Allure (Mercenaries Book 1)

by Tony Lavely

  “I thought he was gonna wash his hands in her blood, for a second.” She pushed her head back into the hollow of his neck. “She wasn’t trash, Mr. Jamse.” Beckie stilled the tears again. “But the shock… Can’t you see that my shock was that I didn’t do anything. I just watched him rape her, then kill her! I did nothing—”

  “You cannot blame yourself for Werner’s actions.” Jamse held her even closer. “While it makes no difference to you now, there is nothing you could have done to stop him. He was committed to his crime; it began years ago, not there in front of you.”

  It does make a difference to hear you say it. But, I was able… “But I was able to act, to try to stop him killing Meili. Why couldn’t I do the same for Ting?”

  “I cannot answer that for you. However, I think it likely that the paralysis arose from your disbelief that he could actually do such a thing. And your fervent hope that he could not. You were able to act later because you had seen Ting die and knew for certain the fate that awaited Meili and, need I add, you. Your decency delayed your actions until too late for her.”

  Damn. She had to die because… “I have to say, that sucks. That she died ‘cause I wasn’t raised to think evil of people, even when I know they’re gonna be.”

  “This one example must not be sufficient for you to change your life’s beliefs, Rebecca. You are a fine young woman; one I am proud to call a friend and compatriot.”

  Well, that’s something. She grinned before taking her face from his shoulder, then looked at him. “Thanks, Mr. Jamse.” She sobered again. “But… It’s really hard to deal with. During the day you know… I have things I have to do, so that’s ok. Until Meili and Lissa fall asleep, anyway. Then the horrors come back.” She wriggled even closer. “It really helps to talk with you. I can’t talk to anyone who wasn’t there, you know, and somehow, Sue and Derek and Willie…”

  “And you have come to me?”

  “I hope it’s ok?” She looked at him with what she thought might be her best pleading look.

  “Of course. I fear I do not have the correct words—”

  “No. You do, and you used them. Just having you believe in me, that’s what I needed to hear.”

  “It will not assuage your fears or your misgivings. That must—”

  “That’s gotta come from me. I know. But till now, I wasn’t sure it could. Now, I think it can.” I’m not gonna come on to him now. That’d be so wrong! She roused herself. “I think I’ll get back to help however I can with dinner. I’m really afraid Shalin’s got a lot of work on my behalf.”

  “She will have whatever help she requires. And she thinks highly of you, which ameliorates the effort.”

  “Ameliorate; that’s makes it easier?”

  “Indeed.” He returned her smile. Boynton joined them as Jamse walked with her to the door.

  Beckie turned to see both men wave to her.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Beckie’s Meeting

  CONTRARY TO KEVIN’S WARNINGS, THE dinner was not only quite good, but the enhanced staff permitted each of the diners to select her or his own main course from a menu. Again, Beckie noticed the abundance of waters and juices, and the absence of wine. This time, Melissa answered her question: Shalin was Muslim; no alcohol. Beckie reflected that that also explained even better her invitation to Melissa to stay in the main house instead of the cottage for the past several days.

  The only business discussed during dinner was a recap of the injury status, since they could see that Kevin, while still in the wheelchair, was recovering nicely. All the physical injuries were healing, even Li Fam’s ankle. Derek told them that, on his return, “I made it a point to limp into the ward and apologize in person to her for breaking it, since I couldn’t before we left.”

  Melissa and Mike had been in the hospital—“Had to keep busy some way,” they agreed. “Wendy’s doing really well for a kid who was shot three times,” Melissa said. “Though we can’t tickle her or make her really laugh… You, know, ‘cause of the stitches in her belly—”

  “Yeah, but she giggles just fine,” Mike said. “And Doc Ardan says her parents are helping out a lot, speaking for the other girls, helping her make good decisions. I think she’s really happy they’re here.”

  Once dessert was cleared, Beckie took the floor. “I was hoping Willie could be here, too…”

  “He is celebrating a special birthday with his family; his son is one as of yesterday,” Boynton told her.

  “Oh. Yeah, that’s more important. I’ll catch up with him later.” She took a deep breath, looked out at her loves and friends around the table. “I asked for this, to talk with you all, let you try to understand what’s been going on, and what I’d like to do as… well, what I’m gonna do.” She slid around on her chair to face Xia. “I don’t know how good a job of translation you’ll be able to do tonight, so please do what you think will give Meili the best idea of what we’re talking about. I don’t expect she’ll understand everything; but it’s crucial that she not feel left out. Okay?” The translator nodded.

  “Since like April, Melissa, Mike and I have worked for and with Mr. Jamse and his team at stopping a man named Werner who… who made his living selling young girls. And boys, too, I guess.” She looked around. “If you have any questions, I’ll try to answer them. Or Mr. Jamse may.

  “Once the stint in April was successful, I got tired of waiting for progress. So-o-o…” She looked down with a sheepish grin. “So, when school ended, I forced Mr. Jamse to look at me again. I thought he wasn’t doing enough to find and rescue the girls that had been kidnapped in California. I had no idea what that meant, except it couldn’t be good for them. And then, I had no idea about any girls in Thailand.” She paused while Xia caught up.

  “I forced my way onto his team because it was critically—and selfishly—important to me that I help someway. We’ll need someone else to explain why I felt that way; I don’t know. But it was. Both Dad and Mr. Jamse will attest to that.

  “A few days ago, Mr. Jamse’s team took care of Werner’s place in Arizona, where the girls from California had been taken. That story you all know, and I wasn’t a lot of help to them. No, no—” silencing protests from both Sue and Kevin, “I wasn’t. You politely let me tag along, made sure I didn’t get hurt and did your job professionally. I’m glad I got to see it and proud I didn’t screw it up. But I wasn’t a help.

  “Once we all got back here, I found out about Thailand, and Mr. Jamse asked me to attend him and three others to deal with Werner there. What happened there will stay between us, except to say that due to Sue, the team was again successful, except for a young girl we—I—couldn’t save.”

  A muffled gasp took her attention; while her father was aghast, it was Mom with her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide. It took a second before Beckie realized what had elicited their response.

  “Well, it’s true, Mom.” She sat back on her chair. “I’m not going to talk about that, not here. I’ve about worked my way through it, and thanks to Mr. Jamse, I understand that while I couldn’t save her, I’m not responsible for what happened, either.”

  A look of understanding flowed into her mother’s face. “Thank you for that explanation,” she said. “We can talk more later.”

  “We sure can.” Beckie said with a grin. But not about everything! “Sorry for the, sidestep, I guess,” she continued as she reached to touch Meili’s hair. The girl smiled up at her. “Meili is one of the girls in Thailand that Werner collected for sex with adults. I helped her after her family had sold her, and she’s attached herself to me. I don’t mind, though I fear it’s a lot like what I did to Mr. Jamse.” She felt her face twist in a wry grin. “Anyway, she’s bonded to me, and I’ve promised myself as well as her that she’ll not be hurt again.” Again a pause while Xia translated; this time Meili responded.

  “Meili says she knew nothing of this—and she’s afraid of what you’re saying. I think she doesn’t want to burden you.”


  Jamse smiled, again he gave Beckie the wonderful smile she really liked, and raised his finger for attention. “It is possible that I have an equitable solution for you, Meili and people you have not yet met. That should wait a few minutes, however.”

  Beckie gave him a quizzical look. “I’d like to find out what all that means when you’re ready, Mr. Jamse.” She turned to the group. “I’ve been thinking a lot about things and, even more than two weeks ago, I guess, in London, I’m growing up. After Phuket, I’m not sure I want to hurry it all that much.”

  “I ho…” Jamse stopped, awkwardly, Beckie thought in surprise. “I feared that the experience might affect you,” he finished weakly.

  “But what were you going to say, Mr. Jamse?” Beckie gave him a steady questioning look. “Sounded like you changed your mind…” A light spread across her face as she understood the man’s thought. Her smile showed the pleasure and pride she felt knowing him and it showed in her voice. “Mr. Jamse, you were going to say you got the result from me that you hoped for.” A little bow confirmed it for her. “You expected me to react this way based on how you thought the mission would play out.”

  “I think, Rebecca, that I will be extremely pleased if you would call me Ian. While you have seen through my intent as though it was glass, some of the details came as both a surprise and a fearful shock.”

  Beckie nodded.

  The knock on the door brought everyone’s head around. Shalin entered, showing in a couple about Jim and Jean’s age, oriental in their features.

  “Allow me to hijack your meeting for a few minutes, please, Rebecca,” Jamse said after the new arrivals took seats. “Following our conversation on the airplane, I took the liberty of inviting Go Shen and his wife Rou. Would you like to postulate why I did?”

  Intuitive flashes seemed to be finding Beckie much like a flight of shooting stars in the sky, or perhaps the fireflies tracking across the backyard. “Meili?” she whispered.

  “Indeed,” he responded. “You will agree that she needs a family. One not necessarily from biological ties, but one where the relationships are built on respect, on common beliefs and heritage, and eventually, love. Exactly as the one you promised to forge with her.” He paused while Beckie nodded. Xia finished translating; Meili looked as confused as Beckie felt. “The Go’s are unable to have their own children, and political differences with the government have prevented their obtaining permission to adopt in their former homeland. I ask your permission, and Meili’s, to allow her to spend a day or so with the Go’s, to see if she can fill that emptiness in their life, and if they might do the same for her, creating a family.”

  A few moments passed as the Go’s talked first with Xia to understand what dialect she and Meili had been using. Discovering that it was one with which they had a passing familiarity, the four were soon conversing quietly.

  Beckie watched, a tear in her eye, suspecting that this would be the second great parting in her life; the first had been the loss of her grandmother. She called Meili and Xia out of the conversation and took Meili in a tight hug. “Please tell Meili that her opinion is important; nothing will happen if she doesn’t want it to. Even if she does go with them, I’ll still be around. Make sure she understands that.” Xia nodded. Shalin offered the four another room.

  The others had watched the proceedings so far, making quiet small talk. Beckie scanned them all; it seemed obvious that no one had any inclination to get into the muddle. She expected her parents would be just as happy if Meili and the Go’s worked out. And it seemed a match made in— “Mr. Jamse, Ian, were you thinking of the Go’s while we were in Phuket?”

  “I wish I could say that I am that prescient, but no, it was our conversation on the plane that suggested it. Had I conceived the idea earlier, I would have opted for a younger child. Meili is at a difficult age; adding a new culture will exacerbate the problem. While I am certain that you would spare no effort to make this easier for her were she to remain with you, I honestly believe this will be a better match. And the Go’s, should they accept the gauntlet, are well suited to assist Meili in making her mark.”

  Beckie sat up straight again. “That still leaves me. I think, Ian, that you hope to see me show some maturity and intelligence as a result of this past week. I’ll tell you for sure that I feel that way, though I’m of two minds about thanking you!”

  “Will you change your decision?” He was perhaps alone in following her thought; she caught a note of trepidation, a thing she surely didn’t associate with him.

  “No, simply delay starting, if I may.”

  “In that case, little need change, I believe.” Maybe Beckie was the only one who heard the relief in his voice; no, a glance at Shalin saw her give him a peculiar glance. Again, Beckie saw that smile. “I believe that tomorrow, you should meet with Mrs. Go who monitors our finances. You may allow her to do so with yours, as well as Michael and Melissa’s—assuming agreement from them and their respective parents. Of course, should you prefer to handle your money in a different fashion—”

  “If you let us know when would be a good time? All of us should go, I think.” Nods from the adults confirmed this. “Should we bring Meili and Xia, also?”

  “They’ll be nearby, I’d guess, since Rou, whom you just met, handles the money,” Shalin said, still looking askance at Jamse.

  “Is anyone else confused?” Jim asked plaintively. “What’s going on?”

  “Oh.” Beckie looked around again, then laughed. “I guess Ian and I understand each other pretty well, and thinking back over our conversation, I can see why you might have trouble following it all. Anyone else?” Several hands went up, though not Mom’s, not Lissa’s—she looked like Jamse had sounded a minute ago. Beckie was some surprised when, after a pause, Mike’s hand waved shyly at her. “Oh, my. Well, Dad, what I learned, what Mr. Jamse hoped I’d find out is that, no matter what I plan to do with my life, there’s time right now to be a kid, and I shouldn’t waste it.” Her happiness suffused the room. “I’ve done maybe a little good in this one instance, and I can do more when I’m better prepared. Mr. Jamse and his team will accept me, if I still want to work through them, and in the meantime, I can find other ways to work issues that interest me, or need addressing.

  “But for you, Dad, we’ll be going home all together! Just like you and Mom hoped.”

  Epilogue

  While Beckie is in Thailand

  WENDY HADN’T BEEN AWARE OF Kevin picking her up and running to the copter, or of getting shot again before they reached it. She didn’t recall being pulled in onto the floor with the other girls pressing her stomach to keep her blood inside. Likely it was just as well she didn’t remember any of that when she did finally wake up.

  But Oh My God did she remember the one in the belly! The pain wasn’t a problem when she came to as the aircraft made small motions preparatory to the large ones of landing. Her whole middle was stiff, like she’d been laced into one of those corset things she’d seen in movies. Or at least, how she imagined it would feel if a servant dressed her in one and pulled the laces as tight as…

  She could breathe, though it wasn’t comfortable. Not only was it tight, there was something else, pulling at her. She struggled to open one eye, then the other; the first thing to catch her attention was the IV bottle, swinging, swaying.

  Kylie’s face jumped in front of her, quickly reaching down to kiss her on the nose.

  “’Bout the only thing without a bandage.” She grinned. “Thank God you’re awake again; I was really worried!”

  Why’s Kylie worried? Wendy’s mental processes weren’t very clear; they were slow as well. In fact, her mind was so unclear perhaps it was good that it was slow. She opened her eyes again. Yes, it was Kylie. She tried to say hi, but a funny “hhiu” sound came out; she found she couldn’t move her face very well either, it was all stiff, like her middle.

  “Be still! It’s my turn to look out for you. I’ll jus’ go and get the doctor. Wait here.”
Kylie started off, then returned, showing a huge grin. “That was silly; where would you go?” She skipped off again.

  Wendy closed her eyes, exhausted from the fifteen or sixteen thoughts she’d had, along with the two time opening of eyes and the attempt to speak. She rested until she heard Kylie’s voice, then she struggled to push her eyelids up again, together.

  “Hi, Wendy. I’m Doctor Ardan. I’m going to tell you a bunch of things you won’t remember, but we can repeat. You’re tired and your mind feels funny, like it’s deep in molasses or something.” It struck Wendy that the doctor must be speaking slowly for her benefit. “We’ll start at the top. You’re taking a painkiller and a sedative to let you sleep. Tomorrow or the next day, we’ll cut the doses; you’ll begin to feel brighter, and you’ll hurt.

  “You fell, your face tried to rearrange some of the scenery in the desert, so if you hadn’t passed out, you’d have been knocked out. Your face is cut up, but no broken bones and no scaring. And your nose missed out completely. I don’t know how you did that!

  “Next, your forearm. No problem there; a nice clean wound. Same is true for your leg. That’s the one that the bullet, after it hit you, went through to hit Kevin.” Huh? “While he was carrying you. ‘Cause of the major wound, in your abdomen. That slug went along the front of your body as you were running—so I’m told—hitting below your diaphragm, through your abdominal muscles. No organs were hit, which is a blessing major, as my daughter would say, but I had to go all the way across to open the track and sew things back together. I tried to keep the incision neat, so the scar won’t be too, too bad.