I slammed him against the wall and said, “Make peace with your maker, because the walls of hell are about to welcome you.”
A half second later, I put one bullet in the middle of his forehead and watched as he crumbled to the floor below. Eyes open, forever seeing all the lives he tormented in his reign of destruction. He didn’t deserve the justice of having his dead body carried from the underground. We secured his feet with rope and wrapped it around my waist and I drug his ass out and delivered him to the foot of our American government.
Jaycee
Present
I pour myself a cup of coffee, add a splash of Irish cream and sit at the island in my kitchen, to enjoy my first sip of the morning. I look around and admire how spacious my kitchen is, with massive amounts of room to move. The kitchen floor is comprised of fire glazed gray, mixed with a splash of light bronze colored free-floating hardwood that blends beautifully with our cabinets. Our cabinets are cream colored with a chocolate glaze painted around the intricate detail of the doors. The crown molding is a beautiful entablature structure that enhances the cabinets’ beauty, hand crafted by our local Amish men. Our countertop is a high end granite with deep veins characterized by the minerals that live deep within the stone. The countertop has deep cranberry, black, gray tones which blend nicely with the cabinets and floor. The refrigerator and trash can are encased within our cabinets, hidden from view. I have a double oven and a six burner gas stove top. My sink is an old farmer’s sink large enough to fit two large canning pots and other dishes alike. From the double bay window at the sink, I can see our luscious flower garden in the backyard.
We hired a landscaper to add a vast array of trees, bushes of all sizes, rose plants, and flowers of all kinds, filled with colors not found in the rainbow. The landscape wraps around our house and ends in our flower garden. The walkway from the lanai to the garden is one made for a magazine. The tri-colored cobblestone is surrounded by soft white lights that illuminate our way through winding rows of the garden that ends at the gazebo. The large gazebo is painted in white wrapped in vines with a swing in the center where we sit on warm summer nights. There are chaise lounge chairs and sofas with bright red cushions and end tables to hold our drinks. The railing stretches the circumference of the gazebo with a gas fireplace installed in each section of the railing. From the garden the bright orange and red flames set the magical surroundings.
I use the lost time to recharge myself, to steal a handful of moments to write a few lines for my next poem or prayerfully a book someday. Sometimes, when Jaxon and I are here together, we’ll turn on the bluetooth speakers and dance to the pace of the music, always ending embraced in each other’s arms and making love under the stars.
I enjoy walking through the garden, staring at the little gnome cities I created in different segments. My favorite part is the area I created for the fairies. The fairyland lives deep in the shadows of African violets, peace lilies, pink peonies and lilacs that all bloom in the spring. I found a little house that sits about 12 inches from the ground with windows that light up at night from the rays of the sun that beat down into it during the day. I sculpted a river which ends with a large lake that’s surrounded by little trees. I made the structure out of cement and painted it a variety of shades of blues and greens and added splashes of white to offer the illusion of a river flowing freely into the lake. I placed a tiny bridge that extends across the river from the ‘forest’ to the fairy house. I have two fairies standing on the bridge overlooking the water; they seem mesmerized by the colors around and below them. Maybe someday I will add little children figurines to our fairy land. My garden is truly my heaven on earth.
I return my attention to my present state, take my mug over the sink, rinse it out with warm water and place it next to the Keurig™ machine. My phone vibrates before I hear the ring.
“Hey, babe. I miss you.” Jaxon says before I have a chance to say hello.
“I miss you too.” I respond. “I think about you every minute of every day. Do you know how long this mission will take to complete? I know it’s only been a week, but it feels like forever.”
“No, honey, it’s too soon to tell.” Jaxon answers. “Sometimes when we think we’re close, we’re miles away, but we are making headway. How’s everything there? How’s your dad?”
I let out a sigh, “Dad’s good.” I said. “He tinkers around the house to keep himself busy. I join him most nights for dinner. I’ll make something here and take it down to him or he comes here. He likes to walk in the garden at night. I think he enjoys the solitude, probably thinks about mom. The landscapers are scheduled every Wednesday to tend the garden and mow the yard. I was thinking that I would like to have a hot tub installed next to the lanai. What do you think?”
“I don’t see a problem with that,” Jaxon agreed. “How soon were you thinking? I prefer to be home when they install it; we may want to add additional landscaping around it.”
“I can wait until you come home, but I think I’ll go to Thermal Pools later today to learn more about them,” I add. “At least I can do the homework on them before you get home.”
“I read your letter,” Jaxon said, as he changes the subject. “I know we can’t really talk it about now, but I want you to remind you that I love you the way you are. We all fall sometimes, Jaycee.”
“I know. I’m okay most days. It’s just sometimes I slip. I just wanted to share with you why I slip. So you understand it’s not you. Trust me, if it was you I would tell you. I have no problem reminding you of when you are a tyrant, stubborn ass.”
Jaxon laughs. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, dear.”
“That reminds me, what does ‘my taube’ mean? It sounds so sexy when you say it, but I have no idea what it means.”
There was a long silence on the other end and suddenly I hear a loud pop, almost like gunfire ringing out in the background.
“Jaycee, I love you.” Jaxon said sternly. “I need to go. I’ll call as soon as I can.” Click.
Oh, god. This can’t be happening. Was that gunfire? Was it a bomb? This can’t be happening. I have no way of knowing. This is the absolute worst feeling in the world. Did I just hear the moment of his demise? Oh, god no.
My stomach suddenly feels the stress that my heart feels. The liquid starts to rise from my stomach and work its way up through my esophagus. I cusp my mouth with my hand and take off running towards the closest bathroom, directly off the kitchen. I make it just in time before I lose all the contents of my stomach. I fall to my knees on the floor in front of the toilet and cover my face with my hands. The stress starts to fall from my eyes. I can’t hold the tears back. I can’t take this anymore. I am not cut out for this type of life.
As I sit in the bathroom, my mind starts to race. I realize his missions are different, compared to a typical deployment. Sometimes he’s back in a few weeks while the other servicemens’ deployments last months to years.
I know he’s extremely wealthy, even though we have never discussed his finances. I know he can drop thousands of dollars in one clip and waive it off like it was pennies. I never asked him about his wealth or even what the government pays him for his services.
What services do others like him perform for the government? I initially thought computers or technology of some sort because of all the gadgets and security at the house. But that can’t be because R.J. was here and he seemed more instrumental in setting up the servers while Jaxon built the bunkers and installed the cameras. I will find out sooner rather than later.
Iran is eight and half hours ahead of eastern standard time. It’s 0900 my time but 1730 their time. I haven’t heard from him in two days. It’s not unusual, sometimes I could go three days or more and not hear anything, but considering the gunfire that rang out and the abruptness of how the call ended, I am a nervous wreck. I’ve resorted to toast and soup for dinner. My stomach is unable to withstand solid food right now.
My sleep is broken, I lay awake at ni
ght and sleep during the day. There is no rest for the weary. I keep wondering how long it will take the government to notify me of his death. I know it’s not immediate and then add the element that he’s on a ‘mission’ maybe they won’t tell me until the mission is over, for security reasons. I have no faith in our government. They are all corrupt, at least to some degree.
I can’t stop obsessing over the phone call. What did I hear? Right now, I need to hear that he’s okay. I need to release my anxiety. I need to calm my mind, otherwise it will consume me.
I pour myself a cup of coffee and decide to take a walk through the garden. I enter through the office and grab my journal and proceed out the double doors that lead to the lanai. I stop at the end where my fairy land is and stare. It is so beautiful. If I could capture serenity frozen in time, this would be it; an effortless combination of the bold colors, the river, the lake, the house ... a little, harmonious fairyland. It is its own fairy tale… one that I created. I smile at the thought that I could create something so heavenly from a simple picture in my mind. Perhaps I have more creative abilities than I give myself credit for.
I place my mug on the stand next to the lounge chaise and release my anxiety.
Shattered
You came into my life
like a tornado emerging from the darkest of skies
surrounding me, encased inside of your violent tunnel
Twirling me around with nothing for my hands to clutch on to
Like a bolt of lightning that strikes fast and hard
Your electrical current courses through my veins
Forever leaving an imprint on my body and soul.
You made me feel valued, adored
From the first moment we spoke
Your words carried meaning that I never knew existed
Your slightest touch activated the butterflies fluttering inside me
They opened my eyes to what was I was always searching for
I felt safe, I felt protected
A feeling that I never knew could feel so strong
Empowered by the strength of
“Are you back here, Jaycee,” I hear my dad call out.
“Yes, dad,” I shout softly. “I’m in the gazebo.” I close my notebook and place the pen on top. I’ll finish this piece later.
“I came to check on you,” dad said, his words laced with concern. “I’ve been trying to call you but you’re not answering your phone. Your phone is typically glued to your side when Jaxon’s away.”
I stand up to embrace him,
“Thank you for coming over. I guess I could use some company,” I place a kiss on his cheek and return to my seat. Dad takes a seat in the lounge chair next to mine.
“Are you okay honey,” his concern still present. “I know this has to be hard on you. It’s equally hard on me with Jimmy being away.”
This is news to me. Jimmy just returned from his last deployment and was stationed back on base.
“What do you mean Jimmy’s away,” I question. “He returned from his most recent deployment a few days before Jaxon left on his mission.”
My dad’s hands start to shake. His eyes roam between the house and the garden before they rest on his quivering hands. A few seconds pass before he looks over to me.
“He’s on a mission too, Jaycee,” dad explains. “He sent me a message three days ago. He’s under Jaxon’s command.”
“Did he tell you if Jaxon is ok,” I plead. “Is Jaxon alive? Dad, you have to tell me. What did Jimmy say?”
“That’s all he said, sweetheart.” My dad reaches over and gently places his hand on my leg. “I’m sorry, I have to believe Jaxon is still alive, otherwise, Jimmy would have told me.” A few seconds pass and then he adds. “Why are you so afraid Jaxon is dead?”
Oh, no. Dad doesn’t know. I haven’t had dinner with him since the night before I last spoke with Jaxon two days ago. The storm starts to rise in my eyes before the flood gates are released.
“Dad, I’m afraid I have news to share with you,” I say, attempting to hold back my tears. “I received a call two days ago from Jaxon and there was a loud explosion in the background. He quickly ended the call right after the explosion.”
“I see,” dad said softly.
“I haven’t heard from him since.”
My dad looks away and I can see the same storm pooling in his eyes. The only difference is his flood gates don’t release, like mine did.
My stomach starts to tighten, my insides start to quiver, my mouth starts to water, I’m going to get sick again. I stand and quickly take off behind the gazebo. I run as far as I can before my stomach releases its contents yet again.
“Jaycee, are you okay,” my dad yells as he runs behind me.
I stand in the middle of the yard, slightly bent over, holding my hair away from my face, suddenly flooded with embarrassment.
“I’m fine, dad.” I manage to say. “The stress is physically killing me. I haven’t been able to eat or hold anything down other than toast and soup since my call with Jaxon. I hate the fact that I’m so weak.”
He hands me a tissue from his shirt pocket. “Here take this, let’s go inside and I’ll make you some tea.”
Jaxon
Present
I walk into the Administration Building, on Fort Melchior base. The building is a two-story red brick structure, lacking any life. All the buildings on this base are built with the same dull, architectural style. The only difference in the buildings are the names embedded on placards above the doors.
The soldier stationed at the greeting desk stands and salutes me.
“You are the last to arrive, Sergeant Major Sanchez. The Commander is held up and not able to meet you. He instructed me to inform you to proceed without him.”
Interesting, the Commander normally doesn’t miss the introductions or his speech about the importance of the mission.
“Which boardroom are they in,” I ask.
“Room 512 sir.” He instructs. “Go down the hallway and turn right at the end. It’s the first room on the right.”
“Thank you. At ease, solider,” I say, saluting, as I continue my way to the boardroom.
I’m undecided about what I’m going to do about Jimmy. I do not want to rob him the opportunity to serve his country at this depth but I do have serious concerns about whether he’s mentally prepared for what may come. For what always comes on these types of missions. Being in the military has its risks for everyone, regardless of what division or capacity you serve. I hope he understands that.
I grab the handle and make my entrance. The room fell silent, as each solider stood and saluted me.
“At ease,” I say, as I make my way in and stand at the head of the oval table.
“As you all know, I am Sergeant Major Jaxon Sanchez. I will be leading this mission in Iran, to capture and eradicate Arman Shah. Have you all received the encrypted email from Commander Topher?”
I scan the room and see their heads nod in confirmation.
“Good. Now, let’s get to know everyone. Most of us in this room have worked together on previous missions, but I do see we have two new people. I feel an introduction is in order. We’ll start from the right and work our way around the table.”
“I’m Sgt. R.J. Reeder from Whispering Springs, West Virginia. I serve in the Marine Corp. I am 28 years old. I specialize in cyber security, network infrastructure, and system programming. In short, I’m a system engineer. I’ll connect you to the red light directly in front of you to the satellite in space in less than a second. I can maneuver a drone in the air or a remote activated car on the ground with the tips of my fingers.”
“Good to see you again,” I said.
R.J. is my right hand man. He and I have been friends since we met at boot camp. He stands about 5’8, with a heavy, muscular build. He has an olive complexion with green eyes and sandy brown hair. He’s built like an ox, much like me.
“I’m Nathan Cartwright, from Asheville, Nort
h Carolina. I am 25 years old and a new member to this team. I serve in the Coast Guard. I hold two titles. I’m an Aviation Survival Master and Gunner’s Mate. I perform lifesaving medical support and also a medic to machinery and weapons. I can also build a bomb from an empty can of beans that will explode 100 feet in the air and affect a circumference of 22 square miles.”
“I’m glad to have you on my team,” I said with a warm, welcoming smile.
Nathan appears tall, but slender. He light skinned, African American descent, with deep, brown eyes that shimmer in the fluorescent light. He’s an attractive bloke. He has tattoos on his hands that appear to run up his arm, but his uniform hides the rest.
“I am Erica Whales from Jersey City, New Jersey. I am 24 years old. I serve the United States Air Force as a Senior Airman, combat flyer. I can fly a variety of aircrafts such as bombers to fighters to tankers. I can get you in and get you out with poise and precision.”
“Welcome back, Erica,” I said. “Glad to see you again.”
She’s tall, with jet black hair, bright blue eyes and easy to look at. She’s also slender, lacking the athletic build that I’m attracted to. Men go out of their way to talk to her, but she’s as cold as ice. I’m not sure anyone can break through her wall. I laugh at the memory of some of them trying.
“I am James Callhoun. I live in Ridge Landing, Pennsylvania. I am 26 years old and also a new member on this team. Address me as Jimmy if you will. I serve the Marine Corp and was recently promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. I am an excellent sharp shooter, field craft sniper, and field terrain specialist. I have a nose for land mines and will navigate you through the darkest of night.”
“Glad to have you on my team James,” I said, straight faced.
Jimmy stands six feet, with a muscular build. He’s darker toned than Jaycee but I know he gets that from their Native American heritage. He has green eyes, and maple colored hair. His hair is shaved, closer to his scalp than mine. I notice his eyes wandering in Erica’s direction, hopefully he doesn’t get any ideas, otherwise, I will witness another brother getting the burn. In my mind, I laugh at the thought again.
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