted Celine wear the matching head scarf, but Celine put her foot down. She had no intention of being here long enough to worry about adopting the Muslim dress code.
What she wouldn't give right now for her tiny apartment and cramped bedroom littered with clothing and shoes strewn across the floor. Her friends always laughed at the fact that her home looked more like a nuclear bomb site, and Celinelaughed right along with them. She'd never been one of those people who needed everything clean and in order; in fact, this place was so spotless she was afraid to walk on the carpets.
She’d made it about five minutes in the ride from their captivity before passing out and waking in this seeming paradise. She’d had no further contact since she’d woken with anyone but A’idah. She’d questioned the girl, who proclaimed to be her servant, relentlessly about Caro to no avail. A’idah was tight lipped and seemingly only concerned with Celine – that reality even more disconcerting. She’d never had anyone worry about her. Ever. Having a complete stranger seem to devote her entire existence to Celine threw her off completely.
“Miss, may I offer you some fruit?” A’idah picked the silver tray up off a hand-carved table nearby and held out her offering.
“No, thank you. When is Mr. Mankel coming by? How is Caroline? When can I see her?”
“I'm sure he will be by soon to answer your questions. Perhaps you would prefer a soothing tea?” A’idah replaced the tray and stood before her, the perfect picture of modesty, everything but her face covered in a traditional hijab of bright blue and yellow.
“Could you take me to see my friend?”
A’idah ducked her head, avoiding Celine's gaze, and an anxious sort of dread moved through her. Celine had been here a day and a half and hadn't been able to see Caroline. This morning when she'd insisted to see her, she'd been refused. And still now, with the deep orange and gold of sunset painting the room like a masterpiece, she couldn't get a straight answer.
“A’idah, I demand to see Caroline.”
A’idah edged backwards to the door. “I'm sorry, miss, but you must wait on Mr. Mankel to escort you. It is not safe for you to roam the halls unprotected.”
“Is that why my door is locked?” Celine spit out. She'd discovered her gilded cage only today, when she'd tried to go exploring.
“Yes, miss. Your protection. I will inform Mr. Mankel of your wish. Please, try and eat. I worry about your health.”
“I am fine, really, you worry too much.” Although Celine silently enjoyed A’idah’s company, she didn’t completely trust her. How could she?
“You have been very kind to me and I seek to return the favor.” A’idah sighed, “But I’ve come to recognize your stubborn streak and know you will not eat. I will leave you to rest now. I placed the bell next to your bed if you have problems with sleep again. Ring if you need company.” A’idah ducked out of the room.
Celine heard the lock snick into place and sighed. Could she hope she only had a little while longer and she'd be stateside and could put this whole nightmare behind her? She limped over through the large open archway and out onto her second story balcony, the short walk leaving her breathless. Her chest and face throbbed from the attack. But worse than that was the nightmares. The horror movie of her captor ripping away her shirt while she lay helpless beneath him plagued her nights. A chill worked down her spine despite the heat.
The horrors of the past two weeks wouldn't be shaken in a day, she knew that, but her newfound weakness was a pitiful pill to swallow.
A doctor had conducted a complete exam of her physical wellbeing the day before. She’d shuddered when he did the pelvic exam, but gritted her teeth and endured. She hadn’t been raped. He’d given something of an excuse after seeing the bruises and then he’d prescribed her a strict diet of light meals, supplements and lots of water, he’d declared her battered and dehydrated, but otherwise healthy. She would make a full recovery. At least, her body would. Her mind wasa whole other matter. And her heart… let’s just say, she was feeling ever more removed from the man she expected to come to her rescue now that she was in safe arms and he still hadn’t surfaced.
After continuously probing the doctor throughout the exam about Caroline, he’d finally caved and informed her that her friend wasn’t quite as resilient. He’d put Caroline on IV fluids and medications to help combat an infection she’d contracted.
