Page 48 of No Fear

“Yes, she and my grandson are being looked after in Pakistan.”

“That is good. I know this is not what you are accustomed to.” Hakim gestured to the simple surroundings. Omar looked at the bare walls and dirt floors. Carpets hung over doorways. No. He was used to living in a luxury hotel. The Americans had taken that from him.

“My surroundings do not matter. Our purpose now is to ensure the people of Daram unite with us. Once we take control, we will avenge all that has been done to us. Those that choose not to follow the New Dawning of Allah will meet their demise.”

“Including the American team.”

Omar sipped his tea before answering. “Especially that team. Our patience will be rewarded. It is Allah’s will.”

“Indeed.”

“How is the recruiting coming along?” Omar sat back in his chair, smoothing down his robe. It was strange wearing the traditional dress, having been in Pakistan for so many years. At his hotel he had worn suits. Slept in a comfortable bed, ate the best meals. None of it mattered now. His focus was clear. This was his purpose.

“We have persuaded many local rebels to join us. I have men going through the villages, gathering more. We are strong. We will be ready to make our move soon.”

Omar nodded. “Good. We need to coordinate this carefully.”

“It is all being planned. We will be ready. When it is over, Daram will be ours.” Hakim lifted his tea.

“You believe the team will come?”

“Yes. I have no doubt. This is our time, my brother.” Omar placed a hand on Hakim’s arm. “Allah has guided us here.”

Chapter Nine

Charlie held the glass of wine, aimlessly trailing her finger around the rim as she stared out the window. The view didn’t register. The last couple of hours she had shed more tears than she thought possible. Things had not been great between her and Simon but tonight had been frightening. If Donnie hadn't been there, Simon might have hurt her. Really hurt her. How the hell had things come to this?

At some point, the tears stopped, and she’d gotten up and changed into leggings and a T-shirt and opened the bottle of wine in the mini fridge. She raised the glass to herself.

“Here’s to being single again.” Men were assholes. All they did was break your heart. She was done with relationships. Maybe she’d try the one-night stand thing. Scratch the itch and then move on. Seemed like a much better idea.

Taking a sip, the beep of a text message got her attention. Simon probably. He'd sent several texts, begging her to talk to him. She’d ignored them all and instructed the front desk not to let Simon up if he tried. Picking up her phone she glanced at the screen. It wasn’t from Simon, it was Donnie.

Hey Charlie. Just checking in as promised. If you need anything let me know. I’m here for you.

A silent tear rolled down her cheek. She swiped at it in frustration. God, she needed to get a grip. She needed some girl time with Maddie. A call would have to do.

“Hi, Charlie, how’s Toronto?” Dave answered.

“Oh. It’s fine. Is Maddie around?”

“She’s actually asleep.”

Charlie glanced at the time. Eight-thirty.

“I know it’s early, but the kids ran her ragged today, so I made her take a bath, put her to bed, and confiscated her phone so she would rest.”

“You’re a great husband and father, you know that?” Charlie could picture Dave ordering Maddie to bed. Dave was not an asshole. He was one of a very tiny minority.

“I try. She had them all day while I pulled a Saturday shift. The least I can do is give her a break. Everything OK with you?”

“Oh, yes. I was just calling for a catch up. Nothing urgent. I’ll let you go.”

“OK. I’ll tell her you called. Talk soon.”

Charlie sighed as tears threatened again. Her life had just been turned upside down. When she’d told Simon they were done, he had been livid, and she’d been scared he might actually hit her. Initially, he’d tried the charm. When that didn't work, he turned nasty. Criticized her weight and told her he was the best offer she would ever get. Eventually, a staff member had come into the room from another door and asked if everything was alright. Charlie had said yes and that Simon was just leaving. She’d been surprised when he left without further argument, but she assumed she hadn't heard the last of him.

Whatever was going on with Simon, she couldn’t defend him anymore. She had been frightened. Really frightened. If Donnie hadn't been there...