Desperate Situations (19 page)

"What?"

Megan sighed.

Suddenly she seemed to have given up her anger. She looked tired and depressed. Jake frowned. He understood that she was grieving, but this was odd to be switching so fast from anger to acceptance.

"I don't understand. Megan?"

"No. I guess you wouldn't."

"Because I'm a man?"

"Nope." Megan sprang from her chair and paced to the edge of the rooftop. She stood there for a long several seconds before returning to the chairs. "I've been accused of being an adrenalin junkie."

Jake smiled.
That would be an understatement.
"Are you?"

"Are you?"

"Hell no. I hate getting shot at." Jake scratched his chest then stood next to her. "Honestly. Why are you here?"

Megan chuckled. "Is that still bothering you?"

"I'm curious why a woman would want to go to a place where they're opressed and put her life on the line?" He took a step closer to her.

"I guess they're right, I'm an adrenaline junkie."

Jake shook his head. "There are others ways to get your adrenaline fix."

Megan looked into his eyes.

The brown of her eyes were almost black in the darkness, but the heat began to rise as they shared a moment. The intense stare caused an electrical reaction. He could feel it from his toes to the ends of his hair. He'd never felt anything like this before. Never.

"I guess
… I'm damn good at what I do. There are a lot of things I do that I don't like, but then there are moments that I wouldn't trade for the world."

Jake couldn't break eye contact.

"Like now," Megan whispered and leaned toward him.

With a smile, he met her lips and pulled her into him. He took her head in his hands with an aggressiveness that surprised him. He made her mouth, his. As she returned the aggressive kiss, he could feel her hands tracing down his chest, rubbing, teasing, and making his skin tingle through his shirt. They circled his waist and she gave his butt a rough massage.

He wanted so much to move his hands from her head but knew if his hands strayed, they'd end up where neither of them wanted to be right now. It was testing his resolve. His body craved, no demanded, action. Pressure grew in his loins. Much more of this kiss and his resolve not to get involved with her would go completely over the side of the building.

Abruptly she broke the kiss and pushed him away. "I
… This can't happen. God, I'm so weak sometimes."

Jake watched her move several steps away, shaking her head. "When can it happen?"

"Never."

"Even after I'm out of your crew?" Jake saw her nod. "Why?"

Megan turned to look at him. In the darkness, it was too far away to see into her eyes.

Jake waited.

"I, I just can't let it. There's too much at stake. And I, I swore that I'd never again…" Megan kicked at a rock on the roof. "Look, Cupcake…"

"Don't pull this Chief shit with me. Not now."

"It can't happen, Jake. It can't. And I won't let it," Megan said softly.

"I don't believe you." Jake moved a few steps closer so that he could actually look into her eyes. "Your lips, hands and body are saying the opposite."

"Yeah well, they don't control me."

"Maybe you should let them."

Megan shook her head and took a step away.

Jake could feel tension still building between them even as she moved away. His whole body ached for her.

At that moment, the door to the roof opened. The same man from the day of the Independence Day celebration stepped out. He hesitated, then seeing them, walked closer. "Megan?"

"Damn," Megan said softly under her breath. "Yeah?"

"We need to talk," the man said glancing at Jake, then looked directly at her.

Jake said nothing but his eyes panned from one to the other. The mysterious man was dressed like the rest of the White Pine crew, khaki pants, black t-shirt. Jake had
only seen this guy on base once before. It was after that, that Megan and Gunner disappeared for over a day. She side-stepped his questions. Finally, he stopped asking. The man had authority. His bearing spoke of someone of importance. Not to mention Megan's acceptance of his authority.

"When?" Megan asked.

"Now."

Megan glanced at Jake then followed the man back to the door. She paused. With a glance back at him, she walked inside.

Jake stared at the closed door.

Who is he? What authority did he have? Why is she so infuriatingly stubborn? And why am I falling in love with her?

***

The next morning she was nowhere to be found. Nor was Gunner. Jake frowned after checking the crew chief assignment box. In it was a note from Megan.

"Cupcake, see the mission profile on my desk. Someone from Bob Timmerman's crew will fly you to do security at the runway construction site. You're in charge. Don't screw this up. The bigwigs are watching. Megan."

Jake crushed the note in his hand as he stood there for a few seconds then hurried to his room. He had over an hour before the crew was due in the meeting room. He needed to get himself together.

Shortly before the meeting, he headed down the hall toward Megan's office. He needed to find out if there was anything new happening at the runway. If not, this would be boring as usual. Usually he did a security pass then end up back near the helicopter to stand and talk with Megan and Kelly. Today would be like watching snot dry on a sidewalk.

As he rounded the corner near the front desk where the assignment boxes were, he saw Zarin busily working on something where they filed reports. She hung up the phone. He smiled at her as she looked at him surprised. "Hello, Zarin."

"Mr. McGrew," Zarin said in a higher than normal voice. Her eyes shifted and her hand fumbled with papers.

Jake
's eyes took in the paperwork. It was one of Megan's reports. He recognized the handwriting. He continued on his way with a puzzled look. He had spoken to Zarin many times, yet that was the first time she appeared nervous. He shook his head.

He would never understand women. And to try to understand women from a foreign land was even worse. At least he could half way predict Megan's moods. Zarin had been raised differently
, so he decided not to even try to understand her moods.
Women are just unpredictable.

***

After returning that night from security detail and getting the paperwork done, he went in search of Megan. The lady pilot was still gone. So was Gunner. He went in search of Cowboy. He found him in the hanger checking out Death.

"What's going on?"

Cowboy glanced up. He stared into Jake's eyes for a second then went back to work.

"Where's Megan?" Jake waited but there was no answer forthcoming. "Is this another convert mission with Gunner?"

Cowboy stood up and faced him.

"I saw the three of you return the last time."

"You'll never learn," Cowboy whispered.

"Never learn what?"

He got in Jake's face. "To keep your mouth shut. When you need to know, you'll know. If you don't learn that soon, they'll wash you out."

Jake narrowed his eyes. "I care."

Cowboy's eyes flicked around the area, but no one was around that he could see. He sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"She said something?"

"No, but I know her." He squatted down, looking under the fuselage.

Jake hesitated, then squatted down too, acting as though he was helping him. "Is she in danger?"

"Like today is different from the others?"

"What?"

"Look, leave it go. And leave her go, pardner. Trust me, you don't want this."

***

The next day Jake noticed that Cowboy was gone in the afternoon. He flew out once more in the evening to return after dark.

The last time Jake met him at the hanger door. Their eyes locked.

Cowboy shook his head and moved around Jake into the hanger. "Corn!"

"Yeah?" The mechanic hurried out from the other side of a helicopter.

"Have Death prepped and ready to go at first light. Fully fueled. I'll be leaving 'fore the birds are awake." Cowboy turned to see Jake staring at him.

At first light, Jake was sitting in the crew/cargo area of Death
―his gun and pack near him, dressed in hot mission gear. His head snapped up as the door to the back of the chopper opened and Cowboy almost jumped ten feet in response. He smiled at the surprised pilot.

Cowboy hesitated for just a second then dropped his
duffel bag next to Jake. "What ya'all doin' here?"

"Something's wrong."

Cowboy hesitated again, then sighed. "Yeah."

"Tell me."

Cowboy glanced around then motioned for Jake to follow him. As he did the pre-flight, he spoke softly. "She missed two rendezvous. Two."

"And?"

"There was only two scheduled." Cowboy glanced at Jake then continued with pre-flight.

"So this is unauthorized."

"Ya bet your ass, pardner." He smiled at Jake then glanced at the main building. "And I need to get outta here soon, afore the big bosses see me."

Jake glanced into the back of the Pave Hawk. "Ammo?"

"Fully loaded."

"Then let's get out of here."

Cowboy stopped Jake with a hand. "It might be your job."

Jake nodded.

Cowboy smiled again. "Hop in. Ever take a joy ride in your youth, Cupcake?"

"Nope."

"Well, just think of this as taking Daddy's car out without permission. When we get back, our asses'll be licked with a hickory switch, but it's usually worth it." Cowboy patted Jake on the back. "Let's just hope we come home with the prize."

***

The two men sat in silence all day. Jake sat with his legs over the side of the chopper, occasionally swinging them. His eyes continually panned the hillsides. It was boring and mind numbing.

Cowboy returned from a bush nearby and sat next to him. He checked his watch. "She's not goin' to make it. We need to be leavin'. Damn it, are we in for an ass chewin'." He sighed deeply.

Jake let out his breath in frustration too.

"I just don't know what to do." Cowboy ran a hand through his hair. "The first pickup was compromised. This is the secondary, but I can't come back here 'gain. Even today was too risky."

Jake glanced at him then returned his look back to the hills. "What's the contingency plan if she can't make the secondary rendezvous?"

"There isn't. She's on her own."

"Is this standard procedure?"

"Yeah. The bosses'll write her and Gunner off tonight. Within a week, there'll be no indication that she even worked for them." He stood up. With a last look into the deepening shadows of the mountains, he intoned softly, "Goodbye, Meg. God be with you where ever you are."

Jake stood up too. "Are you just writing her off too?"

"What'da ya want me ta do?"

"We have tomorrow off. We look for her."

"Where?" Cowboy asked.

"What was her assignment?"

"I don't know."

Jake could feel his blood coming up. "Cut the bullshit."

"I don't know. I dropped her and Gunner two valleys over." He pointed to the west. "That's all I know. The pick up was in the same valley. When I returned the next day, all I saw was locals swarmin' the hillside. I didn't even put down. I couldn't. Next morning, I showed up here."

"What was she to do?"

"I don't know."

"Guess."

Cowboy made a face. "Look pardner, I have no idea what she does. And I don't wanta know. She's the best pilot I know, but I don't delve into her other life."

"Her other life?"

"Ya just don't get it, do ya?"

"Get what?"

"She's a plant. Yes, she works for White Pine but she does more. Now do ya get it?"

"She's a CIA agent?"

"Boy, your Momma raised a slow one here. Yeah, she's a 'Player.' "

Jake nodded to himself. He should have figured, but he couldn't think about that now. She was in danger, if not already dead. His eyes panned the area and he thought about the missions he'd been on.

Most of them had been in valleys close to the drop off or pick up. This allowed for only a day's walk to the destination. That meant that whatever she was doing was probably in the valley between the two rendezvous. At least, it was a place to start looking. Jake returned his gaze to Cowboy as his thoughts simmered for a few seconds. "Will you fly back here tomorrow?"

Cowboy's eyes softened. "Ya'all got it bad." His eyes locked with Jake's then he gave a slight nod. "If I can get a chopper out again, yeah."

"Good." Jake grabbed a small pack from the back of Death. It contained MREs and other essential gear. As he swung it on, he grabbed the camouflage, floppy hat. "Meet me here, tomorrow night right before dusk."

"What are you
...?"

"If this is compromised, go back to the first valley. They won't be expecting that." Jake grabbed his M-16. "If I'm not there, then watch the road. Have the military send out patrols on a regular basis. I'll travel down there."

"Jake…" Cowboy saw determination in his eyes. "Okay. I'll be here." He held out his hand.

With a quick nod and handshake, Jake took off at a trot toward the ridge that separated them from the other valley. He would use all of his training to find Megan. Jake had almost reached the edge of the clearing when he heard the helicopter take off. He paused once to watch it, then put his feet back into gear. Resting was not something he could afford right now.

Jake continued to trot then realized that the helicopter was still hovering in the meadow. He stopped and turned, wondering why Cowboy hadn't flown off. Shading his eyes so he could get a better look, he saw the pilot concentrating on a spot on the side of the meadow just a short distance from him. Jake turned his attention to the same area.

At first he saw nothing. Then he spotted movement. Within seconds, he saw a flash of reflected light aimed at the helicopter. Death settled back to the ground. Jake took off running toward the area where the light flashed. As he approached, he saw a smaller person emerge from the thick wooded area carrying
a body.

"Damn," Jake cursed under his breath and pushed himself harder. He noticed Megan slowing down even as she got near the edge of the meadow. The load on her back dipped as she stumbled. With a glance back to the helicopter, he saw Cowboy standing near the cockpit, blades twirling.

Jake's eyes panned the area of the woods to make sure it was secured even as he ran faster. He saw no one in the vicinity. His eyes jumped back to his destination as he saw Megan stumble and fall, both bodies going down in a heap. Within seconds, he was at her side. "Chief?"

She struggled to her feet. "Cupcake?" Her voice was hoarse.

"Yeah." He pulled her up and steadied her. "Can you make it?"

She was bloody, dirty and exhausted. Her clothes were ripped and her lips cracked, but she nodded with a determined look in her eye.

Jake grabbed Gunner and swung him into a fireman's carry over top of his pack. He adjusted the weight on his shoulders and glanced at Megan.

She picked up the pack she had been carrying and motioned for Jake to go. Megan gave a quick glance
toward the hillside that she had just come down.

"Company?" Jake asked as he walked, watching to make sure she was following.

"Don't know." It was barely whispered.

Jake glanced ahead to see Cowboy opening the back cargo door of Death then scrambling to the cockpit. The blades twirled faster as they got near. With a glance behind him, he saw Megan lagging behind. "Come on, Chief. Just a little
farther."

A weary nod was the answer.

Jake moved faster and gently laid Gunner in the back of Death then ran back to Megan's side. She seemed hardly able to stay on her feet. He grabbed the pack from her and threw it into the chopper. As she stumbled again, he grabbed her collar. With a fast move, he swept her feet out from under her and carried her to the chopper.

After getting into the aircraft, he grabbed a helmet and plugged it in, telling Cowboy to go and swung the door shut. With a passing glance at Megan,
lying on her back breathing hard, he began checking Gunner.

It looked like most of the blood had come from him. Jake ripped open his camouflage shirt to reveal a makeshift bandage on his chest. A closer look at the 'bandage' showed it to be Megan's black T-shirt. It was crusty on the edges and he left it alone. It didn't look like he was bleeding anymore, but Gunner was unconscious.

Jake adjusted Gunner's body so that he was lying flat with his feet elevated. He covered Gunner with an emergency blanket. As he turned his attention to Megan, a voice sounded in his ear.

"What's the verdict, Cupcake?"

Jake shook his head. "Gunner's in bad shape. Some sort of wound to the chest. Ghost bandaged it but it looks bad. I can't get a good look because it's crusted over. It's best to leave it as is. I'm checking on Ghost now." He leaned over Megan, shutting off the intercom. "Chief?"

Megan opened her eyes.

"Are you okay? Any wounds?"

She shook her head.

Jake reached into the cooler and grabbed a water bottle. He sat next to her and lifted her head, holding the bottle to her lips. "Take a drink, Chief. Come on."

The water splashed onto her lips and
she became more alert. She eagerly took more into her mouth.

"Easy. Go slow, Megan." Jake spoke with a smile. "You're dehydrated. Take it slow." He keyed the intercom. "Cowboy, Ghost seems to be okay. Exhausted and dehydrated, but no wounds."

"Thank God. I'ma taken us directly to the military base for Gunner," Cowboy said then clicked off.

Jake smiled at Megan who was looking at him. "You need a better contingency plan. Always be prepared. We'll talk about this later when I can be the bitch I need to be." He winked.

"Okay, Mr. Boy Scout." Megan tried a smile then took another drink of water.

"How bad are Gunner's injuries?"

"Bad," Megan said after a swallow. "Gunshot to the side of the chest. One to the upper right shoulder." She glanced over at Gunner. "Tell Cowboy to light a fire. Death can go faster than this."

Jake smiled as he hit the intercom button. "Ghost says to light a fire, Cowboy."

"Tell that purty, little Darlin' back there to stop back seat driving," Cowboy said even as he increased speed.

Jake relayed the message and saw Megan's exhausted face form a half grin. She gave a sigh and closed her eyes. He gently pulled her onto him, so her head was cradled in his lap
, as he continued to give her drinks of water. "Easy Chief. You're safe. Just relax."

Megan opened her eyes to look at him. "Thanks for the pick up, Cupcake."

Jake winked again. "It's my job. Never leave a man behind."

***

Before they received word about the two injured from the doctors at the military hospital, there were two people waiting with them. One was Massod. He took Cowboy aside and yelled at him. Jake had never seen the Afghan so mad. The other one was the mysterious man from the rooftop. He didn't speak.

Finally, the doctor walked into the waiting room. "Mr. Iniguez is in critical condition. He's still in surgery. We'll know more about his condition when the surgeons get done. However, he lost a great deal of blood. Both gunshot wounds did massive damage. Ms. Cartwright is stable. She'll be able to see visitors in a few minutes." He turned and left.

The mysterious man looked at Masood then turned to Cowboy and Jake. "Masood, I need to speak with you. Cowboy, head back to base. McGrew stay." He followed the doctor.

Jake glanced at Cowboy who stood staring at the mysterious guy's back.

Cowboy shook his head, catching Jake's eyes. With a look to be careful, Cowboy quickly left the room.

Following his exit, Jake narrowed his eyes.
What is going on?
He brought his gaze back to Masood, but the head of the base was staring out the window. Jake sat back and crossed his arms.

A few minutes later, the doctor stepped out and motioned to them.

Jake stood and followed Masood into Megan's emergency room. Standing off to the side was the mysterious man. Jake looked him in the eyes, but he was unreadable. Next his eyes panned to Megan. She met his glance then looked down at the floor.

He was puzzled, but decided to follow her orders for once and keep his mouth shut. This time her advice seemed fitting. He stood
on the side of the room opposite the mysterious man and stuck his hands in his pockets.

After everyone was in the room, the doctor spoke, "We aren't keeping Ms. Cartwright. I wanted her to spend the night for observation, but she's refusing. However, I don't want her doing anything strenuous for the next few days. The dehydration and exposure will cause general weakness for a couple days. She's to take it easy. The flight surgeon will have to approve her
status again."