The smell of burning metal hit them as they made their way across the parking lot; the quickly spreading smoke burned their mouths and throats as they inhaled. Luckily, they didn’t have far to go. Once inside the car, she did as she was told and lay down on the back seat as he began to drive away. This was the first time Scott hadn’t checked under the car before he started it. He was in a rush as they pulled onto the street, but that was no excuse. He was more than angry with himself. This time they got lucky, there was no car bomb. There was a large crowd forming already and the sirens were getting closer. There were many people hurt, and possibly still in the building they had been in, but his job and priority was to get Britney away from the danger. He drove away slowly, avoiding the crowds and a huge crater in the road. When they were about half a mile away, they passed several police cars and an ambulance driving in the opposite direction. He presumed they were heading to the scene. Britney was quiet and scared, but had done everything he instructed.
“Try nae tae worry, but, stay lying doon fer now. It’s going tae be fine,” Scott reassured her.
“Okay,” she replied, trying to hide her fear.
It was going to be a long return trip to the hotel. Scott had started out heading opposite of the direction they needed to go to avoid the crowds and the crater. This was an unfamiliar area and he searched to find his way back onto a road he knew.
Scott checked his compass to verify his sense of direction and knew they were heading the right way. About twenty minutes went by before he was on a road he recognized and calculated they were about ten miles from the hotel.
“I think we’ll be back tae the hotel in aboot half an hoor. How are yer doing back there?”
She was badly shaken, so he was trying to make her feel calm and more secure.
“I’m okay, I think.” She was still nervous. But she was feeling better.
Scott glanced at her in the mirror and was glad she looked a little calmer.
“What the …!” Scott cursed under his breath, as the car slowed down.
“I dinnae believe this,” he said, steering towards the side of the road.
“What’s wrong?” squeaked a scared voice from the back seat.
“We’ve lost all power. We have plenty of gas so that’s nae the problem.”
The car came to a complete stand still at the side of the road. It was not a good place to break down. He was going have to start the car quickly or get someone to come and get them. It was not good for anyone to be stranded in this city! Let alone a couple of westerners, especially when one was a woman.
“Stay lying doon. I’m going tae check the engine,” he said.
She did not say a word as Scott closed the door behind him. A few minutes later, he got back in the car and tried it again. The engine turned, but did not fire. It was as if they were out of gas, but he knew that wasn’t it. He looked underneath the car to see if the gas tank had sprung a leak. It was fine and to confirm it, he opened the gas cap and rocked the car. There was plenty. He could hear the gas sloshing inside. He knew it must be the fuel pump. There was nothing he could do to get it started, so he needed to call the office for help.
He reached for his cell phone, but it was not there. He got back inside the car, and checked the floor around the driver’s seat. He hadn’t dropped it, while he was driving.
“What’s wrong?” asked Britney.
“I’m pretty sure the fuel pump’s gone. I’m looking, but cannae find my phone tae call fer help.”
“Do you want to use mine?” she asked.
“Aye, we need tae call fer help fast. The longer we sit here the more danger we’re in.”
“Oh, shit! I left it charging in my office.”
She looked at him apologetically and her face started to lose color. He quickly checked again around the driver’s seat before deciding he must have dropped it when the blast shook the building. He remembered carrying it as he left the rec room after he called the office to let them know they were leaving. After the blast, he rushed to get to Britney and didn’t remember putting it back in his pocket. He must have dropped it then.
“It’s nae yer fault. We left in such a rush after the explosion. I dropped my phone too. It’s my fault. But, we can worry aboot that later. First thing we have tae do, is get oot of here. It’s too dangerous tae nae get moving.”
“Whatever you say. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it,” she said. Britney was scared and shaking, but trusted Scott.
“We’ll just head tae the hotel on foot. I know the way, but we’ll take back roads. We dinnae want the wrong people tae see us. It will be dark in an hoor, so we’ll be fine.”
The road was on the outskirts of the city. They moved across sandy wasteland before getting to the back streets of the city. It was hot and they only had one bottle of water. Even in an hour, when it was dark, the temperature would only drop into the 90’s. It was going to be an uncomfortable walk back, but there was no alternative.
“Stay close tae me. Do exactly as I tell yer and I’ll get yer back safely. I got yer into this mess and I’ll get yer oot of it.”
“I’ll do whatever you say, and Scott, it’s not your fault.”
Scott was very angry with himself. She did not blame him for the situation, but it was his responsibility. She followed closely behind him, as they moved towards the center of the city.
About two hours later at the PCPS office, Tom was informed that Scott’s call was overdue. He started to get concerned when he tried Scott’s phone and there was no response. He had heard reports of the rocket hitting the street where Britney worked, and was getting worried. He set out with Dan, another security guard, to see what they could find. When they arrived, the street was quiet. There were no signs of the earlier commotion. The crater had been cordoned off and there was no one at the office building. It seemed to be empty and was locked. Many of the first floor windows were boarded up. Tom was still waiting for news of Scott checking in. They went to the hotel next to see if Scott and Britney might have returned, but were informed by the hotel staff, they did not think Scott and Britney had returned. Tom went up to their room and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Having no other choice, Tom and Dan returned to the office to organize a search party. As far as he could figure out, they had left Britney’s office after Scott had called them saying they were leaving. When the men got back to the PCPS office, Tom stayed in case Scott headed there. Dan left the office and went in search of possible routes to see if he could find Scott’s car.
Around 11:00 p.m., Tom received a call from Dan, telling Tom he had found Scott’s car abandoned on the side of the road. He told Tom the car did not appear damaged and there were no possessions left in the car. They concluded the car must have broken down. If it was a kidnapping or an attack of any sort, there would be signs of a struggle. Both men agreed on the car trouble theory. Scott and Britney were probably making their way to the hotel on foot. The hotel was much closer than her office or the PCPS office. So, that was where they would be heading. It was about eight miles and they would travel through some very dangerous areas, going slowly because of the very hot temperatures. Tom knew that with Scott’s background, he would guide her quietly and cautiously in the shadows. They would move through the alleys and small back streets, to avoid being seen. He was confident that Scott and Britney would turn up soon at the hotel.
Since they found his car with no apparent damage, Tom knew that his new guard would turn up safe. But he also knew if Scott didn’t turn up soon, he must call Katie. Scott was very specific when he and Tom discussed this. If anything happened, someone was to contact Katie as soon as possible. Tom was torn. He didn’t want to worry her any more than she already was with him being there. But she did have a right to know what was happening with Scott. Reluctantly, he looked up Scott’s emergency contact information and dialed Katie’s number.
“Hello,” she answered, expecting to hear Scott’s accent on the other end of the phone.
/> “Hi, is this Katie Johnson?” Tom asked, trying to sound cheerful.
“Yes, this is Katie. Who is this?”
“Hi, Katie. My name is Tom Schultz. I am Scott’s boss in Baghdad. I do not want to alarm you, but I did promise Scott I would keep you informed if he went missing or if anything happened. We are pretty sure that he is fine…”
“Oh, my god! What is it? What’s happened?” she interrupted.
“Katie, we really don’t think there’s a problem or that Scott’s been harmed in any way. We are quite confident that he’s okay. We just have not been able to reach him on his phone.”
“What is going on? Please, tell me he’s okay.” She was starting to panic and sounded very scared.
“Katie, I know it is hard, but please try not to worry. We know that Scott’s car broke down earlier and we presume the battery died on his phone. He called in a few hours ago to let us know he was leaving Britney’s office. And since we didn’t hear from him again upon returning to the hotel, we went looking for him. We found his car a few miles from the hotel. There were no signs of an attack on the vehicle. We can only presume that when the car broke down, he decided they should make their way back to the hotel on foot,” Tom said, trying to give her all the facts and sound reassuring.
“Tom, did you try calling her phone? This doesn’t make any sense. Both of their phones couldn’t have died. How long have they been missing? How far is the hotel from where you found the car?” she asked rapidly. She was worried and was trying to absorb all that Tom was saying. She was scared and it wasn’t making any sense to her.
“We’ve tried calling Britney’s phone and only get her voicemail. The call we did receive from Scott was about seven hours ago. When we found the car, it was only about eight miles from the hotel. I know what you’re thinking. It wouldn’t take seven hours to walk eight miles. But you have to understand that when Scott called in, he was still at her office. They may not have left right away. So it could have been more than an hour later when they abandoned the car. As for the time to get to the hotel from where the car was left, it is not a direct walk. Scott is very experienced. He knows this city, what it is like and where to avoid. He will move slowly and carefully through back streets and alleys. He won’t take any chances. I have another guard out searching for them now, but that is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. I know this may sound like a crazy thing to say, Katie, but try not to worry. I’m sure he’s fine. I promise, I’ll call you the minute I find out any news.”
“I am glad you called Tom, but I’m not going to stop worrying until I hear from Scott. I’ll stop worrying when I hear his voice and he tells me he’s safe.”
“Okay, Katie. I understand. I’ll call you as soon as I hear anything. Take care.”
“Thanks Tom. Bye.”
Katie was sitting in her backyard enjoying the sun when she received Tom’s call. The girls were jumping and laughing on their trampoline. They’d been bouncing the entire time Katie was talking. She was thankful they hadn’t heard her conversation. She was worried. She desperately wanted to do something, anything, but, there was nothing she could do, but wait for news.
It was well after midnight in Baghdad. Scott and Britney were cautiously making their way to the hotel. They had been winding through various alleys and remote side streets, the last few hours. They were exhausted, hot and uncomfortable. Scott kept her beside him at all times. He was being extra cautious. He was very worried that a local might notice she was a woman and there might be a problem. Scott always carried his guns and knives with him, just in case. But, so far, he was glad he hadn’t had to use them. Scott and Britney had hidden for a while in the shade, under a bridge. They started moving again when it got dark. Scott wanted to approach a number of locals to use their phone when they passed them, but was reluctant. Most of the local people were friendly, but he just wasn’t sure who he could trust. They avoided making eye contact with the locals and kept walking. With a mile still to go to reach the hotel, Scott was confident they were heading in the right direction to get back safely. It was not a good area. It was mainly a Shiite suburb, very poor and people lived in terrible conditions. Every day the neighborhoods witnessed terrible violence between rival Sunni and Shiite groups. As they reached the corner of another long alley, Scott turned to Britney.
“How are yer holding up?”
“I’m okay. I just want a shower and to go to bed,” she replied, wearily.
“Aye. I know. We’re nae too far away now. Just be strong, Britney, yer doing great.”
“Thanks. How long do you think it will take to get back?”
“I think we’ll back in the room within half an hoor or so.”
“Sounds good,” she said, with relief.
“Ssshhhhhh,” said Scott, putting his hand quickly over her mouth. He could hear footsteps. People were heading towards them, down the small street. They would need to pass by whoever it was to get to the next alley. Male Iraqi voices drew closer. There were a number of them approaching. They were arguing about something. He pushed her into a narrow doorway and motioned for her to get down. He kneeled down and crouched in front of her. Due to the darkness, they were pretty well hidden. If the men decided to turn down the alley, there was a chance they could be seen. From his position, Scott could see five men walking down the street. They were still arguing and he could see, at least two of them had guns. It wasn’t that unusual in this city, so it didn’t necessarily mean there would be any trouble. But, he drew his pistol just in case. They were so close to getting back to the hotel. He really did not want to get into a skirmish now. Scott could feel Britney shaking, as his body leaned against hers, to ensure her not being seen. Her heart was beating very fast and her hands were trembling.
“Just stay quiet and calm,” he whispered, reassuredly.
The men arrived at the entrance of the alley. They stood there a while talking. It appeared they may be saying goodbye to one of the group. They were maybe fifteen yards away from where Scott and Britney were tucked back in the shadows. Within a couple of minutes, the remaining four men decided to walk down the street. The last one started to turn down their alley and was walking towards them. He walked right past them, without even noticing there was anyone there. After a minute or so, when Scott was sure the man was gone, he stood up and without a word, motioned for Britney to follow him. They moved quickly across the street and into another dark alley on the opposite side. Twenty minutes later, they could see their hotel. They were nearly there.
With each step closer to the hotel, the relief on Britney’s face became very noticeable, Scott was relieved too, and was starting to breathe a little easier. But, he knew he was going to have to call his office from the phone in the hotel room. Even with a safe outcome, he was unsure how Tom would react to their adventure. He also realized he was going to have to call Katie. They were out of touch and missing a long time. He figured that Tom had probably told her by now that he was missing. He knew she would be frantic and worried. He hated the thought of her feeling this way.
There were no other guests in the hotel’s lobby and the man behind the desk recognized them. Although he did not speak or understand English, he was always polite and friendly enough to both of them over the last few weeks. The man smiled and waved as they went by. They entered the elevator and the door closed behind them.
“Told yer we’d be fine,” he said, smiling and relieved to have her safe at the hotel.
“Yes, you did, I trusted you, Scott,” she said, sounding exhausted. She was bending over, placing her hands on her knees.
“Just a few more steps and we’ll be in the room so yer can get some sleep. Britney, yer did great.”
“Thanks. I need to sleep,” she replied, standing up straight and putting her hands on her hips.
As the elevator door opened, she sighed and tilted her head to one side holding out her hand to him. Scott smiled at her, grabbed her hand and led her down the corridor to the room. Once insid
e, she turned to him and wrapped her arms around him giving him a huge hug. She nestled her head into his chest and pushed her body into his, gripping him tightly. This took him by surprise! He didn’t reciprocate the hug the way she was hugging him. He gave her a comforting hug and just patted her on the back. He could feel her heartbeat had slowed down considerably. Her body now seemed to be relaxed. The shaking and general nervousness was gone. He tried to chalk up her actions to being relieved and being back safe and in the room. But to her, it was more. She felt safe in his arms. She wanted to feel him wrap his arms around her.
“Thank you for protecting me, Scott,” she said, looking up at him.
“Nae problem, it’s my job, Now go get some sleep,” he said, pulling away from her.
She reluctantly released her grip. Britney walked wearily to the fridge to get some water. As much as she wanted to hold on and continue the hug, as well as take it further, she knew she was way too tired. She also knew she didn’t look her best after their adventure and would want to look the part when she finally had him.
“I really need a shower, but I’m too tired. I’ll take one when I wake up. Goodnight.”
“I have tae make a couple of calls, but I’ll be going tae bed soon too. Night.”
Scott grabbed a bottle of water and drank more than half of it. He sat down on the couch and dialed Tom’s number, completely, unsure of the reaction he would get.
“Hey, Tom, it’s Scott.”
“Where are you? What happened?”
“We’re safe and back at the hotel. It’s been a long day,” he said, as he stretched out on the couch.
“I’m glad to hear you’re okay. Tell me the details.”
“Just as we were aboot tae leave, a rocket exploded in the street ootside the office. It caused a lot of damage. I rushed tae Britney’s office, worried there could be another explosion. She was unhurt and I knew with the intensity of the blast, I needed tae get her oot of there quickly. I must have dropped my phone when I ran to her office. On the way back tae the hotel, the car broke doon. I know where it is, so we can get it tomorrow. We had nae way tae contact yer, so we walked back tae the hotel. I waited fer cover of darkness and used a lot of back streets and alleys tae avoid contact with anyone.”
KILTED DESIRE - Sands of Betrayal Page 7