Sergeant Holloway! The Platoon leader is asking for a SITREP! Sergeant Holloway!
Cody was trying to get his bearings. He had just lost two soldiers right in front of his eyes.
CODY!!!!
McGowan was grabbing Cody's arm now trying to get his attention.
We have to get the fuck out of here right now! This is a bad spot!
“Cody scanned the area and spotted a house with a a padlock on the door. He told McGowan and Cooper to move, shouldered his rifle and blew the lock off of the door with his M4. The three barreled in and cleared the house. It was abandoned.”
As my dad tells the story my thoughts go back to the video of Cooper, McGowan and Cody singing. They were so happy. It’s killing me to hear all this but I want to know. I need to know.
“Cody ordered McGowan to report the two casualties. Cody had to reassess what was happening.
This wasn't meant to go down this way.
“Cooper called back and reported one of the soldiers they believed were dead was alive screaming in pain. Cooper, who was covering the entrance, could see the soldier moving around on the ground in the alley, Cody called to McGowan and told him get on that radio and find out where the other team was. He told McGowan to also report that two of his soldiers were wounded and pinned down outside in the alleyway and that the enemy situation was unknown. The platoon leader responded and told them that the other team was about ten minutes away. The platoon leader's advice was to sit tight. Less than a minute went by but it felt like an eternity with the wounded soldier yelling for help. Cody couldn't take it anymore. He approached the entrance to the house and peeked into the alley. He didn't see anyone. He asked Cooper if he could see anything, who responded no. The alley looked clear. Cody ordered McGowan to radio up to the lieutenant that they were going to attempt to recover the wounded soldiers. Cody and McGowan knew what going into that alley meant, they knew exactly what could happen. Cody told McGowan that no matter what happened, to just keep dragging the soldiers inside and to not stop until they were safe.
They reached Cooper's side and Cody told him that McGowan and himself would drag the soldiers back while Cooper pulled security around them. Cody took the lead followed by McGowan and then Cooper trailing. They left the building and began moving stealthily toward the downed soldiers. As Cody approached, he could see the large pool of blood surrounding the two downed soldiers and he knew their situation was critical. He could see the one soldier moving but the other was still out...or dead. Cody knelt next to the still unconscious soldier and began to assess him when Cooper yelled contact, six o'clock, and fifty meters. Before Cooper could fire, though, he also stated that the man with the weapon was holding a child in front of him. Cody could not condone the killing of a child in self-defense. Cody screamed for Cooper to not fire unless he had a clear and precise shot. Cody and McGowan picked up the soldiers, ignoring the conscious man's screams of pain. The man with the child in the alley started to fire wildly at them. The man couldn't fire and hold the child at the same time. But then the man started to yell out. He was yelling in Arabic but all three of them understood what he was saying, attack. They hoisted the soldiers up on their shoulders and began to move closer to where they had dismounted. Then the attacks increased. Cooper yelled, contact from the rooftops but Cody ordered them to keep moving and not stop. Cooper began firing rapidly at the rooftops taking out the targets. Every few feet he would report, target down. The three rounded the corner with the wounded, and saw the Bradley waiting for them. The ramp began to lower to allow them access when all of the sudden, Cody was hit in the back plate. He went down to his knees with the wounded soldier still on his back. McGowan yelled NO and began to help Cody back up to his feet. McGowan was then hit under his armpit above his plate, right into the heart. McGowan went down. The Bradley began to fire down the alleyway and at the building tops to suppress the enemy. The other team rounded the corner and began to help everyone back into cover. Cooper made it. Cody made it. Turns out that the two wounded soldiers made it. But McGowan...he died instantly.
They got all of our boys back to base but Cody never got over the guilt of McGowan dying for him. Thought it should have been him. He lost his best friend that day. McGowan’s wife and children lost their father and husband. The guilt was too much.”
I flashback to the guy singing on the video, talking about becoming famous and watching his kids play on the beach. Jesse must have walked off because he comes back in the room with tissues and hands me and my mom some to wipe our tears.
“Dad, I’m so sorry.” I walk to him. “The words I said weren’t true but most of all they were cruel,” I admit in shame.
“Allie, you were right. I should have done more. I knew he was on the edge,” he argues.
“With all due respect, sir, what more could you have done?” Jesse throws in sounding a little angry.
“I could have pulled strings, Jesse. I’m not too proud to say I would have done that. I would have used every damn connection and avenue to pull him out. No excuse, I should have got him out of that deployment. Brought him home for good. Got him help,” his voice rages with anger.
“You know if you did that, the result may have been the same. Any soldier would rather die with his fellow soldiers before leaving them behind to fight alone. It would have brought him the same guilt and then also shame. You know this, sir,” Jesse fights back.
“Well, I should have tried harder to get him not to join. Both he and Patrick were so damn determined,” my dad growls in regret and anger.
What?
“I thought you always expected them to join. Wanted them to,” I mutter confused.
“Hell no,” he barks. “Until I lost Cody, I felt pride in doing what I was doing and for their choice to follow me but I still wanted something more for them, for you. Something that wouldn’t put your lives in danger. God dammit, I just wanted you all to be happy. I failed all of you.” The remorse he feels fills the room.
I close my eyes and hang my head.
How did I get it so wrong?
The emotion is thick in the room and no one is sure what to do. We’re all taken by surprise when there’s a loud noise and then a commotion by the front door. It opens and slams close causing me to make my way behind Jesse. I peek around and tug on Jesse’s shirt in question. He’s graces me a quick glance and he’s wearing his smirk but underlying I think I see a little fear.
“My sister has been busy,” Jesse mutters and cautiously turns back towards the entryway.
“Boy, what the hell is everyone talking about?” a booming voice calls out.
“Stone, calm down. Good Lord.” an exasperated female yells.
My mouth is hanging open, when Jesse’s dad enters. He's a handsome man with a beard, wearing a black button down shirt with a logo on the front that say McGC, blue jeans and steel toe boots. His stomping footsteps halt when he sees us, but his eyes focus in on Jesse and he jabs his finger at him. “Explain!” he demands.
I met Jesse’s family at the Callaghan’s for breakfast before we left so I know this is his dad, Stone and stepmom, Violet, but gosh, he seemed a lot more laid back then.
“Stone. I’m warning you right now.” Violet runs up and stands in front of him. She puts her hands on her hips staring up at his angry face. I watch him narrow his eyes on her before picking her up by her hips, then setting her back down behind him like she weighs less than a pound. He then turns back to Jesse.
“Explain!” he demands again.
“Good Lord, I apologize for my husband!” Violet exclaims. “He can get a bit emotional at times.” Stone’s head snaps to her.
“Hell, Violet, I don’t get emotional. Don’t act like I’m some hormonal female that’s doing that espin' thing,” he barks.
“Oh. My. God. Stone. Please tell me you didn’t just say that. And it’s not esping, its pmsing,” her voice showing surrender but not before one final jab. “The way you’re acting, you might just benefit from a couple
of my Midol,” she mutters this very loudly so everyone can hear her.
When he starts to get even angrier I stand closer to Jesse and I can feel his body shaking with laughter along with my dad’s deep rumble of laughter.
“Well, I’ll be. Stone McGinty. I see you haven’t changed a bit.”
What?
Jesse and I both turn and look at my dad surprised.
Stone turns towards my dad and after a moment recognition hits, and a huge smile spreads across his face.
“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” he howls and Violet cringes.
“Stone, please. You’re killing me. Remember the rules about your language in public.”
“Your rules, not mine,” he responds not taking his eyes off my dad.
My dad walks over to him and they start with a handshake that turns into a hug. They end their embrace by giving each other back slaps that would have knocked me down flat on my face.
“Your boy?” Stone smiles and nods with pride.
“That’s my Jesse.”
“Your girl?” My dad smiles and nods with the same pride.
“That’s my Allie.”
“Hi, I’m Violet. This Neanderthal’s wife and Jesse’s stepmom.” Violet walks over to my mom and shakes her hand.
“Hi, I’m Tara,” she replies softly laughing.
“So, what’s going on here?” Stone demands once again.
Jesse starts to say something but there’s another commotion by the front door as it opens and closes. Jesse’s grandma comes in and she’s carrying a small bag.
“Jesse, thank God,” she says out of breath. “Here.”
He takes the bag from her and she makes her way to me.
“You’re a pretty young thing. Didn’t see you long at breakfast. I’m Lila. You can call me Grandma or Grandma Lila.” I smile as she pulls me into a quick hug.
“Grandma, what’s this?” Jesse’s voice is thick with emotion.
Grandma Lila turns, walks over to him and cups his cheek. “It’s your grandpa’s wedding band,” she discloses and her eyes turn glassy. “He left something for each of his grandchildren and when the time is right, I’ll give it to you. He said this would mean more to him if you had it then to be buried with it. It might need to be sized, but I’m sure it’ll get you through today.”
“Grandma, thank you.” He gives her a kiss on her cheek and then pulls her into a hug.
I look around and I see Stone and Violet are emotional too but that’s short lived when we hear ever more voices.
“Yo, bro. You still alive?” Deep chuckles travel up the hallway. Jesse’s brothers’, Nash and Chase make their way into the room and walk over to Grandma Lila. Each gives her a kiss on the cheek before turning and doing the same to Violet.
"What’d we miss?” Chase asks grinning but then notices my parents. “Oh. My apologies, sir and ma’am.” He and Nash walk over and shake their hands.
“Why don’t we just give it another half hour before Allie and I explain? That should give everyone else time to get here. I’d really like to only go through it once,” Jesse suggests.
On cue, Jake and Kore come in, but not like the others. They calmly walk in, but Jake is grinning as he walks over with Kore and gives Violet and Grandma Lila a kiss then makes their way to my mom and dad. “Hi sir, ma’am, I’m Jake McGinty and this is Kore Blass, my fiancé.” Jake declares with pride before throwing a wink at me.
“What?” Stone barks and swings towards Jake and Kore. “Nevermind! One kid at a damn time.” he quickly growls, shaking his head and looks back at Jesse. He puts his hands on his hips and drops his head. “Damien’s Creek, my kids—”
“Who’s Damien?” We hear a female voice call out. Everyone turns when Abigail comes in the room and is grinning. “Oh wow, almost everyone is here.”
“I wonder why, runt?” Jesse inquires sarcastically.
“Don’t look at me. I was only the receiver of certain intel,” she responds in fake offense.
“Abigail? You’re shittin' me. Last I checked you didn’t have the ability to teleport so how the hell did you get here so fast?” Stone is about to blow so I take shelter behind Jesse again.
“Nope, teleport and time machine are both in the shop so we brought the helicopter.” Abigail replies clearly used to her dad’s moods and not worried at all by the deep shade of red his face has turned.
“What fucking helicopter?” Stone replies, clearly shocked.
Violet looks over at Tara. “I need wine.” She starts towards the kitchen.
“Mom, it’s not even noon,” Abigail reminds her, trying to hide her grin. She’s rocking the boat just like the night at the saloon.
“Shut it, Abigail. Between your daddy and you it’s surprising I’m not hooked up to an IV of Kentucky's finest.” She walks into the kitchen opening and closing kitchen cabinets with a little more force than needed.
“Anyway, Dad. So yeah, like Nick’s ranch is so big they have a couple of helicopters they use to survey the area and keep track of the cows and roosters.”
“Roosters? How many roosters?” Violet stops what she’s doing in the kitchen and asks.
“I thought it was a cattle ranch.” Grandma Lila adds in confusion.
“It is.” Abigail responds. “Buford guards all the roosters when he’s not hanging out being lazy.
“I think she mean hens.” My mom mutters but Abigail hears her.
“Hens! Yes, hens! I keep getting them confused with roosters and peacocks.”
“Abigail, did you attend any of your college classes? You’re specializing in animal health for Christ’s sake.” Stone has turned dangerously pale. I think he could very well pass out any moment.
“Dad, give her a break, she most likely won’t be working with fowl. Probably more like cows or like she’ll refer to them, goats.”
Everyone in the room laughs while Abigail narrows her eyes on Nash for his smart remark.
“Anyway, Nick, Ronan and Red are all pilots. I’m thinking I might get my license too.” she shares, jumping up and down with excitement.
“The hell you are. I just heard you confuse the hens with peacocks again. I don’t even understand that. You think I’m going to let you behind the controls of a helicopter?” Nick calls out as he closes the door and comes down the hall. Again, everyone in the room turns towards the entryway. In walks an angry Nick. I’m pretty sure he’s not as red faced as Stone, but that’s only because Stone turned almost purple when Abigail started tormenting him. “I need coffee,” he pleads.
“Come on. Let’s make some. I stocked up for him.” Grandma Lila walks over to the pantry and starts pulling things out. She hands Nick the coffee and filters and he heads over to the pot while she puts out cream and sugar. Violet glances at the coffee for a moment in thought but then goes back to rummaging through the cupboards.
“Ah hah! Champagne!” Violet calls out. “And—” she pulls open the refrigerator and yells, “Bingo!! Orange juice. I mean Jesse, if it’s okay. I bought this as a housewarming gift for you so...”
“Well, this is a housewarming of sorts,” he smiles at her sweetly and she returns it.
“Mimosas anyone?” Violet asks the room.
My mom is the first to call out her agreement and moves to help Violet.
“Hello?” A man’s voice calls out. This one is mine. I look at my dad then my mom and they both give me small smile. I slowly walk towards the hallway and peek down. My brother, Patrick, is slowly walking in with a beautiful blonde. He sees me and stops. “Mom called me and it was open,” he defends cautiously and points at the door.
I continue to head towards him, and he lets out deep sigh when I finally reach him, pulling him into a hug.
“Allie,” he whispers.
“Patrick. I missed you.” He kisses the crown of my head, then pulls back and looks down at me.
“Missed you too.” He releases one of his arms from around me and pulls the pretty blonde closer. “Jenny Lou, this is
my baby sister, Allie. Allie, meet my wife, Jenny Lou.”
“Please, call me Jenny, only, Allie.” She elbows him in the ribs and he laughs. “I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hi, it’s very nice to meet you,” I gesture to the living room. “Please come in.” I move to let them walk by me. Jenny takes the lead as Patrick pulls me close and drapes his arm over my shoulders and we walk together.
“So glad you’re back,” Patrick says softly.
“Me too, Patrick.”
We walk back into the room the coffee must be ready because everyone is making themselves a cup.
“Jesse, this is my big brother, Patrick, and his wife, Jenny.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Jesse returns and shakes both their hands.
My dad interrupts everyone when he says louder than need be, “So, you two want fill us all in on what’s going on? Why are you two rushing off to the courthouse and getting married so fast?” He raises his eyebrows and I see my brother tense along with everyone in his family.
“It’s not what you think, sir,” Jesse quickly defends. “She’s the daughter and sister of a fellow soldier. I’m following the rules and showing respect. Just trying to do it right.” Jesse's clearly feeling a little nervous, as he coughs trying to clear his throat. “We’ll plan a bigger wedding later.” He smiles down at me.
I wrap my arms around his waist and smile before I turn back to our families. “And even if I don’t get a bigger wedding, it’ll still be wonderful because you’re all here.”
“Knuckle Jesse?” I can hear little feet running fast down the hall. When she reaches the living room she looks around at all of us like she just walked into a candy store and doesn’t know where to start.
“Aunt Abby,” she squeals and runs to her first.
I laugh when Callie’s dad, Jesse’s Uncle Brock, points to Abigail. “Did we just leave you in Lubbock last night?” he scolds.
“Apparently Nick’s got a helicopter.” Stone shares and Jesse’s uncle Brock’s eyes widen.
“Two.” Abigail adds clearly enjoying the multitude of men she has at her fingertips to irritate. Callie wiggles off her lap and heads over to Chase.
His Forgotten Love (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 4) Page 8