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  “I’m going to leave you two to plan the trip,” Locke said as he bent down. “Let’s try and have dinner before you head back to New York.”

  “Sounds perfect,” Audrey replied. She watched him leave and then turned toward Carrick. “Why do I feel like you drew the short straw on this assignment?”

  “Not sure,” he replied as he took a chair, sat back, and crossed his arms. “I’ve spent some time in the region and I’m probably the best option you’ve got to get you in and out in one piece.”

  “I know this isn’t going to be easy and the last thing I want to do is put someone in danger. Unfortunately, the publisher is putting restrictions on the trip and it seems that I have to go along with it and have security.”

  “No way for you to travel in the region unescorted and, lucky for you, we’ve got assets in the area that are going to run backup when we travel through the North.”

  “I have a rough itinerary sketched out; perhaps we can look at it and decide if it makes sense.” She opened the folder and took a copy out and handed one to Carrick. “At first, I thought flying into Antakya would be the best option since it’s closest to Aleppo, but in light of the Turkish government’s movement in the area, it no longer seems wise.”

  “I agree since President Erdoğan is looking to control the Idlib Province and make sure the HTS alliance doesn’t gain a stronghold. According to a buddy who’s in the area, the Turks have tanks waiting on the border with Russia ready to provide air support.”

  “Seems a little heavy handed given the current relationship between the two governments, but I’m the farthest thing from an expert on politics in the region and can barely keep up with who’s on first.”

  “Baseball fan?”

  “Yes, but I won’t tell you who my team is because, as far as I can tell, you don’t like me much. I don’t need to make it worse in the event I end up putting my life in your hands.”

  “Since you went to school in Boston, I’m guessing the Red Sox.”

  “I’m pleading the fifth.”

  As Carrick lifted the paper that held her proposed itinerary, she watched his face for any reaction. When his eyes narrowed and he pinched the bridge of his nose, she knew it was going to be a tough negotiation to get to where she needed to go. “Thoughts?”

  “You’re crazy if you think I’m taking you anywhere near al-Malikiyah. That’s too damn close to Mosul and right now, U.S. led coalitions are bombing the hell out of the place.”

  “That’s the last stop and one of the most important bases for the YPJ.”

  Tapping the paper, he grinned. “Guess you’re going to have to settle for al-Darbasiyah, Qamishli, and Afrin.”

  “Perhaps it will be an option by the time we arrive.”

  “Perhaps I’ll become a fan of pop music. Both possible, but highly unlikely.”

  “Ultimately, the decision will lie with you; all I ask is that you keep an open mind as the situation develops.”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “A statement like that leads me to believe that you’re placating me because, as distasteful as it is, I’m the client and, to some degree, I have to be happy for this partnership to work.” Giving him a faint smile, she moved her folder aside. “But please know, I prefer the truth and hate having my time wasted. If I know al-Malikiyah is a no-go then I can make sure to get what I need from the women I interview in the other outposts.”

  “Fair enough, Audrey. I’m used to being in the Navy and either taking orders from my superiors or giving them to the men I commanded. It was a no-bullshit environment and I’ve been told that civilians don’t always find that valuable.”

  “I do, so give it to me straight and I can handle it.” Seeing his face relax, she felt like she’d made a breakthrough. “Who knows? Maybe this will be a lot easier than either one of us thinks. After all, the North is in better shape than it’s ever been since Assad wants to prove to the world that he’s not a monster. My contact in the area told me that Kobane has electricity and it’s back to business as usual for the most part.”

  “As much as that’s possible with a dictator who’s willing to drop bombs on his own people.”

  “True, he probably wonders why the world took such a dismal view when he released a bomb with serine gas on his countrymen.”

  Running his hand over the itinerary, he asked, “Do you know what you’re getting into and what ISIS will do to you if they get their hands on you?”

  “Yes, I do, as a matter of fact. The women I’m writing about always keep one bullet and an extra grenade available because they would rather die than be captured by the enemy.”

  “This trip is a bad idea and the possibility of what could happen to you if something goes wrong makes me very uncomfortable.”

  “Didn’t think being comfortable was a priority for a former frogman, but having said that, I understand if you decide you’re not interested.” Watching him run his big hand down his face told her more clearly than words that he didn’t want any part of this trip, but was going to do it anyway. How much of a problem that was going to present would be interesting to see. “How often do things go wrong?”

  “Eighty percent of the time, but I’m running and gunning with the best men in the world, so it’s usually not a problem. Being in the middle of a civil war with a lawyer will not afford me that same luxury.”

  “You just said lawyer like it was a curse word.”

  “I have nothing against anyone in your profession, but honestly, the idea of taking someone like you into war-torn Syria is not a smart choice.”

  Leaning back, she crossed her legs and studied him. “Tell me the truth…is it me or the idea of a trip to Syria that has the hair on the back of your neck standing up?”

  “Why in the hell do you have to go anyway?”

  “As far as a non-sequitur goes, that’s not a great one, but I’ll answer your question despite the fact that you haven’t answered mine.” Sitting up straight, she tapped the itinerary. “I need to meet these women and hear their stories firsthand; I also must see where they’ve battled and what it means to them and future generations. I want to understand the families and the sacrifices the Kurds are making for their ancestral land, and the only way to do that is to go.”

  “Which tells me you’re an all-in sort of person, which will either work in our favor or blow up in our faces. I have a tac plan for the trip and the only way we’ll survive is if you follow my directions. No bullshit.”

  Seeing his flashing mahogany eyes, Audrey recognized how formidable he was going to be. “I need to accomplish certain things during my trip, otherwise it doesn’t make sense to go. If you think you can work with the itinerary, then I’ll consider Titan for the job.”

  “Audrey, Titan is the only option because we have assets in-country and I have the experience necessary to ensure your survival. But, you have to know, if shit goes sideways,” he waved her itinerary and frowned, “this won’t mean a damn thing.”

  “But not spending the time I need makes the trip pointless.”

  “All we can do is assess the situation day by day. If I feel it’s necessary to exfil, then that’s what we’re going to do. No questions asked, no debate, no kumbaya moment.”

  Crossing her arms, she tapped her foot. “That sounds like a dictatorship.”

  “When we play in the sandbox, that’s how it goes.”

  “I have a lot to think about.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Feeling his energy again, she studied him and knew he was being candid about the prospects of the trip. Not sugar coating what was possible, and she appreciated it. The last thing she needed was someone to fill her with false confidence about what they were in for. What she needed was an operator with the experience to pull her out when and if it was needed. Carrick Young didn’t have an ounce of charm in him and didn’t like her, which no longer seemed to be significant. Honesty, ferocity, and know-how were the most important things to consider, and he seemed to have all of
it in spades.

  “I’ll meet with SAI and then follow up with you in the morning as to my decision.”

  Carrick stood and she did as well. “I want you to understand what’s expected up front because the last thing either of us needs is to be surprised when we’ve got ISIS crawling up our asses.”

  “And what a picture that is,” Audrey commented as she shoved her things into her bag.

  “Best to deal with what is and not what we hope.”

  Putting out her hand, she waited for Carrick to take it. When he did, she looked up and grinned. “That’s my motto in the courtroom and I suppose it will work in Syria as well.”

  “Call me tomorrow and let me know what you’ve decided.”

  “Of course.” As she walked out of the conference room, she felt the weight of his stare as he followed her out. It wasn’t anything she hadn’t experienced before, but for some reason, it made her shiver as she walked through the lobby toward the parking lot. Carrick Young wasn’t going to be easy to spend a week with, but neither was the trip itself.

  All around, not a great prospect.

  Maybe the men at SAI would prove to be equally qualified and a tad nicer, so the idea of going to Syria wouldn’t fill her with dread and excitement in equal measure.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Tuesday, October 3rd

  Carrick walked out of the shoot house and saw Locke walking toward him. “We’re all set for the class this afternoon.”

  “Thanks for taking care of it. I was on a conference call all morning with the team that’s going over to Abu Dhabi. We had to go over the schedule and determine if we have what we need.”

  Carrick leaned against the exterior wall of the structure and folded his arms. “Glad it’s you and not me spending eight weeks in the UAE.”

  “I’m looking forward to it because I’ve never been in that part of the world without bullets or mortars exploding a foot away. The crown prince is taking real good care of the instructors while we’re over there, so it’s going to be nothing but good livin’.”

  “As long as you’re happy with the assignment.”

  “Speaking of assignments, how did it go with Audrey yesterday?”

  “As good as can be expected. I didn’t blow smoke up her ass and give her a bullshit story about what to expect. She wants to be in-country for at least five or six days, and I don’t know if that’s feasible. It’s going to depend on how active ISIS is and how the battle for Raqqa is going. If the YPG is telling the truth and they’re in the final stages of conflict, then the possibility of squirters running North isn’t going to be good news for us. Not to mention the Turkish government’s anger over the Kurds’ success.”

  “What kind of assets do we have in the area?”

  “I spoke with Leo at the Moyock facility and he said they have a team of a dozen men working in al-Darbasiyah near the Turkish border with coalition forces. The town was hit with Turkish artillery last month and the CIA has contracted our guys to be their eyes and ears on the ground. Apparently, the Kurdish militants in northeastern Syria and Iraq’s Sinjar region are enemy number one for the Turkish government because they fear the more power they gain, the more problems it’s going to present for them down the road. Since we’re supporting the Kurds’ efforts, we need to know what Turkey might do about it and our guys are keeping tabs.”

  Locke rubbed his hand over his neck and looked out the open warehouse door. “I hate the idea of Audrey being anywhere near that shit, but talking her out of it is going to be damn near impossible.”

  “I’m expecting to get an answer today about who she’s chosen, so if she decides to go with Titan, I’m going to do my best to talk her into a shorter stay.”

  “Hopefully the troops that are deployed in the area have a calming influence and Turkey can focus on what’s important and that’s the common enemy ISIS and not on the YPG.”

  Carrick let out a snort and straightened up. “Not sure if that’s possible because the YPG is considered a terrorist organization according to the Turkish government.”

  “Which just means they’re an armed wing of the leftist Democratic Union Party and that doesn’t work with the Turkish totalitarian rule.”

  “As far as I can tell, no other force inside Syria has been as effective battling ISIS as the YPG and YPJ and other countries should ally themselves like we have and focus on getting rid of the jihadists above everything.”

  “If they’re as close as they say to taking control of Raqqa, then ISIS’s self-proclaimed caliphate is crumbling quicker than a graham cracker. Mosul is all but done, so I’d say the group’s glory days may be over sooner than we think.”

  “That’s what Leo said too, but as we both know, situations change day by day, hour by hour.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.”

  Carrick checked his watch and then started moving toward the door. “We’re running full mission-profile scenarios this afternoon, so can you check the vehicles?”

  “Are we starting with vehicular approaches on the first run through or is that the last exercise?”

  “Thought we’d start the group out with it and see where they’re at.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll take care of the cars and meet you back here in an hour.”

  “Roger that,” Carrick replied before he walked toward the offices. As he stepped through the doorway, he saw Clint motion him toward his office. “Yes, sir?”

  “A few minutes of your time.”

  The grim look on his commander’s face did not bode well for anyone and he wondered what the hell was up. Walking into the office, he took a chair facing the desk and waited.

  “Wanted to let you know that I’m going to be out of the office tomorrow and possibly the following day. If you need anything from me, it will have to happen before 0600 tomorrow.”

  “Can’t think of anything at the moment, sir. I expect to hear back from Audrey today regarding the watchdog assignment and we’ve got the training classes all set for the rest of the week.”

  “Excellent.”

  “If there is anything you need from me, please let me know.”

  “Appreciate it, Carrick.” Looking down at his desk, he cleared his throat. “Brooke’s going in for some tests tomorrow and I’ll be at the hospital all day.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I’ll keep you both in my thoughts.”

  “Appreciate it.” Knocking his fist on the desk, he looked up. “It’s nothing that we’re not going to beat.”

  Carrick saw the pain and worry in Clint’s eyes and prayed like hell that Brooke wasn’t going to face a second battle with cancer. “Absolutely.” He looked down at his boots and then stood. “I’ll check in with her tomorrow and see if she needs a McDonald’s delivery.”

  Clint let out a bark of laughter. “There’s not a time in my daughter’s life when she doesn’t need a McDonald’s delivery.”

  “When I picked her up in Baga Sola, she talked of little else, so I figure it’s going to take a while before she gets her fill.”

  “That is absolutely true.”

  Carrick heard his phone buzz and pulled it out. “Looks like Ms. Barnes has an answer for us. She’s up at the front desk.”

  “Let me know what she decides.”

  “I will, and tell Brooke I’m thinking of her.” Seeing Clint nod in acknowledgment, Carrick walked toward the front and wondered what Audrey had decided. On one hand, he wanted to be the one to escort her in and out of Syria, and on the other hand, he wanted nothing to do with the assignment because the beautiful attorney was going to distract him in ways that were going to do neither one of them a bit of good.

  Sitting with her yesterday had proven that in no uncertain terms, and he didn’t like the idea of being so attracted to someone he had to keep out of the hands of ISIS. Not having ever experienced anything like it in his career, he had no clue how to handle it, but if she chose Titan, he was going to have to figure out how.

  Which he would, one way or another.


  ***

  Audrey stood in the reception area and hoped she was making the right decision. After consulting with SAI, Kelly, and her parents, she’d decided that Titan was the best option. If the publisher accepted the proposal, then she would probably be in Syria within a couple of weeks, which would work perfectly with her trial schedule.