Fight for Love

by David Manoa

  “Your boyfriend is a funny guy. Make sure he doesn’t fuck things up.”

  He crouched and took out his large knife twisting it from side to side. The gleam of it and its serrated edge made my eyes widen in fear. He cut the ties and He placed it in my hand. The chat screen was open. My username was Juliet and his Romeo.

  ***

  William

  “You better hope I don’t make it back…” The man on the phone had laughed before he hung up. My eyes flicked to the screen. I was left a chat screen my name was Romeo hers was Juliet. Before I could type something the tosser on the kitchen table interrupted. He dropped my favorite cup on the floor it shattered into pieces.

  I raised my eyebrow and he snorted “Put the phone away we go now to Airport.”

  My jaw grinded as the pool of black coffee trickled between us. I grunted “You broke my cup.”

  He hissed. “So?” He pushed me down the hallway. We went to the garage and he took to the wheel. I sat in the passenger seat to look at the phone there was a message.

  Juliet: Will it’s me Claudia are you there?

  Romeo: Baby I’m here are you ok?

  Juliet: Yeah a bit shaken but ok I’m in some warehouse.

  Romeo: I’m gonna get you out.

  Juliet: They said if you come for me they will kill me.

  I paused knowing that they might be monitoring the messages. I opened up the folder to see a picture of the target I was to assassinate some Afghan warlord located west of Afghanistan in the province. There were questions blooming in my mind. Why me? There was a plane ticket flying emirates that went from Auckland to Dubai then a transfer to Kabul Afghanistan total travel time with transfer 26 hours.

  The ticket was one-way.

  It bothered me that the tickets were one way and the name they setup was Romeo and Juliet. My mind seized.Jaw grinded I had to be sure if she was

  Romeo: I’m headed to the airport. The flight is 26 hour's total I'll touch base when I land.

  Juliet: ok

  Romeo: Baby I need to know it’s really you.

  Juliet: CC.

  Romeo: Keep messaging me on the hour every hour so I know. Bring up all moments we shared from each deployment so I know.

  Juliet: ok I will.

  I sat back into the chair and wiped my eyes. Relieved the tosser next to me laughed.I felt like ripping that mustache and shoving it up his arse.

  We were in the roundabout of Auckland airport when he stopped at the terminal. We abandoned the car. While I checked in while tosser kept watching. We took the elevator up to the terminal. I kept staring at him. Memorizing his face.

  Both of us caught in each stare I muttered “scumbag…” His smirk angered me I wanted to choke him and throw him off the elevator. We walked through the café and food places when we came to the gate. He took out a piece of paper with a number he said.

  “Call this number when you land. My Contact will be alerted and pick you and provide what you need. It’s a long flight Will I’ll be sure to keep your pretty missus company.”

  I wrenched the paper out when he smirked he put his fingers like a V and flicked his tongue like a snake.

  I said, “You of all people better hope I don’t make it back…”

  Auckland, international Airport on the International wing, had a string of Duty-free shops before I sat in the lounge. My flight was to board in 15 min. It was hard but in any hostage situation, I wrestled in my mind that If I was to go through with it. Claudia was going to be a dead anyway.

  I darted back and jumped back through the departure gate and hid behind a pillar I spotted the Tosser on his phone walking back over the air bridge. I looked at my watch and set 26 hours. The countdown. I had to accept the reality this was the only way I could save her.

  ***

  Claudia

  Brittle coldness and the pungent smell of rotting meat drifted across from me. Whiffed from the side. Tall man picked up the phone to answer he put it on speakerphone. I eavesdropped again to the string of sentences.

  “Boss. Will has departed now for his flight.”

  “Fantastic, he should arrive in there in 26- 27 hours.”

  “Do you think he’ll do it boss?”

  “I’m certain... He will do anything for her.”

  “I’m on my way back now,

  “No Wait. I need you to do a pickup from Jasper at the Quadrant Hotel in the city. Penthouse Apartment 22.”

  “Confirmed.”

  They moved me into a cold room, the floor wet with blood of the carcass. I couldn’t breathe. They shut the door when I looked around only the blue-white light of the cold storage shined. MY skin had goose bumps I was alone with these fountains of ice and meat.

  I took out my phone and typed up a message the time when Will came from his deployment and took me for a picnic.

  Juliet: Remember that time when you took me for a picnic up the summit of Mt Wellington? Gosh, I remember you deciding on a spot between the two pine trees that had the view of Rangitoto Island. You took out the basket and blanket. The weather was so perfect, the food and the wine. I liked how you gorged into what I made like a hungry bear. Army food must that repulsive LOL!

  I remember telling you about the dormant volcano while you stared. I wondered what you were thinking. I still do, Maybe you can tell me huh?

  Love you CC

  ***

  William

  “I’m relishing this moment.” That’s what I was thinking clutching the phone, the tips of my fingernails was pink white when my mind cast back to that time. I remember reaching over with my hand to touch the cute dimple under her eye with my index finger. She always smiled at my odd fascination with it, but it’s what made her unique. Her smile was something that made my heart beat stronger. I loved it how her head angled on my hand to rest on it like a pillow. She closed her eyes for a moment when I lay back on the ground and looked up to the pine cones in the trees. Then she puts her arm around me her chin on my chest.

  I shook off the nostalgia, and I followed the tosser down to the terminal when he got back to the car. I snuck around to taxi rank two cars back on the opposite side and jumped in the passenger seat.

  The Indian taxi driver turned seeing me in uniform when I pointed to the car to follow. I ducked down in the back when the driver spoke.

  “Hey brother do you want me to call the police?”

  “No just follow that car.”

  “Ok. Ok. Are you military? Army? Crazy man?

  “Special Air service.”

  “Oh, like Rambo?”

  “No.”

  “Like the movie Top Gun?”

  “No.”

  “James Bond?”

  “Just follow the damn car will ya!”

  “Ok, ok relax. Crazy man it is.”

  I peeked up to see Claudia’s car take the motorway to the city. Gridlock. Shit. I peered at my watch to see 23 hours left. It was 8am and the Auckland city white light sunstrike blinded me. We were right behind the tosser in a dead slow crawl. I could see the wisps of smoke while he puffed on a cigarette. I estimated he might be heading to the city. There was a reason why I couldn’t respond to Claudia not to arouse any suspicion, by now I would be over the Tasman Sea. Little did they know I’m coming for the fuckers.

  ***

  Claudia

  There was no reply from my message. I put the phone against my chest to take comfort in its warmth. It was 9am and I saw no warmth or light of day. I looked around to see boxes at the end of the room and a shelf. In the middle. I went to the door to see the latches I was locked outside in. I was worried they might turn on the freezer. The water pooling at the bottom of the hanging Caracas. But it was still cold the ice in here still making me shiver.

  I walked over to the pile of boxes and opened them. They were bundles and bundles of women’s clothes. I went through them all different sizes. What the heck are these doing in here? I found a weathered purse of a woman named Toni Mclean. These must be the clothe
s of the women in those tents.

  I took as many clothes as I could fit to layer myself. I looked around to see the ventilation with 3 huge fans. I swallowed in fear that they don’t switch it on. I saw a box that was dripping with white liquid I swiped my finger against it. Ice cream! I opened up the boxes, ripping the cardboard to use as a spoon.

  The sugar hit my system instantly. The insulin shot up it was a needed break from the hunger and stress. I sat on the dry pile of boxes and took out my phone. I began to type a memory of when Will took me to an ice-cream place called Ollies.

  Juliet: Hey will me again. I’m in some freezer room, but it’s turned off so I’m ok. I’m eating some Vanilla ice-cream. Your favorite! Keeping my energy up. Reminded me of the time on that hot summer day when we were sharing that massive ice cream sundae. Do you remember? Gosh. I couldn’t believe you ate nearly six scoops of it. I remember wiping your mouth like a baby then you kissed me smearing it on my face. Still remembered your cheesy line. Such a pig. Miss you CC

  ***

  William

  I looked with watery eyes at the next message. I remembered it well. It was so messy, but I loved smooching her again and again. Wincing from the cold, wet kisses to her cheeks nose and mouth. I remember her laughter as she fought back. I said the only thing sweeter is you…

  My attention jolted when the Taxi driver piqued up “He’s parking by that hotel!” We parked on the opposite side while he had his phone by his ear. He got out casually and walked a few meters before entering the lobby of the Quadrant Hotel.

  I watched as he took the key from the receptionist before he went into the elevator. I got out in there. Running over in my ACU, I realized I was attracting attention. The cafes by the hotel had groups of people sipping coffees who raised an eye. I straightened my uniform outside when a bus of tourists started to come out. They began to unload their baggage when I took one of the bags and walked into the lobby. It had shiny white tiles and the desk was made of white polished wood with gold accents. There were four silver balls that reflected the light of the lifts were to my left, but I had to get to floor the tosser was on.

  The receptionist greeted me.

  “Hi how can I help you?”

  “Yeah, there was a guy in here before that took my bag by mistake I have his” I raised the bag when the receptionist asked.

  “What he look like?”

  “Olive skin Black hair, gay ass mustache.”

  She chuckled “Oh him!”

  “I’ll page him to come down she was about to lift the phone “

  “I don’t want to bother him. What room is he in? I’ll drop it off.”

  “He’s in the penthouse suite top floor room 22.”

  “Thank you.”

  I walked down the ramp and pressed both buttons to both elevators to the top floor. Standing beside a couple and their kid. Watching the lights from the right side come down to the left seemed to take infinity. It was like a race to see which one would reach the ground floor first.

  When the one on the right opened first it was packed so I waited for the one the left. Then my jaw dropped seeing Natalya walk out from the elevator. My mind seized putting it all together as I made the accent up.

  ***

  Claudia

  I woke abruptly to the sound of the fans spinning. The whirring and burring of the ventilation system the onslaught of the cold began to infuse into the room. I started to shiver and panic. When I huddled myself more with the clothing in preparation.

  I took out my phone and its light flickered in my face like a flame. I looked at the 2 bubbles of my messages that went with no response. I started to worry. I remembered something Will said to me once about how they try to break your spirit in the SAS the things he endured to become who he is today. He told me when embracing the pain he took his mind to a happy place while they beat him senseless in a room.

  I closed my eyes and listened to the rumbling ambient sound it brought back memories when Will took me on a boat cruise in the Auckland harbor. I typed another message.

  Juliet: Will do you remember the time we went on that boat cruise? Gosh, I would love that warmth of you holding me right now. I still remember everything you said that day. I still wondered why you were so edgy that day what is something I said? I loved sipping our wine while the sea breeze brushed against us. I know there are things in your head you keep to yourself. I enjoyed the time none the less especially when we had that dance up there. Oh and that kiss!!! Love you hun CC

  ***

  William

  That kiss… I finished reading the message wanting so much to reply. I took a deep breath while the elevator went up. I remember the dancing on a summer afternoon on that boat. Just ourselves I held her hand. The softness and the warmth are what I felt as we waltzed on the surface. My edginess was me acclimatizing to happiness she brought me. When you’re straight off deployment you become accustomed to the warmth following a sense of uncertainty and fear.

  But I wasn’t in some blood soaked desert. I was on the boat with the woman love. I remember bringing her close to me. I still recall word for word the talk that led to that kiss.

  “Baby… the next deployment to Afghanistan is my last.”

  Her eyes shifted up glassy, shocked and surprised. “Really?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, it’s time. In the special air services, they talk about total obsession and commitment. I realized I couldn’t serve two masters.”

  I brushed aside a lock of her hair and I kissed her. “Only one.”

  Claudia wept and then laughed. “So I’m your master now?”

  “Always…”

  “I can’t wait you know. I think you have done your time.”

  I remember exhaling my shoulders dropping. “I felt like I was holding you back as a woman you know.’

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I met you as pimply young 18-year-old…”

  “Shut up, I didn’t have pimples when I met you!” She pinched my arm. “I’m joking…Hun but seriously. You have waited on me ever since then, I put you through a lot of shit in the last ten years and you stuck by me. “I paused “I took you away your youth.”

  “I’m 28 Will I’m not that old!”

  “But you get where I’m coming from…”

  “Yeah, it will be different now with you around more. I’ll definitely be reading fewer books now. I have been cheating on you a lot with my romance book boyfriends.”

  I laughed “I’m afraid it means the sex won’t be as ravenous, and hungry, anymore.”

  She smirked then raised an eyebrow deadpanning a nod “Oh! I think you shouldn’t quit then…”

  We both laughed, I could help give her a squeeze around the waist for being so cheeky. We wrestled for a while then The moment went still. “I whispered “I love you…” Then I leaned in to kiss her lips soft her tongue smoothed against mine as we made love with our tongues in the orange soaked sunset.

  Ding!

  The sound of the elevator alerted me. I shook then I walked out looking at the numbers on the first apartment. Room 22 was right to the end of the hallway. I ditched the bag and drew my pistol. I walked across the blue carpet. It was so soft I felt like I was walking in mud. The light was dim the wall coated with piss yellow paint. The doors of the apartments were solid dark wood.

  I would have shot the interior designer too if I saw him. I came up to the door and knocked loudly using a fake voice I shouted room service. The door opened when the tosser

  “I didn’t order room service!”

  Whack!

  The edge of the door hit him on the bridge of the nose. He fell back on the glass table the briefcase fell to the floor bags of white powder fell out as he clutched his nose. I swept the room with my weapon. It was a studio type apartment he was the only one in there. I pointed the gun at him when he tried to grab his phone. I kicked it away.

  “You son of a bitch! You broke my nose!”

  I wrung his collar and shifted
the barrel of the gun against jaw

  “Where is she?”

  He started laughing and hissing the waterfall down his nose drenched his mouth.

  “Dead.” He said spitting.

  I shoved him into the wall

  “Where is she!”

  “Definitely dead now you didn’t take that flight. You dickhead.”

  “What was Natalya doing here?” I shoved him “Tell me!”

  His eyes widened when I mentioned her name. I glanced at my watch realizing I didn’t have time.

  The tosser had a light wiry body he weight maybe 80kg I punched him in the stomach and grabbed him by the collar and took him to the balcony window. We wrestled a bit, but my frame and build was no match for this skinny runt.

  I lifted him over the edge holding him by ankles the guy was so light I could do barbell presses. He was agitated and started screaming. The wind was minor. The view of the docks and the Auckland harbor bridge with the volcano in the background.

  “Tell me what you know!”

  “Fuck you!”

  I feign a drop letting fall he screamed like bitch.

  “Okay! Pull me up first”

  “No. Info first. Then I pull you up.”

  “Fuck off then I ain't telling you jackshit!”

  I let go of one hand when he was dangling on my right hand

  “Okay! Okay! I’ll tell you! Jesus Christ!”

  I put both hands on his ankles. “Hurry up, or you will be seeing him!”

  “Natalya was the one who asked me to give you the tickets she organized the capture of your girlfriend.”

  “Why us? we had nothing to do with this shit.”

  “That’s what you need to ask her! Shit man! Let me up”

  “Why did they want me to do assignation the Afghan warlord?”

  “I don’t know! I’ve never even been there I just move the product maan!”

  My vision flicked to the briefcase and the bundles of white powder then back.

  “I have served with Natalya, what’s your involvement with her?”

  “She’s the one who dropped off the heroin man. They have been smuggling the opium paste on the trucks from the start.”