Capture Tomorrow

by Ann Heathman

  Lisa sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “What’s wrong?” She stumbled out of bed and plodded down the hall behind Arianna.

  “Look,” Arianna said, standing next to her with a vice grip on her arm. “Read this.”

  Lisa read the new email. “Oh, my, God. This must be a joke.” She looked at Arianna who had tears in her eyes. “Now listen, Ari. You know this can’t be true. Someone is playing a sick joke on you. Zach would not cheat on you. I know it’s hard but don’t fall for this.”

  Arianna kept staring at the screen as if possessed.

  Lisa snapped her fingers in front of Arianna’s face. “Pull yourself together. You’re not listening to me. Someone’s playing a bad joke on you. You can’t let this get to you.”

  “She knows. This person knows he’s gone. She knows Zach. She knows me. Something is going on here. This could all be true.”

  Another email, popped up.

  Boy, you are slow…

  came the new message.

  Zach and I have been having an affair for several months now. Of course, I’m sure he never talks about me or where he goes. I know he’s kept you totally in the dark.

  Arianna couldn’t believe what she was reading. No way. She didn’t believe it. Zach wouldn’t do that to her, would he? She typed…

  You’re lying!!!

  A few minutes passed, then another message…

  Ask him, but oh, I guess you can’t. He’s not home right now. He’s here with me.

  Arianna stood up and shoved the computer forward on the desk. No. This cannot be happening. This cannot be true.

  Once again she typed

  I don’t believe you. Who are you and how do I know this is true?

  Lisa could see Arianna was about to lose it. She moved close and put her arm around her. “Don’t panic. Stay calm. I think this is all a hoax. Someone’s mad at Zach and trying to get even.”

  The computer beeped and another email with an attachment arrived. She opened it up and there it was…several pictures of Zach and a woman in her bra and panties. In one photo the girl was hugging him. In another he was carrying her up some steps. In another she had her arms wrapped around his neck in what looked like an embrace. They were sitting at a table, laughing. She was hugging him.

  Arianna sank down on the bed, and tears ran down her cheeks. She was devastated by what she saw.

  Lisa stood dumbfounded. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to believe it, but the pictures were pretty clear. She sat down and put her arm around her. “Oh, Ari, I’m so sorry.” she said trying to console her. “I know it looks bad. I’m shocked, too. I never thought Zach would do something like this. Just don’t do anything hasty. You need to at least give him a chance to explain himself.”

  Arianna stood up. “No. No. I’ve seen this before. There is no explanation. Oww! That bastard!” She picked up a vase of flowers from the bedside table and threw it against the fireplace. “I hate him. I hate him for doing this to me.” She walked into her closet and grabbed a suitcase and started packing.

  Lisa followed her. “What are you doing?”

  “What does it look like? I’m leaving.”

  “Now, wait a minute.” Lisa held up her hand. “It’s the middle of the night. Where will you go? You can’t get out the front gate anyway without Raul going with you.”

  “Oh, yes I can. They can’t keep me captive here. If the guard doesn’t let me leave, I’ll call the police.”

  “Maybe you should wait until morning.”

  “I don’t want to wait until morning.” She kept stuffing clothes into a suitcase. “I have to get out of here now.”

  “Okay, but where will you go?”

  “Home for starters. Then, I don’t know where.”

  “Oh, Arianna, I’m not so sure about this. Please wait until morning. We can talk to Juan and make him answer some questions.”

  She shot Lisa an ‘are you kidding me’ look. “You know very well, these guys are as thick as thieves. He won’t tell me anything.” She slammed the suitcase shut.

  “Yes, I think you’re right about Juan. It’s just that I hate to see you leave in this distraught state.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll call you when I get settled somewhere.” She whisked her way down the stairs and out into the garage. The keys to Zach’s Porsche were hanging on the wall. She threw her suitcase in the passenger seat, slid in behind the wheel, and drove to the front gate where the surprised guard, stepped out to greet her.

  “Ms. Arianna. Where are you going at this time of night?” he asked.

  “Out. Please open the gate.”

  “Uh, without Raul? Is this smart? Maybe I should check with Juan or call Raul.”

  Arianna held up her cell phone. “Open this gate immediately, or I’m call the police. All I have to do is press one key, and I’ll have 911 on the phone. You don’t want the police out here, do you? I’ll tell them you’re holding me against my will, so now, open this fucking gate!”

  The guard shook his head and sighed. “Okay. Okay. I hope you know what you’re doing.” He hit a button, and the gate slid open.

  She slammed her foot down on the accelerator and sped through the gate.

  Two minutes to ‘go time’ came the announcement over the aircraft intercom. Zach and Tony checked their gear in preparation for touchdown. In the dead of night, the low flying V-22 Osprey, tilt-rotor aircraft set down in the Libyan Desert.

  “See you in twenty-four, sir,” the cargo specialist yelled to Zach over the sound of the whirling rotors. “Godspeed.”

  Zach and Tony exited the plane and immediately changed into Libyan attire. The baggy tunic shirt and pants were perfect for concealing the weapons they harbored. No way did they plan on being captured by a Libyan militia. Captives were losing their heads lately, so they had enough strategic armament with them to get themselves out of any dicey situation… they hoped.

  The Libyan cultural thing had complicated Noreen’s exit from the country. Women in Libya had more freedoms than those under the Taliban, but the problem was the roving bands of militia, many of whom were hardline Islamists. They believed in a strict interpretation of Sharia law. A woman moving about on her own would be a target. Then, there was the issue of transportation. Women could drive, but Noreen had no access to a vehicle. In the end, getting her safely out of the country became Zach and Tony’s mission.

  Traveling on foot into Tripoli took several hours, and they arrived at Noreen’s apartment as dawn was breaking.

  “Boy, you have no idea how happy I am to see you guys,” Noreen said, when the two men entered the apartment. “It’s been quite harrowing being here by myself.”

  “Sorry about Jamal,” Zach said. “We ran into some trouble on the way out and had to take him with us.”

  “When he didn’t return that night, I figured something had happened. I feared the worst for all of you, but word got through to me that everyone was okay.”

  “Barely,” Tony said. “It was a hot extraction. Juan took a hit, but we all made it out.”

  “Luckily Jamal had stocked up an ample supply of provisions, or I might have starved. A woman wandering around alone in this country isn’t safe, although I did venture out a couple times. Would you like something to eat? I’m running low on most everything, but since we’re leaving in a few hours, there’s plenty for now.”

  “Okay, something light,” Zach said. “How much time do you need to be ready to leave? We’re scheduled for extract by air at zero two hundred hours.”

  “I have one more transmission coming in tonight that the State department really wants me to relay. After that, we can shut her down and get out of here.” She set sausages, fruit, and bread on the table along with two cups of green tea.

  Zach grabbed a couple of dates and walked over to the window, checking the environment below. “What’s your read on the neighbors? Anyone seem suspicious or unduly interested in you?’

  “No, not that I’ve noticed.”<
br />
  He gave her a quizzical look, not sure if he trusted her assessment of the neighbor situation. “That’s good. Just the same, Tony, after you eat, try to grab a couple hours of shut-eye while I take first watch. I’ll wake you in a few hours, then you can take the next watch. As soon as it’s dark, we go in search of a vehicle which we’ll have to steal.”

  “Roger that,” Tony said with a sigh. “They never make these things easy.”

  Zach nodded. “After the last transmission comes in, we’re out of here. Folks, in the meantime, let’s not let our guard down. Things can go wrong in a hurry.”

  Noreen and Tony both nodded their agreement.

  THERE WERE three sharp raps on her door. Lisa wasn’t surprised. She knew news of Arianna’s leaving would bring everyone up for air.

  “Lisa. It’s Juan. Can I come in?”

  She slipped on her robe and opened the door. A harried looking Juan in his walking cast limped into the room. Carlos came in behind him.

  “The guard post just told me Arianna left. We’re trying to figure out what’s going on. Did you talk to her tonight?”

  Lisa shrugged her shoulders, not answering.

  “Is that a yes?” Juan frowned at her. “Did you know she left?”

  Lisa moved back toward her bed, sat down, and pulled her legs up under her. “I did.”

  “Well?”

  Lisa crossed her arms and stubbornly stared at him.

  “Okay. What the hell is going on? You’re wasting time. You do know it’s not safe for Arianna to be traveling around by herself. We’re pretty sure she’s still on a Jihad hit list. If you know where she went or where she’s going, I suggest you do your friend a favor and tell me.”

  Lisa thought about it a moment, then finally said, “The airport. I think she went to the airport.”

  Juan turned to Carlos and signaled he should leave and head that way. Turning back to Lisa, Juan asked, “Why’d she leave? What happened?”

  Lisa stood up and walked over to the window. “You guys are really something, you know? No wonder you’re so closed-mouth about where you go and what you do. She knows about Zach’s little girlfriend or fling, or whatever you’re calling her.”

  Juan’s eyes popped wide open. “What! What are you talking about? There is no girlfriend or fling.”

  Lisa turned and glared at him. “Liar. The girl emailed Arianna. We saw pictures of her. Has Tony been screwing around on me, too?”

  Juan shook his head in disbelief. “Wow! This is unbelievable. No. Not Zach and not Tony either. Are you kidding me? Zach would never do that, and there’d be all hell to pay if any man on his team was two timing his girlfriend. This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I seem to remember Zach had a girlfriend when he met Arianna so maybe not as ridiculous as you think. I’m sure Lydia never thought she’d be dumped for Arianna either.”

  Juan scoffed at the suggestion. “No way. Not even the same thing at all.”

  “Really? Arianna got emails from a girl who seemed to know a whole bunch of stuff about Zach. Things we don’t even know. And we saw pictures of Zach with this little tramp in her bra and panties. He’s carrying her up a set of stairs. At least now we know when you’re gone, it’s not all business. You guys obviously mix a little pleasure in there, too. Boy, you sure had us fooled.”

  Juan crossed the room and spoke in a more sympathetic tone, trying to bring some calm and reason to the situation. “Lisa, you have this all wrong. It’s not what you think.”

  “What is it, then? I saw the pictures, too. Arianna was devastated, and I have to admit, I’m beginning to wonder what Tony was doing all this time. Does he have a girl on the side, as well?”

  “No… ahhh!” Juan ran his hands through his hair and let out an exasperated sigh. “Look, I know what you’re talking about, but it was not what you think.”

  “Well, please explain it to me then because I’d really like to hear the explanation for Zach carrying the half-naked girl around.”

  Juan threw his hands in the air. “I can’t.”

  “Wha—“

  “I mean I can,” he quickly added, “but I can’t. Lisa, please. You’re just going to have to trust me about this. Zach did not cheat on Arianna. Tony is not cheating on you. Zach will explain when he gets back. You’ll be able to talk to Tony. There’s nothing going on here!”

  “I’m sorry, Juan, but those pictures were pretty damning. I’d love to believe you, but since you’ve never shared where you go or what you do, it’s hard not to be skeptical after what I saw.”

  “I understand, but right now, could we please set that issue aside for a moment? We need to find Arianna. She may be in danger. Do you know where she went?”

  Lisa let out a long sigh of resignation. If not for concern for Arianna’s safety, he could go to hell.

  “Her mother’s maybe. I think she went to her mother’s house.”

  Juan turned to leave but paused in the doorway. “We’ll sort this out when Zach gets home. In the meantime, if you talk to Arianna, tell her I said she has it all wrong… and tell her to stay put. We’re coming for her. No, wait. That sounds bad. Tell her we’re concerned for her safety and want someone to come and watch out for her. And, of course, above all, please let us know where she is. Will you do that at least?”

  Lisa sat with her arms crossed, feeling conflicted about the whole thing. “Maybe she doesn’t want to be found.”

  Juan started to say something, but shook his head, threw his hands up in the air, and limped out of the room.

  KATHRYN JUMPED out of her chair when she saw Arianna coming through the door.

  “Oh, my God, Arianna! You scared me. I thought someone was trying to break into the house when I heard the door rattle.” Initially quite happy to see her daughter, she suddenly had a sobering thought. “But wait.” She stepped back. “What are you doing home? Is something wrong?”

  Arianna didn’t answer. She gave her mom a quick hug then walked over to the kitchen sink. “Is this new?” she asked, looking at the plant perched on the window sill. “I don’t think I saw this the last time I was home.” She picked up the planter and sniffed one of the blooms.

  Kathryn smirked and shook her head. “Look Arianna. I know something’s wrong, so you might as well tell me instead of trying to put on this brave face. Is it Zach? Has something happened? Maybe an argument or something?”

  Arianna set the plant down and walked into the living room, not answering. She slumped down into a chair and avoided her question.

  Kathryn followed her, wringing her hands, trying to think of something to say. “I’m just finishing breakfast. Would you like me to make you some bacon and eggs?”

  “No, I’m good.” Arianna waved her off and got out of the chair and walked to the window.

  “No, you’re not good.” Kathryn crossed over to the window and put her arm around her. “And it’s not good to keep things bottled up inside of you. Honey, what’s wrong?”

  Arianna turned around, tears at the corner of her eyes. “Oh, nothing… just the usual. Seems I’ve hooked up with yet another lying, cheating bastard.”

  Kathryn stepped back in surprise. “What? No way. I can’t believe it. Zach doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would do that.”

  “Well, believe it. I saw pictures and got emails, and I’m trying to not cry because I’m afraid once I start, I won’t be able to stop, but, but…” Her lips trembled, and she bit back the tears.

  Kathryn wrapped her arms around her. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” She took her by the hand and led her over to the sofa. “Here. Let’s sit down and talk.”

  Arianna sat there, not speaking. An awkward silence filled the room.

  Finally Kathryn spoke. “Tell me about the pictures. You said there were pictures. How do you know he’s been cheating on you?”

  Arianna took a deep breath, still fighting back tears. “I started getting emails from an unknown person. By what s
he wrote, I could tell she knew me. She knew Zach. She knew he was gone… that he’d been gone. She knew things even I didn’t know.”

  “Could it all be a hoax?”

  Arianna stood up and began to pace again. “She sent pictures. Pictures of her with Zach. They were laughing, hugging. The worst picture was of the girl in her bra and panties and Zach carrying her somewhere.”

  “Oh no!” It was Kathryn’s turned to sit in stunned silence. Finally, she said, “There must be some explanation for this. He seems like such a nice young man who would never do something like this. Do you have any way of getting in touch with him?”

  Arianna came back to the chair and sat down. “No, but I’d never call him anyway. Here’s the thing, Mom. Ever since the beginning of our relationship, there’s been a part of his life he’s shut me out of, but I accepted that as part of the deal if I wanted to stay with him. I didn’t question where he went or why, but now I’m wondering if that was a mistake. Those pictures. I keep seeing those pictures in my mind…” Her voice trailed off and despite her resolve to be strong, tears spilled down her cheeks, her bottom lip quivered. “Mom, I gave him my heart…my whole heart, and he ripped it apart.” Tears flowed freely now.

  Kathryn hugged her tight. “Oh, honey. Don’t cry. I know it’s hard, but try to give him the benefit of the doubt until you at least talk to him. I know there’s something going on, but it may not be what it seems.”

  Arianna shook her head back and forth and dabbed at the tears with the sleeve of her shirt. “Boy, when love is good, it’s really, really good, and when it’s bad, it just sucks.”

  She shoved the chair’s ottoman out of the way with her foot and walked into the kitchen.

  JUST AS I thought, Clare said to herself, sitting in a car outside Kathryn’s house. Where does a girl go when her feelings are hurt? She goes running to mommy. She’s in a perfect location to exact my revenge. Zach is going to be sorry he ruined my life.