by JL Curtis
Darlene smiled. “Ross, you know we always do.”
Sergeant Major Eberhart threw up his hands, and walked to his truck mumbling under his breath as Marlene hopped in the van. Darlene glanced at her watch. “We’ve got twenty minutes, drive-thru?”
Marlene replied, “Do it. I need something and this is going to be a long day. Jesse’s going to need something, too.”
Darlene knocked on the apartment door and heard Boo Boo barking, but the door wasn’t opened immediately. They looked at each other in momentary consternation and finally heard the lock click. Jesse opened the door distractedly waving them in as she held her cell phone to her ear and clutched her stomach. She walked back to the counter and picked her pen back up, completely ignoring the ‘Lenes.
Marlene whispered, “Shit, they’ve already called, or this is the call.”
Darlene nodded and grabbed Boo Boo’s leash, heading out the door with the dog as Marlene set the McDonald’s bag on the table and starting laying the food out.
Jesse continued writing and finally said, “Okay, thank you, lieutenant. I’ll let you know what my plans are as soon as I figure them out.” She clicked the phone off and turned to Marlene. “I guess y’all know, right? Aaron was hit and is on his way to Germany. Apparently he’s injured to the point that they had to evac him. You knew, right?”
Marlene looked at Jesse. “Yeah, we just found out a little bit ago.”
Jesse nodded. “I thought so. Hang on. I need to make a call. Help yourselves to the coffee.”
Marlene handed Jesse a biscuit and Jesse said, “Thanks.”
Turning back to the counter, Jesse rummaged through some papers and finally found the Miller’s home number. Steeling herself, she dialed the phone and put it on speaker. It was finally answered by Aaron’s dad. “Mr. Miller, this is Jesse, Aaron’s wife. I wanted to let you know he’s been hurt and is being flown to Germany to-”
Mr. Miller said, “Uh huh. Well tell him if he survives, he can call home. Was there anything else?”
Jesse, stunned, just looked at the phone and finally said, “Uh, no sir. You don’t want to know-”
Miller said, “Goodbye,” and hung up.
Jesse looked at Marlene, “I cannot believe that shit! I knew Aaron’s relationship with his folks wasn’t good, but damn. If, he actually said that, IF. God, no wonder Aaron doesn’t talk about them.”
Marlene shook her head in wonderment. “I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it!”
Darlene came back in with Boo Boo and Jesse said, “Thanks, I need to make one more call, then we can talk, okay?”
***
The old man, Tony, Sergi, Gunther and Carlos sat at the Café de Paris, on Via Vittoria Veneto, in Rome just down from the American Embassy. Tony had chosen of the outside tables so that they could people watch. As they sat over espressos discussing the final day of the Interpol conference and listening to Tony’s version of the history of the venerable Café de Paris, including how the Cosoleto clan of the 'Ndrangheta had owned it since 2005. The old man’s phone rang, surprising him. Seeing Jesse’s number, he excused himself and answered. Seconds later, he was back at the table. “Gunther, what’s the closest airport to Landstuhl?”
Gunther cocked his head. “International or local?”
“International.”
“Frankfurt. It’s about forty-five minutes. Do you need to go there?”
The old man held up his hand, speaking into the phone. “Frankfurt, Jesse. Forty-five minutes from Landstuhl. Look for LAX to London to Frankfurt. I’m pretty sure there is no direct from there. I’ll find the closest Hilton-”
Gunther waved and said, “Mainz, one half hour from Landstuhl. No good hotels close to Landstuhl.”
The old man continued, “Apparently the closest is Mainz, Germany. I’ll get us rooms. Get your flights and send me an email. I’ll meet you at Frankfurt tomorrow morning.”
Hanging up, the old man turned to Tony. “I need to change my flights. Jesse’s husband has been injured badly enough to be evacuated out of Afghanistan to Landstuhl.”
***
Jesse hung up the phone and sat down at the table, nodding to Darlene. “Thanks, I’m going to need this. I need to find somebody to take care of Boo Boo, and I need to check flights. Does either of y’all know exactly how badly Aaron is injured?”
Darlene looked at Marlene then answered, “Mike said he lost part of his leg. That’s all I know. He wasn’t supposed to call, but he did anyway.”
Jesse cocked her head. “Well, thank him. That’s more than I got out of the Lieutenant.” Finishing her biscuit, she got up and poured another cup of coffee saying, “Last one today. It seems Junior--” She pointed at her belly. “—doesn’t like caffeine. Any more than two cups, and I’m throwing up.” Jesse distractedly fed Boo Boo and put down fresh water, as Darlene and Marlene watched in amazement. Jesse came back to the table and booted her laptop saying, “If I can get out this afternoon, I can meet Papa tomorrow sometime in Frankfurt. I could probably figure it out myself, but having him along will make it easier.”
A couple of minutes later, Jesse was back on the phone. Ten minutes and a credit card later she had a ticket from LAX to Frankfurt departing at 3:20PM. She sent a quick email to the old man and shut the computer down. Jesse looked at her watch. “Well, that gives me three hours to get everything together. Can one of y’all give me a ride about eleven? It’s at least an hour and a half to LAX and I need to be there by one-thirty at the latest.”
Darlene nodded. “Sure, I’ll give you a ride. Can we help you do anything?”
“If Matt and Felicia don’t want the hassle of keeping Boo Boo, I’d appreciate it if you’d find a kennel for her.”
Jesse was interrupted as Matt came through the front door. “Dammit, Jesse, why didn’t you call me?”
Jesse looked up at Matt. “I was going to, but I knew you had a class this morning. I was going to call before I left. Do you mind keeping Boo Boo?”
Matt said gently, “Jesse, there are things you can interrupt for, and this is one of them. Toad’s got it, so anything you need done. Are you okay?”
Jesse looked up again, feeling tears spring to her eyes. “No, actually I’m not. But I’ll have about eleven hours to breakdown on the airplane, then get my act back together. Right now, I need to keep going because if I don’t, I’ll totally melt down, dammit.”
With that, Jesse stomped back to the bedroom leaving the ‘Lenes and Matt staring at each other. Darlene started to get up, but Marlene put a hand on her arm. “No, give her a few minutes. That girl’s got some steel in her, but she just needs a few minutes. Matt, are you going to handle the dog?”
Matt nodded. “And I’ll go by rehab and tell them what’s going on. The apartment is in both our names, so I can pay the bills. No problem there. I can take her to the airport if you don’t want to.”
Darlene shook her head. “No, I’ll do that. I’m a little worried about that credit card she gave the airlines. If there’s an issue we can help cover the ticket cost. And Mike didn’t tell me all of the story but apparently Aaron lost part of his leg.”
Matt looked at Darlene in surprise. “Jesse doesn’t need to worry about paying a credit card bill, trust me. And if Aaron lost part of his leg, and they evac’ed him, it can’t be real good. We just need to get her on the airplane and not worrying about shit back here. Does Mr. Cronin know? Did she call either him or the Millers?”
Marlene replied, “She called both of them. I guess the Millers just don’t give a crap about their son from what Jesse said.”
Matt nodded. “Yeah, definition of dysfunctional family there. They’re pacifist teacher types.”
The ‘Lenes both winced at that, as Jesse came to the end of the hall. “Matt, can you please get a suitcase down for me? You guys stuff shit in the closet never thinking about us short people having to get it down.”
Matt sighed. “Yes, dear.” And followed her to the bedroom. Darlene and Marle
ne trailed along, and helped Jesse pack, ensured she had her passport, her ID, and enough money to get by. Marlene used the computer to print out the phone numbers Jesse would need at Landstuhl for access to the facility. An email dinged, and Jesse said, “Read that please, it’s probably from Papa.”
Marlene opened the email and read, “Jesse, you will be met at the gate on arrival. Go with them, I will meet you outside Customs. Hotel is arranged. Car is arranged. Saying prayers for Aaron. S/Papa.”
Five hours later, Jesse boarded the flight to Frankfurt saying a prayer that Aaron would be alive when she got there.
Germany
The old man sat in Gunther’s office in the bowels of Frankfurt airport, waiting for Jesse’s flight to arrive. He was nervous, hoping everything was okay with her and also with Aaron. Finally, he turned to Gunther. “I can’t thank you enough for the ride up here Gunther, and for the assist here, too.”
Gunther replied, “You are more than welcome, captain. I have studied the operations you, Tony and Sergi did, and used those techniques myself on occasion.” Waving his hand disgustedly, he continued, “Before I became an office denizen, I was actually a field agent.”
The old man asked, “Bundespolizei?”
Gunther smiled. “In a way. I was Grenzschutzgruppe 9 der Bundespolizei for almost fifteen years, and moved to this direktion last year as the chief.”
“GSG-9? Impressive organization. I never had the pleasure of working directly with y’all, but I think Tony and Sergi both have. Everything I’ve heard was good and you guys are on a par with SEALS, SAS, and Delta.”
Gunther’s smile became more predatory. “Ah, yes, we cross trained with them all. It was fun. But this is a good job too. My wife grew up here, and we have her parents’ home. She has reconnected with many lifelong friends so she is not so bored.” A phone buzzed and Gunther quickly picked it up made a few comments and hung up. “Your granddaughter’s plane just landed, and it will be at the gate shortly. My men will meet her and escort her through customs. She will be brought here.”
The old man protested. “Gunther, I can only thank you, and I know you have better things to do than this. I can-”
“Captain, please, it is not often I get a chance to actually help someone who has helped us. Also, your granddaughter has never been here and Frankfurt can be confusing.”
***
Jesse got out of the seat and stretched as the airliner’s PA bonged, and she reached up for her backpack and purse. Bending, she groaned at the stiffness in her leg, and ran her fingers roughly through her hair. A quick check ensured she had her passport, and she smiled as the flight attendant brought her crutches. As she stumped her way forward, she noticed an unsmiling man standing next to the purser, who pointed at Jesse. The man flashed a badge that showed a Bundespolizei ID and said, “Frau Miller?” When Jesse nodded, he continued, “Please come with me, I am to escort you. Do you have other luggage? Please give me the baggage claim tag.”
Jesse pulled the baggage tag out of her back pocket and handed it to the officer, as he turned and led her down the jetway stairs and onto the ramp. Walking as quickly as she could, he escorted her into a maze of passageways underneath the passenger terminal and to a golf cart. Putting her in it, he drove her deeper into the terminal area, as Jesse wondered where they were going. At the point that she was almost ready to say something, he pulled into what appeared to be a marked off area for police, and escorted her through a door.
Inside the bustling area, he asked for her passport, and took it across the room and handed it to a woman sitting at a desk. He also gave what she figured was her baggage tag to another officer, who turned and went out the far side of the office. After the woman had stamped the passport, he returned with it and said, “Please, follow me. Your bag will be brought to the office where you will be.”
He led her down a short hallway, and into a quieter office, knocking at a closed door. The door was opened and she saw the old man getting up from a chair. Not caring, she rushed him, wrapping her arms around him and sobbing. “Papa, I’m so glad you’re here.”
The old man hugged her back. “Jesse, as far as we can find out, Aaron is at Landstuhl and is being treated. It’s about an hour down there. As soon as your bag gets here, we’ll go to the hotel and you can clean up before we go to the hospital. It’s about thirty-forty minutes from Mainz.”
Jesse pulled back. “Thanks, Papa.” Turning to the other man in the room, she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ignore you, it’s just that-”
The old man said, “Jesse, this is Gunther, he’s the director of security for Frankfurt and he’s the man you need to thank. He got me up here and got you off the airplane.”
Jesse limped over to Gunther and said, “My apologies, I know I was rude. I’m Jesse Miller and I appreciate everything you’ve done to help.”
Gunther bowed slightly to Jesse. “I am happy to be able to assist. Especially since I found out you are an officer of the law also. What is the American idiom, this acorn does not fall far from the tree?”
The old man and Jesse both laughed at that as an officer delivered her checked baggage. Gunther led the old man and Jesse out to the police parking lot, and shook hands with both of them, giving Jesse a card and telling her if there were any problems, to please give him a call.
As soon as they were in the car, Jesse leaned over and said, “Thank you, Papa. I’d never have been able to do this without your help.” Giving him a quick hug, she continued, “But I really want a shower before I see Aaron. If I can even see him.”
Putting the car in gear, the old man said, “We can call from the hotel. I’ve got all the numbers. Right now let’s get you to the hotel and cleaned up.”
Five minutes later, Jesse was sound asleep as the old man navigated the German roads and finally pulled into the Hilton Mainz.
***
Two hours and multiple phone calls later, the old man steered the rental into the military complex at Landstuhl. Jesse was determined to walk into the facility and hadn’t even brought her crutches. She held the old man’s hand in a vice grip, not realizing how hard she was holding on. The old man didn’t say a word, knowing this was going to be probably the hardest thing Jesse had to do in her young life.
After their IDs were verified, they were given access badges and directed to ICU on the third floor of building 3711. As they entered, they were met by a nurse who asked, “Who are you here to see?”
Jesse replied tumultuously, “Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Miller. They told us he would be up here.”
“Just a minute, let me check.” The nurse turned away and went behind the nurses’ station and looked at a computer, switching screens and shaking her head. She came back and said, “I’m Captain Arden, and Gunnery Sergeant Miller hasn’t been brought down from surgery yet. It looks like it will be about two hours before he gets down here. According to the system, he’s still in recovery.”
Jesse wilted. “Surgery? What did they-”
Arden stopped her. “I’m not sure. They don’t have the info entered yet. I’d recommend you come back in two hours. By then, he’ll be here and you can ask the doctors what is happening. I’m sorry, but that’s the best I can do right now. Just to let you know, visiting hours end at twenty hundred.”
Jesse gripped the old man’s hand and said, “Okay, I guess we have no choice.” Trembling, Jesse walked out of the ICU and said, “Papa, what’s going on? I thought, shit, I don’t know what I thought.”
The old man put his arm around Jesse and steered her to the elevator. “Hon, we’re all in the dark here. What we know is Aaron’s alive. That’s the first step. Let’s go find something to eat, and a cup of coffee. And we probably need to find the patient advocates office. You need to find out what’s going to be done with Aaron.”
They found themselves in the cafeteria, and Jesse sat silently as the old man picked up a couple of cups of coffee and pastries. Coming back to the table he saw Jesse rubbing her stomach. As h
e sat the coffee and pastries down, he said, “You okay? Your stomach bothering you?”
Jesse burst into tears, startling the old man. “Papa!” Through sobs she continued, “Papa, I’m- I’m pregnant.” A fresh burst of tears stopped her as the old man rocked back in his chair.
“You- you’re what?”
“Pregnant. Have a bun in the oven. Oh, Papa-.”
“Does Aaron know?”
Jesse wiped her eyes. “Yes, I told him day before, oh crap. It was Sunday or Monday, I guess. I just hadn’t gotten around to telling you. I found out because the chief got a little concerned about my blood pressure after my rehab. And I thought I was just sick. I’ve been throwing up in the morning some.” Her story came pouring out in a rush of words.
The old man reached out and laid a hand on Jesse’s. She grasped it and squeezed continuing, “Shit, Papa, what am I going to do now?”
The old man took a sip of coffee and collected his thoughts. “Well, this is going to make things a bit of a challenge. How far along are you? A couple of months?”
Jesse sniffed. “The doc at the base thinks three months. The last time, hell, the only time Aaron and I’ve had was those few days at Christmas.”
The old man replied, “Well, we’ll deal with it. That’s the only option. Does anybody else know?”
Jesse nodded. “Matt and Felicia, ‘Lenes. And probably Toad, and now you, that’s it. Oh and the chief and doctor.”
The old man didn’t know what to say, and Jesse retreated into herself, sipping her coffee and playing with the pastry. The old man thought to himself. One more challenge for Jesse. Lord where does it end? How much more are you going to put her through? I just hope she doesn’t lose the baby with the stress from Aaron’s injuries. Hell, I just hope Aaron comes through okay. Crap, now this really means Jesse needs to stay away from the ranch.