Death in the Desert

by Jim Eldridge

  ‘Right now, I need to know how we’re gonna get out of here,’ muttered Two Moons. ‘We haven’t got those Land Rovers any more and I don’t fancy driving all the way back to Kandahar in the wrecks they’ve got here.’

  ‘You won’t have to,’ Omari said. ‘Part of the deal is that my uncle now talks to a UN diplomat at a friendly embassy in Kabul. A helicopter will come and collect him tomorrow. I understand they will give us a lift.’

  ‘Travelling in style,’ said Gaz, impressed. ‘Sounds good to me!’

  ‘And what about Benny?’ asked Mitch.

  Omari gave them a happy smile.

  ‘The latest news I have is that he is recovering very swiftly indeed.’

  ‘But what about the charges?’ demanded Nelson. ‘I can’t see that Colonel Taggart wanting to let him walk free.’

  ‘And you won’t want our cover story blown,’ added Tug. ‘If I read it right, this first meeting in Kabul is just the start. You and your boss won’t want it messed up now.’

  ‘Your colleague is an American citizen,’ said Omari. ‘Let’s just say, there have been some diplomatic strings pulled. Lieutenant Jaurez has already been transferred to an American military hospital in Kabul.’ His smile broadened and he pulled a satellite phone from his pocket, tapped a number, and held it out to the men. ‘I had him on hold,’ he told them. ‘I thought you’d prefer to hear from Lieutenant Juarez himself.’

  Nelson snatched the phone from Omari and the men gathered round him, looking at the picture of Benny that appeared on the screen. He was sitting up in a hospital bed, with bandages around his head. ‘Hi guys!’ he said, smiling.

  Gaz let out a huge cheer of delight and relief, echoed by Mitch and Two Moons. ‘Hey, go easy, guys!’ protested Benny. ‘I’m recovering from a head wound, remember.’

  ‘How do you feel?’ asked Nelson.

  Benny grinned. ‘For someone who took a bullet to the head – pretty good. The medicos have been brilliant. They say I’m going to be fine. By the time you get to Kabul I’ll be up and running.’

  ‘Walking might be more advisable at this stage,’ said Tug with a grin.

  ‘You got it,’ said Benny. ‘See you guys soon.’ The screen flickered, and then went blank.

  Nelson gave Omari a grateful smile. ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘And say thanks to your uncle. Linking up like that really was a sign of trust.’

  ‘Let’s hope it’s just the first of many,’ said Omari.

  ‘Amen to that,’ agreed Nelson. He turned to Tug, Two Moons, Gaz and Mitch. ‘So, are you guys ready to head out?’

  ‘And on to the next mission,’ agreed Mitch.

  ‘Give us a break, Mitch!’ said Gaz, chuckling. ‘I’ve still got bullet holes from this one.’

  ‘Yeah, but that’s what we do, ain’t it?’ Two Moons smiled. ‘Put ourselves in the firing line.’

  ‘Damn right!’ said Mitch.

  BOOKS BY JIM ELDRIDGE

  Black Ops: Jungle Kill

  Black Ops: Death in the Desert