Whoever Kills The Innocent

by Lothar Birkner

  Sandy hung her head. Something like this should have never have happened to her. She always learned to play it safe, to inform her seniors in time, to make all decisions only on a rational basis, to put feelings behind. This time she did the opposite. She had so much sympathy for Bian. She felt pity for Bruno and wanted to save him. Later she wanted to hide her own wrongdoing and at last she had developed strange but intense feelings for Andrea. All very unprofessional and now she was deep in trouble.

  Yvonne was slowly on the way to the farm along with the others. She felt a gun at her back, or was it even a Kalashnikov or something similar? Her knees trembled with fear. She wanted nothing else but to help her good friend Bian. A little bit of adventure would have been no problem, but she never thought that the whole thing was so dangerous. Perhaps, she would not survive this adventure, these might be her last hours.

  Bian, too felt a gun is in her back, while she was trotting behind the Jeep. Her guard seemed to be particularly aggressive. A few moments before, she had been still so optimistic. But now their situation seemed hopeless.

  Why the whole thing?

  What's the point?

  She wanted to live only modestly and in peace!

  And always there were some idiots who ignited war because of their greed, or they wanted power over other people or they were full of religious bigotry. And the innocent people had to suffer. Even though they had not the slightest guilt. It was not our job freeing or saving the world. Bruno, this naive idiot, had engaged in dangerous contacts and now they were all in trouble because she wanted to help him, nothing else.

  The three and their guards had now reached the farm. They were brought in the main building and emptied the contents of their bags and pockets on a table in the middle of the room. Then they had to stand with hands on the wall and they were searched through again. They noticed that one of the terrorists examined their phones. With special diligence, he immediately took out the SIM cards. Another had an eye on their identity papers, looking with interest at them and leaving the room, taking everything with him.

  "Hands on your head turn around, and stand still!” they heard next command now.

  The three women obeyed without even a moment's hesitation. The terrorists always had their guns and Kalashnikovs in hand. There was no chance but to obey and to wait.

  *******

  While Andrea waited silently and motionless in the niche, Saleh entered the room. He bent his head down to Bruno and whispered to him quietly, “Bruno, don`t make any attempts to escape, this way you make it even more dangerous for you. Very soon something's going to happen. Then everything is probably over for you and you get out of here without harm. You need only a bit patience.”

  He said it, turned around and left the room.

  Immediately afterwards, Andrea came out of her hideout. Bruno was still quite confused about Saleh`s words. He whispered to Andrea that he was no longer sure whether an escape was too dangerous. Perhaps his old friend Martin might be right and something could happen and they would be rescued in a less dangerous way. But both Andrea and Gerster were outraged. How could Bruno still have the slightest confidence in the words of such a guy?

  “Bruno shut up with this fucking nonsense! I'm going now, I'm back in a few minutes and then we leave quickly,” Andrea said.

  She turned to the door. Because Gerster was again speaking to her quietly. He appealed to her: “Please! Come back soon and don`t leave us in the lurch.”

  Andrea reassured him: “Hundred percent I come back, and then we get you out of here. A promise is a promise.”

  She opened the door and left. She carefully snuck across the yard and then hurried with to the point where her friends were waiting.

  When she arrived there, she immediately realized that something was wrong. No one could be seen; the cars were open and empty.

  The mullahs had struck. She was sure.

  Signs of a struggle were not visible, but the three seemed to be swallowed by the earth. There had been no aliens, her friends were kidnapped by the terrorists. Andrea was pretty downhearted. First only Bruno went away, now there were five who had to be liberated. But Andrea was Andrea. That meant she would never give up. She began to think what might have happened and above all what to do.

  She didn`t meet the people in the jeep on her way. There must be another way to farm, not only the footpath she had taken herself. Actually, she noticed a narrow navigable road. It led between two hedges in a different direction. She followed this small road. After a minute, she decided to take the car. She took the seat in her car and started it. She didn’t switch on the lights and drove slowly with as little noise as possible. Let's see where this road leads to, she thought.

  -

  The situation seems hopeless but Andrea doesn`t give up

  Sandy knew of all the three who were now at the mercy of terrorists, her part was the most dangerous because she was US citizen and worked for the Secret Service. The only chance I might have, she thought, is to make them believe I am a harmless American tourist who has accidentally gotten into this story through personal contacts. If they get to know that I work for the U.S. Government, it looks quite nasty for me.

  Everything went pretty much wrong, she admitted to herself. The only one who was still in freedom was her new friend Andrea. But as much Andrea impressed her in every aspect, it seemed quite impossible that this daring young woman would be able to rescue all without any support from outside. And Mike? She had deceived him and told him nothing about her whereabouts. She had given him not the slightest information, what really had happened.

  She had giddily bought herself big trouble, and she had harmed the interests of her country, Mike would say so at least. And if she was honest to herself, his opinion was not so completely wrong. How could that happen her? This question ran again and again through her head. In fact, she knew the answer. She had given priority to spontaneous human feelings instead of reasonable logic that should be most important but in her job. But had her father not told her that in case of doubt she should listen to her heart? Somehow, she felt totally confused. And why was Andrea constantly in her head when she put her feelings in the first place?

  Yvonne was totally distraught. She sensed fear through her whole body. Solidarity with Bian and Bruno had been important for her, that was the reason why she had joined the operation. The two had been always wonderful colleagues. She remembered that both had helped her repeatedly as she then started her job as a radio operator. Many others had said, “Yvonne can never make it.”

  But Bian and Bruno had always supported her instead of criticizing. Solidarity for solidarity, that was her slogan. But now in this dangerous situation fear lodged in her throat. She could feel the glances of the foreign terrorists like a physical pain. She was completely helpless. She felt like a toddler who is afraid of the big, black man and she felt pressure on her bladder. Finally, she could no longer prevent it; she felt the warm liquid running slowly down her legs.

  Bian also had fear, but even more anger is in her. Especially now, when she noticed the awkward situation of her friend Yvonne. What kind of a world is it? We do nothing bad to anyone, we want to lead our life in peace and quiet, and then we get into such a situation, dangerous and degrading as well. We are the victims of bigotry and ideological blindness. The rising anger overtakes her fear.

  ********

  Andrea slowly went along the unknown way without any light and with low engine speed. She didn’t know what was waiting for her. But she knew that she must necessarily do anything to liberate the prisoners. She had considered shortly to go to a police station to get help, but quickly rejected this idea. They were in Belgium. She didn’t know their language and it would certainly take much time to make clear to them what did happen, and perhaps they wouldn`t even believe her. No, that wasn’t the way. And going back to Germany trying to get help from the police there? Even much more time would be wasted

  No, she must act independently, even if she
was aware chances look bad at the moment. This approach also corresponded more to her nature. The lone cowboy, who can rely only on his fighting spirit and the weapon in his hand. She had always loved such stories. Stories for boys actually, as her mother had sometimes sullenly remarked. But she had ben always a bit different from the other girls. And She felt enthusiastically all the time for America, the land of opportunity, the land of liberty, the land of the brave.

  On her opinion all progress in the last hundred years has come from nowhere else but the United States, or not? While in other parts of the world there was a lack of freedom and oppression of minorities, here there was true freedom. She thought about Sandy and how she would travel with her through the United States. Yes, we have our dreams! The big strong young woman pensively smiled to herself.

  But now she must focus on her mission impossible. She followed the narrow road in slower, quieter ride without light during the last meters. This route took a turn now and actually led to the back of the farm, where Andrea was still a few minutes ago. There was also that Jeep she had seen a few minutes ago, vacant now. Andrea got as quietly as possible out of the car and crept further. She approached the main building now. There were several doors and windows. She tried to throw a look through the different windows, without being seen herself. But she didn’t recognize anything She listened everywhere she could. But she could only hear unintelligible muttering. But then she heard a known voice. This was Bian’s voice. Andrea was happy to hear her.

  *******

  Bian, Sandy, and Yvonne waited, holding the hands to the head. Two terrorists with machine guns in hand watched them. Then, Suleiman entered the room, accompanied by Ali, who would serve as assistant and interpreter. Ali told him in the Arabic language, "We have arrested three women. Two are Germans, an American.”

  Suleiman looked contemptuously at the women.

  “Ask them on whose behalf they acted, who paid them to follow the Warrior of Allah to this place here and we want to know who gives them orders and directives.”

  Ali translated the question. Sandy and Yvonne hastened to explain that there`s no one in charge, no one paid them, they are purely private on the road, and that they are actually only here by accident and have stopped in the area. Suleiman seemed to understand German and he was angry. But he spoke again Arabic and Ali translated:

  “You lying bitches! You want to fool us? You will feel the wrath of Allah. We have come in the name of Allah and will free the world from all evil. We will set up Allah`s holy laws again. We will be able to deal with unruly women. I give you the chance to be honest and tell the truth, otherwise you will regret it once again.”

  All three women were afraid, Bian too. But anxiety and stress turned into rage at this moment and she began to speak with firm voice:

  “You are relying on God? If there is a God, who is, as you say, omnipotent, kind, and able to intervene in the fate of the people, then he would come down from his heaven now and He would beat them with a truncheon, who call his name in vain. The message behind all religions is love each other and show mercy. Jesus’ basic justice agenda was simply living, humility, and love of neighbor. The most common word in the Koran is mercy. But there are people in all religions, among Christians, among Muslims, among Jews and others as well, who wage war in the name of God. But He is the God of love, and calling on God as a reason for violence is the biggest blasphemy!

  “We do not come in order or paid by an intelligence agency or any country. But we`re here, because we worry about a person who has never hurt anybody, but you keep him captive. You tell us, you fight for God and the world seems to be very simple to you.

  “You will torture a witch, and execute these heretics or those infidels. You burn them in the name of God? You think that`s okay and a Godlike act? This way His Kingdom will come? No, I pray like this; God, if you exist, save us from your followers on Earth!”

  Sandy and Yvonne were torn. Yes, this short and very emotional speech of Bian was enthusiastic. Actually, they would have liked to clap hands to applaud, but at the same time, they became very scared. Fear drove into their bones. What Bian did say in the face of the terrorists would not remain without consequences. This seemed to be clear. Suleiman apparently understood much, but he let Ali translate every word. His face was now red with rage.

  He ordered her to silence and locked away all three women in the basement. There would be ways and means to expel impudence and get to know the truth about their backers by forcing it out of them. One of the Arab immediately pushed a gag in Bian`s mouth and all three were driven down the cellar stairs with kicks and blows. Down there they would have to expect nothing good, they knew.

  *******

  Andrea could understand from outside each word spoken by Bian.

  Wow! I would not have expected this from Bian, who`s usually rather shy. Really a very courageous performance. But the little one risks her head and ass. Now, I'm the only one who is still free This means that I have to act really very reasonably and carefully.

  She wished she could immediately help her girlfriends. The fate of Sandy and the other two was really close to her heart. But at least at this moment, there was no chance of direct help. So she thought about Bruno. These two currently didn’t seem to be the focus of attention of the terrorists. Then let's see whether there is a chance to free Sandy, Bian and Yvonne.

  It was necessary to rescue them now and quickly, and then to call the police, she thought. If I come with the two, who have already been imprisoned by the terrorists, the cops won’t think at least that I'm crazy and they immediately mobilize anything against these dangerous Arabs. She was not quite sure about how to proceed after, but first the two needed her help. So, Andrea made up towards Bruno and Gerster.

  Under the cover of darkness, she remained well unnoticed when sneaking across the courtyard. It wasn’t easy to find her way back, because she came from the other direction now, but soon she recognized the door that led to the room, where the two were captured. Two smiling faces welcomed Andrea as she entered. Especially Gerster sighed with relief and whispered to her, “Thank you for so quickly coming back.”

  Bruno nodded and thought, “What`s a relief! We can escape at last.”

  Now Andrea explained her plan.

  “I will take you away from here with my car now. When we’re about a kilometer away from here I leave you somewhere out, where you can hide in the dark and you're safe. Then I must return again here because three girlfriends of mine are still in the power of the mullahs. I want to free them even if it is very difficult. Only if this will prove totally impossible I will join you again and all we three will go to the police and hope that they can intervene in time.”

  Gerster just nodded but Bruno asked, “Who are the three girlfriends?”

  Andrea hesitated a moment, because she did not know whether it was okay to tell him that Bian was held captive by terrorists. Then she decided for the truth and told him the names of the three.

  A big fright ran through Bruno`s bones. He felt guilty that Bian was now in such danger. He didn’t want to be safe while his partner was being held captive here. That's why he said to Andrea, “Okay! If we get out of here and Gerster is safe, then he can look for the next police station and I go back together you, to liberate Bian and the other two.”

  Andrea was not sure whether that's so good, so she said, “We will see.”

  Then she led the two to the point where she parked her car. But a terrible fright drove through all three, as they are approached this point. There two Arabs with kalashnikovs in hand were at the car and searching it.

  Crap! So the idea to escape by car would not work and above all, they knew now, they had to be even more cautious because the terrorists were warned.

  Andrea gave the others at once a silent order to hide in a dark corner of the yard. Now, they had to think about the situation and act very carefully.

  *******

  Sandy looked at Bian, then at Yvonne. Now she had to be
strong. She had to be an encouraging example for the others. She defended high values, freedom, and democracy. Her Christian faith gave her strength. “In God we trust” was printed on the U.S. banknotes. Yes, she would. She was proud that in her homeland Christian conviction was connected with religious tolerance. Everyone can his religion, whatever it may be. But their enemies here were dangerous and intolerant idiots, she knew very well.

  But, all these considerations could not extinguish the fear deeply rooted in her. She was in the hands of the terrorists, it didn’t help to deny this predicament, These terrorists would not believe that she was an innocent tourist. She had the fear to be tortured and she prayed repeatedly to God that she would be strong. She recalled the words of John F. Kennedy:

  "Ask not what your country for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

  But when the door opened, she could not prevent that fear inexorably overpowered her. An Arabic-looking man entered the room and came straight to her.

  “Now, you US bitch, you can decide. Everything can easy for you, or it can be uncomfortable and painful. Tell me everything you know. Are you working for the CIA or NSA or for whom? What exactly is your job? What did you previously report to your supervisor? Come on and talk!”

  “I am nothing else but a normal U.S. tourist, traveling through Europe, I met my two friends in a small town nearby. We recently became friends and they told me that Bian`s partner, the taxi driver Bruno had disappeared. We wanted to search for him. I don't know about anything else, I have no supervisor, and I consequently don`t report to anyone. I don't know what's going on and what you do mean.”