CHAPTER SEVENTEEN #2
“Khalid is from Pakistan and was a combat interpreter who worked on the front lines with US forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In addition to English, he speaks seven other dialects from that region,” Emily said.
“Because of his service during OEF, he and his family are eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, but they chose to stay in Pakistan. He’s one of my favorite people to work with in that region.
” She reached out and tapped the screen of her tablet.
“I’ll conference him in. I just hope he’s available to speak to us, because I’d really like to get all of these details hammered out sooner rather than later. ”
There were five long tones before an older man’s face appeared on one section of the screen, along with Emily’s and Luna’s.
“Hello, my friend.” He gave them a toothy smile.
His dark brown eyes were cloudy from age, his cheeks were hollowed, and his face was lined in the most interesting way.
No doubt from years of hard work and exposure to the harsh elements of war.
Beneath a white kufi hat, his hair was neatly trimmed and his beard was thick and hung to the top of his chest. They were almost completely white, with only a peppering of the original dark brown remaining.
There was an air of wisdom and weariness about him.
“Hi, Khalid. I want to introduce you to Luna Pannikos.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Luna.” His voice was slightly shaky but warm and kind. “Miss Emily has spoken very highly of you.”
“I’m happy to meet you, Mr. Sukher.” She hoped she pronounced his name correctly. “And I believe Emily might be slightly biased, because her brother is married to my sister.”
“Please, call me Khalid.” He placed his hand humbly to his chest and gave the tiniest bow.
“Okay. And please, call me Luna,” she said.
“Khalid, as I mentioned previously, Luna will be your stateside point of contact during this operation,” Emily said.
“Before we get started, I wanted to thank you again for sending us that video. We’ve determined that the man you recorded is the person we’re looking for.
Luna, why don’t you tell Khalid what you know about Udall? ”
“Certainly.” She spoke a bit louder to ensure they could both hear her. “Our target is former military. He was a member of the elite Air Force special recon and was deployed to Afghanistan during OEF.”
She spent a few minutes explaining Udall’s military background and experience, his criminal charges and subsequent escape from prison. She also filled him in on the type of business he was attempting to get up and running.
“I have been suspicious of this man and can certainly understand your desire to capture him,” Khalid said. “I am especially concerned about his presence here, as I have twin teenage granddaughters.”
“Udall is a very dangerous man, especially to young women,” Luna warned him. “We have it on good authority that he is very charming and convincing. So, I would strongly recommend you keep your granddaughters and any other women you care about as far away from him as possible.”
“Luna is right, Khalid. He’s extremely dangerous and volatile and will do anything to protect his interests. So, please do not approach him,” Emily implored. “I cannot stress that enough.”
“I understand.” He gave a slow nod. “Now, how may I help you to capture this man?” Khalid’s tone had morphed from kindly older man to an angry man determined to protect the women of his community.
It took them an hour to iron out all of the important details, including lodging for the team, surveillance schedule, everything that would help ensure the success of the mission.
“Khalid, thank you again for your support.” Emily and one of the OSI teams had worked with him multiple times in the past, and he’d earned their unwavering trust. A very important commodity when working in a country like Pakistan. “Remember, please don’t do anything to put yourself at risk. Okay?”
“Yes, I remember, but do not worry about me.” He gave a sad smile. “I have dealt with men like this Udall person many times in my life. I will begin work here and will be ready when your people arrive.”
They said their goodbyes, and he left the call.
“What a nice man.” Luna never knew her grandparents, but she considered this man’s grandchildren to be extremely fortunate. “Considering what we know about Udall, whatever we’re paying Khalid for this job, it’s not enough.”
“Interestingly enough, Khalid refused to allow us to pay him.” Emily took a sip and set her mug down with a thump.
“We insisted, so he reluctantly agreed but asked that the funds be deposited into trust funds for his twin granddaughters, and that we ensure they would continue to be eligible for their Special Immigrant Visas, should they choose to come to the States in the future.”
“That’s incredible.” Luna was looking forward to working with Khalid.
“We set up the trust accounts, and Jeffrey took care of the visa situation,” Emily added.
“His granddaughters are only fourteen now, but on their twenty-first birthday, they’ll be able to access the money.
By then, it’ll be enough for them to have a very comfortable life, no matter where they choose to live. ”
Emily spent some time walking Luna through her process for ordering supplies, weapons, ammunition, clothes, etc. Though Luna took copious notes, it would take some time for her to handle it on her own.
“Over time, I’ll introduce you to my other sources and contacts in the field.
Don’t be surprised when some of them are a bit squirrelly—it’ll just take time for them to trust you.
” Emily finished what was in her mug. “In the meantime, I’ll send you an encrypted file with all of their information.
Names, aliases, locations, personal history and personality profiles, missions they’ve worked with us, stuff like that.
” She must’ve seen the glazed look in Luna’s eyes.
“I know it sounds like a lot, but you are more than capable of handling it. And don’t worry, because you know I’ll be right here if you have any questions or run into any problems.”
“Thanks, Emily.”
“You’re welcome.” She checked her watch, picked up her tablet, and stood.
“I’d better get going. I’ve got to head over to the training facility.
I have a grappling session with my honey.
” She waggled her eyebrows up and down. “As always, it was great talking with you. And Luna, you deserve whatever you want with Boone. Got it?”
“Yeah, I got it.” Luna nodded. “Thanks again.”
“Talk to ya soon.” Emily blew her a kiss and ended the call.
Loving Boone. Luna thought back to Emily’s words.
Yeah, she loved him, which was scary, yet not scary all at the same time.
Gah! Love was so confusing.