Jungle Warriors, Crime Fighters

by Doug Houser

  Nellie then calmly told the group, “I’ll call the paramedics. You guys keep him from moving. He’ll be OK if he stays still. Anderson, go downstairs and show the EMS team which elevator to use.”

  By this time Johnson had turned totally white as he went into shock. The rest of the guys were afraid that he really wasn’t going to be all right. But in fairly short order, they heard sirens and soon after that the elevator door opened and out came the paramedics with a gurney. They went over to where Johnson was lying and one of them asked, “What happened to this guy?”

  Nellie told the paramedic, “A heel kick got away and hit him in the chest. He’s got a shattered sternum, but internal damage is minimal.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Nellie responded to the question in a manner of fact way, “I know how hard I kicked him.”

  The paramedic was taken aback for a moment, but recovered momentarily and said, “Then I guess this guy had a training accident.”

  “Yep, that’s what he had.”

  Addressing his partner, the paramedic said, “Better call in and see if they want us to start an IV. He’s already in shock.” His partner got on the radio and began taking vital signs and relaying the information. While his partner was doing that, the paramedic who had asked Nellie what happened looked around and said to Nellie, “This is a great gym. Nice combat mat, too.”

  “Oh, are you a former Marine?”

  “No, why do you ask?”

  “I’m sorry. I just thought it was only Marines who used that term.”

  “Oh, I get it. I was a corpsman and I took Marine Martial Arts classes with the Marine units I was assigned to.”

  This sounded interesting to Nellie and she took a closer look at the former corpsman. He was big and appeared to be well put together. Nellie asked, “Did you enjoy those classes?”

  “Yeah, I really did. I’ve often thought that I’d prefer teaching martial arts to what I am doing, but I didn’t get enough training to become proficient enough to teach and I needed to make a living once I got out, so, here I am.”

  “Let me tell you a little about what goes on here.” Nellie started to get really intrigued.

  Just then the other paramedic said, “C’mon, Don Juan, we need to get this guy to the ER.”

  Nellie said, quickly, “Oh, sorry. You’ve got a job to do. But there’s a guy here we call Ol’ Top. Can I have him call you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Jeff Saxon.”

  “Ok, I’ll let Top know.”

  Chapter 20

  As soon as the paramedics loaded Johnson onto the gurney, wheeled him into the elevator and closed the door, Nellie said to the men, “I’m going upstairs to tell Peeps and Top what went on here. You guys go lift weights. Remember, no work on the combat mat when I’m not here. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

  Everyone laughed. The mood had been lightened and when Nellie was gone, the Marine Corps humor began.

  “Now I know why KC made that elevator so big. Make it easier to haul Johnson away.”

  “When people see his scar, how’s Johnson going to explain that a girl kicked his ass?”

  “Yeah, Johnson tried to execute a technique he hadn’t ever been successful with.”

  “You mean trying to break Sarge’s foot with his chest?”

  “No, trying to come on to a woman.”

  “I’ll tell you one thing. I must outweigh Sarge by fifty pounds, but I’m sure as hell never going to grab one of her tits.”

  “Amen to that.”

  “Amen.”

  “Amen.”

  Nellie climbed the stairs and went through the door to the eighth floor. She crossed over to Peep’s desk and asked, “Peeps, could you have Top come over here? I’ve got something to tell both of you.”

  Peeps said, “Sure.” Picking up the phone and punching a speed dial button, he said, “Hey, Top, Nellie wants to talk with us. Can you come over?”

  Top came over to Peeps’ desk and sat down. Nellie then told them what had occurred with Johnson. When she was done, Top said, “I knew that son of a bitch wouldn’t make it.”

  Peeps added, “Yeah, it always was a long shot.”

  Nellie said, “You guys aren’t mad at me?”

  “Hell, no” exclaimed Top. “You did us a favor, in my opinion. I know KC really wanted for him to make it, but wanting and being realistic are two different things.”

  Nellie continued, “There’s something else you should know about. One of the paramedics who responded to our 911 call is a former corpsman who was attached to Marine infantry units when he was on active duty and he might be interested in working here.”

  Ol’ Top and Peeps looked at each other and simultaneously exclaimed, “Son of a bitch!” They both laughed and Peeps said, “Why didn’t we think of that?”

  Top added, “Hell, those guys think of themselves more as Marines than a lot of Marines do. And our guys would accept corpsmen without blinking an eye. Damn. How could we not have thought of that?”

  “The only consolation we have is that KC didn’t think of it either. Nellie, that’s great news. We’ll get these new guys hired, Marines and maybe some corpsmen, then all you have to do is get them trained without fucking ‘em up.”

  They all laughed, then Peeps continued, “Let’s go tell KC what’s happened and get his okay to hire corpsmen.”

  The three of them walked across the eighth floor toward KC’s office and even though Nellie had been with the company for over two months, all eyes in the place still followed her every step. Peeps and Top observed this and both rolled their eyes. Nellie was obviously used to it and appeared not to even notice. When they got to KC’s office, the three of them barged right in as soon as Ol’ Top rapped on the doorframe. KC looked up, saw the three of them and said, “Uh oh.”

  Peeps began, “Johnson didn’t do very well, today. It doesn’t particularly bother Top and me ‘cause we never did think he’d make it anyway. But we know you were hoping for the best, so here’s what happened.”

  Peeps then proceeded to repeat what Nellie had told him earlier. When he had finished telling the story about Johnson, he continued, “There’s something that came out of this that I think you’re going to like.” He then told KC about the conversation between Nellie and Jeff Saxon. When he was done, KC looked at Nellie, then at Ol’ Top and Peeps and said, “Guys, we’ve got a problem. She’s only been here two months and she’s already out-thinking us. Well, Top, see if you can find some corpsmen to help you complete your mission of hiring fifteen new guys. Nellie, all you have to do is get ‘em trained without fucking ‘em up.”

  Nellie, Top and Peeps broke out laughing. KC looked a little bewildered and asked, “What’s so funny?”

  Nellie responded, “That’s exactly what Peeps said a few minutes ago.”

  KC followed up with, “Wow, Nellie’s out-thinking me and Peeps is stealing my lines. Well, at least my day hasn’t been as bad as Johnson’s.”

  “What do you want to do about Johnson?” Top asked.

  “Peeps, take a copy of our workers compensation policy to the hospital so there won’t be any problems with billing. Ask them when he’ll be ready to see visitors. Whenever that is, go see him. Take a copy of the unconditional waiver he signed when he started here that acknowledges that potential injuries are a risk that he fully accepted. I don’t want to have to bother with his trying to collect anything other than workers comp out of this, so let’s discourage him right away. I’ll check with Jacoby and see if there’s anything else we should be doing. Also, take a resignation form with you. Before you have him sign it, ask him what he wants to do once he’s ready to go back to work. After he tells you, no matter what he says, tell him it’s not going to work out here and have him sign the form. Everyone agree?”
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br />   Three heads nodded in unison. KC concluded, “Ok, there’s an awful lot of work to do in a short amount of time. Let’s get to it.”

  A few days later, Peeps came into KC’s office. “Hey, chief.”

  “Peeps, what’s up?”

  “I just got back from visiting Johnson. I thought you’d be interested in what he had to say.”

  “Absolutely. Fire away.”

  “Like you told me to, I asked him what he wanted to do when he went back to work. His answer was rather interesting. He said what he’d really like to do would be to come back here and finish his ninety days. He said he’d never been around guys so dedicated to their jobs and so capable. He said the spirit around here is so positive that it really made him want to be part of the organization. I was starting to think that it was going to be difficult to let this guy go without being cruel about it. But then, he continued on regarding the incident in the gym. He said he never saw the kick coming and the first he realized he’d been hurt, he was lying on his back, couldn’t breathe, felt like his whole rib cage was totally crushed, couldn’t hear anything and Nellie was standing over him. He said his whole chest felt like it was on fire and a giant python was squeezing the life out of him. He said the look in her eyes told him that he wasn’t going to die, but it let him know, clearly, that if she had been so inclined, she could have killed him. He said he’d thought about it a lot and although he really wanted to come back, he had to admit that he was totally afraid of Sarge and would be scared to death of having to be on the combat mat with her, ever again.”

  KC thought about that for a few moments and then said, “That brings two thoughts to mind. First, is that Johnson matured from his experience and has developed a good sense of self-awareness. Second, is that we’ve got the right person working down in the gym. What do you think?”

  “Yeah, I agree. When I reminded Johnson about the release form, he said he knew he had brought it on himself and asked me to give Nellie his apology.”

  “Like she cares about that.”

  “With her, no apologies are necessary, are they?”

  “Nope. Thanks for the follow-up on this, Peeps.”

  “You’re welcome. Anything from Jacoby?”

  “When I told him what had happened, he said Johnson got what he deserved and then he asked me if I remembered who wrote the release. I just thanked him for his time and left. Another lesson learned. Don’t question Jacoby’s work.”

  As he had promised, KC and Nellie were sitting in his office going over the performance goals for the men that they were going to establish. Before they had gotten very far, the intercom sounded from Peep’s desk.

  KC hit the speaker button and said, “What’s up, Peeps?”

  “There’s someone here at my desk that wants to see you.”

  “I’m in a meeting. I’ll be free in about a half hour.”

  “KC, I think you should interrupt your meeting.” KC looked at Nellie. She shrugged as if to say, ok, why not?

  “All right, who is it?”

  “You’ll see.”

  In a few moments, they heard from the doorway, “Hi, Mr. KC.”

  KC exclaimed, “Maggie!” He got up from his desk and walked around to the side. Maggie ran across the office and leapt into KC’s arms. They held tight to each other for a few moments and then KC said, “It’s so good to see you.”

  “I’m glad to see you, too, Mr. KC.” KC remembered that Nellie was sitting there and said, “Let me make introductions. Maggie Warner, meet Nellie Heathcote. Maggie is a freshman at the high school just up the street. Nellie is…” KC paused and asked, “Nellie, what did we decide your job title was?”

  “I think that it’s Director of Conditioning and Martial Arts Training.”

  “Yeah, I think that’s what we said. I think we need to work on that. Anyway, Nellie is our physical fitness and fighting guru.”

  “Hi, Miss Heathcote. I’m very glad to meet you.”

  “Well, it’s certainly my pleasure, Miss Warner. Please call me Nellie.”

  “Ok, Nellie. Mr. KC, is your offer of an internship still open?”

  “For you? Absolutely! When are you available?”

  “Right now, on school days, soccer practice is over about four and we have games on most Tuesdays and Fridays. I’m free on the weekends. Soccer playoffs will be over at the end of May. I’m not planning to go to summer school.”

  “Playoffs? How good is your team?”

  “We haven’t lost yet and we’ve already played the two toughest teams in our conference, so I think we’re pretty good.”

  “That’s great. So, you’re involved in athletics, huh?”

  “Yes, sir. Our volleyball team won the state championship.”

  “You mean you were on the varsity as a freshman?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m only about five nine, so I was primarily a setter. Hopefully I’ll grow some so I can be a hitter and blocker.”

  “I’m sure you will. I’ve got an idea. Nellie is going to be starting a martial arts class, for ladies only, about the time your soccer season ends. Is that something you’d be interested in?”

  “Is it? Oh, wow, that would be fantastic. Yes, yes, yes. Oh, I can’t wait!”

  “Let me warn you, Nellie expects one hundred percent effort. It will involve a lot of hard work.”

  “My soccer coach says I’m the hardest worker on the team. He’s always using me as an example.”

  “Nellie, we might have the makings of a future Marine here.”

  The smile on Maggie’s face was so bright it lit up the whole room. KC smiled back at Maggie then looked over and saw that Nellie had a wide grin on her face too. He said, “Ok, it’s settled. Is your soccer schedule on the school’s web site?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, we’re really busy here, but if we get a chance it would be great to see you guys play. For now, Nellie and I have to get back to work. It was really great to see you, Maggie. I look forward to having you here more often. Let me walk you out. Nellie, I’ll be right back.”

  “Ok. Bye, Nellie. I’ll see you soon. Right after we win the soccer championship.”

  “Bye, Maggie. Good luck.”

  When KC got back, Nellie smiled and said, “I didn’t know I was starting a ladies’ only class.”

  “Neither did I until I found out what an athlete Maggie is. Then, the idea just sparked. You wouldn’t know it from meeting her today, but when I first met her she was the saddest person I’ve ever come across. I mean, distraught, defeated, so full of despair, it just broke my heart to see it. That kid is only fourteen and her mom’s boyfriend had been raping her since she was ten. When I met Maggie, he had just started in on her ten-year-old sister, too. She seems to have rebounded unbelievably in such a short time. I’m really impressed with her progress.”

  “What was your involvement with her situation?”

  “I got her to tell me what the problem was. I called Lieutenant Stone and he got social services and some detectives involved. Then, we kind of filled in the gaps where the police had limited capabilities. It worked out very well for Maggie and her sister.”

  “Where’s the boyfriend?”

  “He was killed in prison.”

  “Sounds like justice was realized. However, you really didn’t answer my question.”

  “I can’t say much now, but I’ll tell you all of it in about three short weeks. Everyone in the company who was involved was sworn to total secrecy. I can’t say anything until you’re a permanent fixture here. Just know that some of the skills you’re teaching were used by our guys to great success.”

  “Fair enough, but I really would like to hear all about it.”

  “You will and you should. You need to know what type of situations you’re training these guys to handle.”

  “Speaking of trai
ning, my next class is in five minutes.”

  KC nodded and smiled. “I’m really glad you got a chance to meet Maggie. Her case is an example of the good things I want us to accomplish. I can’t tell you how happy I am with how that turned out.”

  “Absolutely. It was great meeting her, and it’s really great to be working here.” Nellie gave KC a smile that could have made the blinds in the room adjust for the amount of light that emanated.

  “We’ll talk more soon,” KC uttered.

  “Yes, we will,” Nellie said as she turned and left.

  KC watched her leave and felt that same wow factor he did when he first saw her at the party the night they met. He was in a great mood after seeing Maggie too. He was hoping that all future operations would turn out so well.

  Chapter 21

  Peeps, Ol’ Top and KC had been putting in long days, preparing for the launch of the new Special Ops program. Nellie’s training program had progressed faster than all of them anticipated and KC needed to accelerate delivery of the padded contact protection vests. To be more precise, four of her trainees were now proficient enough that they were ready to practice lethal techniques with full contact. KC was on the phone with the vest manufacturer.

  KC’s voice raised a few decibels as he questioned the vest representative. “How many vests do we buy from you?” He paused a few moments, waiting for an answer. “And how many are in my latest order?” Then, after another pause, he continued, “And how many vest manufacturers are there that can duplicate what you do for me, except faster?” Another pause, this time a little longer, then KC said, “Get me four of the new padded vests by the end of the week and I’ll give you an extra week to get me the other four. Otherwise, I’m going somewhere else. I know our other vests are custom, but these are pretty common and I’ll find them on someone’s shelf, if you make me go that way. If you make me do that, I’ll find someone else to make the custom ones, too. I haven’t bid those out in a few years and I’m sure your prices are too high because of that. So, for a higher price, I expect outstanding service and that doesn’t just mean outstanding quality gear, it means getting me what I need when I need it. If that’s too difficult for you, I can do one of two things. Talk to your company’s owner or cancel right now.”