CHAPTER NINE
Autumn set the osprey down at the private airfield they’d been given access to. The mechanics and technicians turned, staring at the strange machine and she squirmed, worried that they might come toward her. Instead, her husband, Cowboy, opened the door and stepped out, rising to his full height.
Suddenly the men on the tarmac and in the hangar had other things to do.
“They weren’t doing anything wrong,” smirked Autumn.
“They were coming for my wife,” he frowned.
“No they weren’t,” she laughed. “They were curious about the osprey. Can you blame them? Even I think this thing is sweet and I fly it all the time.”
“Well, that might be but I don’t need them looking at you.”
He stared at the tablet and looked across the expanse of dry earth.
He’d been in the Middle East on and off his entire adult career and the countries often started looking alike.
Deserts for as far as you could see, then suddenly a mountain, a stream, an ocean surrounded by green.
Then, just as suddenly, back to deserts and mud homes.
“Are they close?” she asked.
“They’re about to cross the border. Maybe one of these guys will let me use a truck to go get them.
” He walked toward one of the mechanics, speaking in their language, and he nodded, taking him to a truck, even offering to drive.
Thirty minutes later, the truck returned with four additional people in tow.
“Nice to see you guys,” smiled Autumn, giving Bailey a big hug.
“It’s great to see you,” said Bailey. “Autumn, this is Hala and I’m not sure if you ever met Angus.”
“No. I’ve heard about you but welcome back,” she smiled. “Let’s go, kiddos. We can take this to the base in Italy and refuel, then head home. Cole? Are you in pain?”
“I hate to say it, but yes. I am.”
“I’m a doctor,” said Hala. “Do you have a medical kit?”
“Yep. In the back. Climb aboard everyone,” said Cowboy. “I’m a trained medic so I can help as well. Are you coming with us?”
“I don’t think I have a choice at this point,” she frowned, nervously wringing her hands.
“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Commanding tones are a business trait of ours. You’re welcome to come with us,” said Cowboy. Cole stared at him with a strange expression.
“I’ll explain inside,” he said to Cowboy.
While Autumn flew them to Italy, Cowboy and Hala worked on Cole, trying to make him more comfortable. Until they could get x-rays at home and truly assess the injuries, he would have to sit still, take the pain meds, and sleep.
“He’ll be okay,” said Cowboy. “I’m going back up front with Autumn. Just yell if you need anything. And Hala? Your grandfather won’t get to you.”
“Thank you,” she said smiling at the man. She looked down at Cole, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Are all your friends this nice and this handsome?”
“I wish I could laugh but I know it would hurt,” he said. “Yes. They’re all this nice, some nicer. Handsome? I’m not sure about that. The women are all beautiful like my sisters and Autumn.”
“I didn’t have siblings,” said Hala looking out the window. “All I had was my parents, then my grandfather.”
“Why did he allow you to get an education from America only to force you to come back here? I mean, you could have gone to England or anywhere in Europe.”
“The truth is, Cole, I think my grandfather thought I’d come back with information about America that he could use.
I wasn’t able to provide that for him. I refused to provide that for him.
I mean, I went to classes, served my internship and that was about it.
No friends. The bodyguards treated me with respect but they were not my friends. ”
“That must have been lonely,” said Cole.
“It was. I was foolish to believe that he would allow me to stay in America. The minute I was done, he yanked me out of the country and told me I would use my skills on his men. Not the people who really needed it.”
“I’m sorry,” said Cole squeezing her hand. “My parents were wonderful at allowing all of us to choose what we wanted to do and where we wanted to do it. My sister, our sister, was a nurse on mercy ships.”
“That’s amazing,” said Hala. “I want to help people like that.”
“You will. Our hospital and clinic treat the entire community, not just our own.”
“Cole, how can you be so sure they will let me stay? I mean, my grandfather is not a good man.”
“But he’s not you,” he said. “We judge each person based on their own abilities, skills, personality, and their commitment to doing what’s right. You’re going to meet people who have a lot in common with you, especially Sira.”
“Sira?”
“She’s the wife of one of our team members. You’ll understand once you two connect. As I said, don’t worry. Just do the right thing and you’re going to fit in with our family. I’m not sure how it happened but that’s been the core of my being since I was a child. Do what’s right.
“What were your parents like?” asked Cole.
“I don’t remember a lot,” she said shaking her head. “I feel like they were good people but my father was afraid of my grandfather. Maybe that’s why my grandfather killed them.”
“That’s horrible,” said Cole. “I know this is a terrible question but you’re obviously a strong, smart woman. You risked a great deal to help me. Why didn’t you attempt escape?”
“I saw the wife of one of his men attempt to leave once. What they did to her, how they abused her body was not something I ever want to see again. The worst part was, they didn’t kill her. They should have. She’ll never be the same again. Instead, they forced her to be a whore for all the men.”
“God,” whispered Cole. “I’m so sorry. I assure you that my family, our family, will ensure your safety. He won’t get near you.”
“I’m really stuck now, Cole. I can’t return or they’ll do the same to me but if I stay, I’ll put all of you in danger.” Angus and Bailey sat down across from them, hoping to help Hala feel better about her situation.
“No, you won’t,” said Angus taking a seat beside Bailey. “These people are different. You have to trust me. Your grandfather will not find them or you. Trust us.” She nodded at the couple, taking a deep breath.
“I don’t think I have a choice at this point.”