Page 126 of No Fear

On paper? What the fuck did that mean?

“So, does that mean I’m going with the team?” he asked hopefully.

“That depends on how you react when I tell you the next piece of news,” Sam said, picking up another folder.

Donnie was lost. He took the folder, opened it, reading the title of the document enclosed.

Daram Embassy Staff List.

He looked between his captain and team leader. “What am I missing here?”

“Look at the last name on the list,” Dex said.

Donnie scanned the list and stopped breathing. No, no, no! Charlie was in Daram? Tearing his eyes from the paper, he looked at Sam. He was screaming inside, ready to punch a wall and run to the plane to get to Daram as fast as he could. Now he understood about the psych eval and this conversation. He held it together because if he couldn't show he was calm, he would be staying at the Farm. There was no way in hell he was letting that happen.

“I’m good to go,” he said calmly. “Let me go.”

“Ms. Weston is one of fifteen Americans that need evacuating. I don’t need to know exactly what your relationship is with her, but I do need to know that it won't distract you from doing your job and obeying your team leader.”

“It won't, sir. I swear. Of course, I want to get her out of there and I will, together with every other American.”

What if Sam said no? Donnie couldn’t stay here knowing Charlie was in Daram. Knowing Reborn soldiers were likely among the protesters outside. Knowing what they might do to her if they decided to take hostages. They needed to be airborne now.

Sam looked at Dex. “Your call.”

Dex looked surprised a moment, then nodded.

“Donnie, I trust you meant what you just said. We will bring Charlie home, but there are fourteen other people. You may not be able to stay by her side. You may not even get to see her. If you come with the team, I need you with the team. Twelve of us against Reborn is already going to be a challenge. Secure the embassy first, but then your head needs to be right to finish the job.”

“It will be. I want those guys as much as anyone.”

“Ryan will take lead sniper.”

“Understood.” He accepted he wasn’t ready. He hadn’t even picked up his rifle since returning.

“You sure?” Sam said to Dex.

“Yeah. I’m sure. We go as a full team to take these fuckers down.”

“I will not let you down.” Donnie spoke as calmly as possible despite every muscle in his body tensing. Charlie was in the middle of what was about to be a war zone.

“Better not. Or you might find yourself on permanent desk duty,” Sam said with no humor in his voice.

“Understood, sir.”

“Alright then, let’s not waste any more time.”

***

CHARLIE SCREAMED WHEN the first explosion erupted outside the embassy gates. As she peered out the window, the US Marines were doing their best to keep out the protesters. The crowd had grown again, and some were now armed with what looked like little bottles on fire and were throwing them over the gate. Others were trying to climb the gate and walls to get inside. Things were getting out of hand and fast.

“We need everyone together in the foyer now!” a marine shouted.

Charlie did as she was told, not even stopping to get her purse. She looked around for Ambassador Clarkson but couldn't see her. As they gathered in the foyer, she counted. Fourteen. Ambassador Clarkson was missing.

“The ambassador, she’s not here,” she said to the marine.

The soldier nodded at two others and they took off.