Fast Forward
Chapter 4
Nathan James
Sasha had procured an invitation to a party that El Norte was having that night. Apparently he had invited several people that he didn't know and she was using that to her advantage. She and Tom were going as a couple, along with Wolf and Azima and Miller was going as a single friend. Mike had agreed to stay on board. Suits and evening gowns were gotten and by seven, they were at El Norte's compound.
Colombia
El Norte had planned a huge, formal dinner party celebrating his successes. Normally Hannah could get out of those types of engagements but he was insistent on her being there. She hated being around fake people who tried buttering up with El Norte. She wasn't sure if he supplied them with drugs or women. It was just aggravating. She would much prefer to spend time in her room, looking at the pictures on her computer that she had of her dad, Andrea and their family. She would imagine being with the kids when they played in the pool or when Andrea tried some new recipe. It was the only thing that got her through.
Hannah slipped into her evening gown. She deliberately wore one that El Norte hated. It didn't show much skin and served its purpose. She curled her hair and did her make-up. When El Norte and his commandos came for them; Christine had given Hannah her engagement ring and wedding band. Hannah had managed to keep them hidden from the commandos and El Norte never seemed to care; even buying her a chain to put them on. It was the only jewelry that Hannah ever wore. She put the necklace on and walked downstairs. The 'girls' were tasked with getting the party ready but were not allowed to eat or talk. There were advantages to being El Norte's chosen one. She never had to worry about food and shelter.
Hannah busied herself, making sure the flower arrangements and place settings were perfect. El Norte had invited at least a hundred people, some he didn't even know. She had warned him to keep his circle smaller but El Norte used people by making them think he was helping them.
The guests began arriving and El Norte forced Hannah to help him greet them. She tried to act interested but she was not. She would have preferred to be upstairs or even in the kitchen helping the girls. She was a people watcher and had noticed that some of the guests were watching her closely. She also noticed; they had a military bearing. Having been a Navy brat, she knew military when she saw it. They had been infiltrated and she had no intentions of letting El Norte know. She finally distanced herself from El Norte and walked towards the kitchen, telling El Norte she was getting more oysters. She knew she was being tailed and made it easy for who was behind her.
Someone came up behind her and put a hand over her mouth. There were guards everywhere but they moved her into an empty room. She was greeted by a familiar face. Her dad's best friend.
"Sir, that was not hard at all. It was like she wanted to be taken." An Australian told Tom and he nodded at them. The hand was removed and Hannah took a relieved breath.
"Uncle Tom?" Hannah asked.
"Were you who sent the email to your father?" Tom questioned.
"Yes. And I am 'The Creator.' I didn't want to be." Hannah admitted.
"I am going to be completely honest, Hannah, we've been given a kill order for you but we need this cyber-attack figured out. Would you be willing to switch sides if we can get you out of here?" Tom asked.
"Yes, in a nanosecond and I can help get us out of here but it has to be done very quietly. There are tunnels that El Norte and his commandos don't know about." Hannah told Tom and the Australian quietly.
"Okay, tell us your plan." Tom ordered.
"I go out, tell El Norte that I am going to step into the garden for air. It's not an unusual occurrence for me and he is used to it. He knows I need time to myself. Your people discreetly follow and we will go the docks. I assume you can have some sort of boat there?" Hannah filled them in.
"Yes but how do we know there will be no guards?" The Australian asked.
"They're distracted at the camp. And the ones that aren't working; are here." Hannah told him.
"The camp?" Tom questioned.
"It's a quarter mile inland. They are…there are woman like me there. Most are American citizens. They don't have my particular talents and I am El Norte's chosen one. Mistress, whatever you want to call me. I hate it but it keeps the commandos away from me. I want out of here and I will do anything to help." Hannah told them quietly. Tom could see the deep shame in her eyes. He rubbed her shoulder and nodded.
"We will make that happen. You'd better go." Tom told her.
"Right, have your people watch for me to go to the back veranda." Hannah said as she walked out the door. She walked to the kitchen and grabbed a tray of oysters and then took it back into the dining hall. She was seeing the end in sight and walked towards El Norte. He was schmoozing and was already intoxicated, making it simple to extricate herself. She waited for the man El Norte was talking to to leave and then began speaking. "I desperately need some fresh air. Too many people here. I am going to step outside and I want to be alone."
"Be back inside in just a few moments; these people are singing your praises and I need to do a toast." El Norte told her as he raised his glass to one of the other party goers.
"Understood." Hannah agreed with a charming smile. She walked away and towards the French doors, making eye contact with several members of Tom's team. They were discreetly following her. There were no guards anywhere and Hannah stood by the rail, waiting. Within a few moments; five people had joined her and she showed the way to the tunnel. "This is going to be a bit rough for those of us in dresses and heels."
"How far?" One of the men asked her. She could see some distrust on some of their faces and she had to understand it.
"A mile. Its rough terrain and we'd better go before they notice us." Hannah told the group and started leading the way. She tried not to notice when Tom came along one side of her and the Australian came along the other side. Both men grasped her elbows and she knew that when she saw her father; she'd be in hand cuffs. She led them to the mouth of a cave that would open up into a tunnel that would take them to the beach. "This isn't guarded until we get to the beach. I don't think anyone will be there but you need to be prepared." Hannah warned and Tom nodded.
They followed her through the narrow tunnels and finally got to the beach. Thankfully there were no guards and a boat that Tom called a RHIB. Tom helped her into it and got her seated. One of the younger men who looked at her like she was a leper handed him a pair of handcuffs. Tom looked almost pained when she held her hands out.
"I'm sorry, Hannah. We can't look like we are giving you special treatment." Tom whispered to her gently
"The fact that you didn't kill me is going to show that. I was expecting this. It's better than where I was." Hannah admitted and one of them sneered at her.
"It seems that you were in the lap of luxury. Look at the dress you're wearing. You were just fine." The young man said loudly and Tom gave him a warning look. Hannah didn't care but she didn't want them to think she had it easy either.
"I watched my mom and sister be raped, beaten and had their throats slit. My sister took several minutes to die. She couldn't talk or move. She was choking on her own blood with tears streaming down her face. I was ten. For several years the leader, El Norte groomed me to do what I was doing tonight. I had to eat with him, sleep with him and yes, I had to have sex with him. I am not proud of what I am. I have a gift with computers and he exploited that. I know what I did was wrong and I could and probably should be killed for it. If I can just be given a chance to make it right I will. I know what I did killed people, but I promise; it was done with a gun to my head. I will spend the rest of my life trying to make this right." Hannah had teared up as she spoke and Tom squeezed her hand. The young man had turned away and Hannah could see the sympathy in a few of their eyes. She really didn't care about their sympathy.
"The reason we are bringing you in is because our people cannot find that backdoor. We need you but the President is not going to be happy. Do you think El Norte is going to try and come after you?" Tom asked.
"I am just another woman. I don't think he will go to that much trouble. I've done what he needs." Hannah admitted.
"He's obsessed, it sounds like. No telling what he'll do." A dark haired woman replied.
"I don't know but I do know; anything is better than where I was." Hannah told them as she focused on the water around them. She had gotten cold and Tom noticed her shivering. He threw his suit coat around her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. For a moment; it reminded her of her dad and something that he would do. She knew he would probably prefer she not cuddle close but it was hard not to. She was beginning to realize how exhausted she was. Years of only sleeping two to three hours a day were catching up with her.
"Just relax, Hannah. I can't promise the rest won't be uncomfortable but you can relax for a while. I will handle the President. What do you need to fix this?" Tom asked her quietly.
"A laptop. I have all my passcodes memorized and it won't take more than a few minutes to fix it." Hannah told him.
"I will get you settled and then call the President. In the meantime; there is someone who wants to catch up with you." Tom told her with a smile.
"He's…he's on board? That's what I'm scared of. I'm so…ashamed." Hannah was choking up again and they were nearing the Nathan James.
"Hannah, he just wants to hold you again. He knows that you've been through a hell. Just let him hold you and don't stress." Tom told her and Hannah nodded.
"That does sound really nice. The last ten years, the one thing that got me through was imagining his hugs. I know that sounds crazy. I just want my dad." Hannah had admitted again and they were beginning to realize how deeply traumatized the young woman was. The stories of what had happened to her were just beginning. They had reached the James and as the lift brought them to dock height; Tom saw Kara Green, Doc Rios and Russ. Mike was nowhere in sight and Tom could tell Hannah was looking for him. He helped her out of the RHIB and gestured to Kara.
"Where's Admiral Slattery?" Tom asked her quietly.
"He's in his quarters. He didn't want to be in public if…you didn't bring her back." Kara told Tom.
"Alright, understandable. I will take her there. Is this going to be a problem where you're concerned?" Tom asked her.
"No, sir. Miss Slattery, I am Captain Kara Green. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know. I know your father is going to take care of you but if we can help, don't hesitate." Kara told Hannah genuinely.
"I…I need out of these clothes. I just feel so dirty." Hannah admitted. It told Tom that the sexual aspect of her relationship with El Norte was less than consensual.
"What sizes? You're tiny." Kara asked.
"Size two pants, small or medium shirts and panties and bras. I don't have anything. I hate asking but I only wanted out of there." Hannah told her quietly. He stepped away so that Hannah would tell Kara what she needed as far as underclothes. It made him want to tear El Norte limb for limb. Hannah had always had such a happy personality and to see her so deflated bothered Tom. He noticed Kara nod at him and knew it was time to take Hannah to Mike.
"Sir, I will get some clothes put together and take them to Admiral Slattery's quarters. I will also get a dinner put together for her. Miss, you can take a shower in there too." Kara told Hannah in almost motherly voice.
"Thank you, Captain." Hannah told her with a tiny smile. It was nothing like Hannah used to smile like and it broke Tom. He had to wonder if Hannah would ever be like she was before. But then, none of them were like they used to be. Hannah followed Tom through the p-ways and was obviously scared. They finally got to Mike's quarters and Hannah was shaking.
"You will be fine, Hannah." Tom assured her before he pounded on the door. Within just a few seconds; it was opening and Tom could see the fear on Mike's face until he saw Hannah who had tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, baby. Come here." Mike told Hannah as he held his arms open. She ran into the room and into Mike's arms. Tom felt very intrusive.
"Mike; Kara is going to bring her some dinner and clothes. In a few hours; I will bring her a laptop to start working on this. I need to call the President." Tom told Mike as he handed him the suit coat that had been around Hannah's shoulders.
"Okay." Mike said simply as he pulled Hannah into the room to give them both some privacy.
"I need to start working on this. I need to undo as much as I can." Hannah sobbed into Mike's chest.
"Hannah, eat some food, take a shower and a nap." Tom told her and Mike was nodding in agreement.
"I know there are still people dying though. I can't change anything for the ones that have already died but I can stop more from dying. I can sleep later." Hannah said as she turned towards Tom slightly. She still had her arms around Mike.
"Alright, I will have a laptop brought too." Tom conceded and shut the door behind the father and daughter. He hoped the President would understand why he had made the decision he had made.
Tom found a laptop and added it to Kara Green's stack of clothing for Hannah. She had the items bagged up and he took them back to Mike's quarters. He was putting off calling the President because he was terrified that when he did; the President would stick to his guns about Hannah being killed.
Bacon met him outside Mike's door with a tray overflowing with food and Mike let them in. Hannah was sitting on the couch looking at pictures of Mike's younger kids. She looked at the food with some interest but the laptop caught her attention. Thankfully, Mike put his foot down.
"Sweetie, why don't you eat while the food is still hot and then take a shower? Get out of those clothes. Then you can start working." Mike insisted.
"I know, I just…I want to fix this. What I can anyway." Hannah told them sadly.
"Hannah, the next days and months are going to be exhausting for you. I can't begin to guess what the future holds but I do know, you are going to be in the center of it. Better rest up now while you still can. And part of rest is eating. When's the last time you ate?" Tom asked, feeling almost like second father to Hannah. Mike didn't seem to mind and if the roles were reversed he would he doing the same thing to Sam or Ashley.
"Alright. A shower does sound really nice and this food looks better than anything I've had in years. Dad, do you think…never mind." Hannah hesitated.
"What?" Mike asked her suspiciously. Bacon was still there; sitting up the dinner on a table.
"I would absolutely love to have your pancakes." Hannah told them with a small smile.
"Ma'am, they aren't your dad's but I would be happy to make you pancakes tomorrow morning." Bacon told her.
"Thank you but Dad's are…Dad's." Hannah hinted.
"Bacon, permission to borrow you're galley in the morning?" Mike asked Bacon who grinned back.
"Of course, sir. As long as you clean up after yourself?" Bacon joked. Normally it would never be joked about but normally, Mike wouldn't be cooking a meal for his daughter on the Nathan James.
"I guess I can do that." Mike assured him. For the first time; Hannah was grinning from ear to ear.
"Perfect, Hannah. I am going to go speak with the President on your behalf. The laptop is there and you can…do what you do." Tom told her with a smile. It seemed to mean a lot that he was putting his faith in her and she nodded eagerly.
"I will. It won't take long at all." Hannah promised.
"Good, just eat first at least." Tom told her.
Tom and Bacon left Hannah and Mike alone. Bacon went back to the galley while Tom headed to the communications room, praying that the President would be accepting the change. He really didn't want Hannah to die or even go to prison. Alicia Granderson was in the comms room and got the White House for him. Finally, the Vice President came online. Her voice sounded strained and tired.
"Admiral, how can I help you?" Vice President Graham asked.
"I was hoping to speak with the President, ma'am. We have The Creator with us." Tom told her.
"Great. I am somewhat familiar with your mission. You should know, President Jones was assassinated about an hour ago. I would guess as a retialtion for you getting The Creator. I have not yet been sworn in but felt you needed to talk with someone. I don't know if there is a connection between her being taken into custody and his death or not." Vice President Graham told him. Tom liked her a lot better than the President. He was feeling some hope for Hannah.
"Ma'am, I don't know if you knew or not but a kill order had been issued for The Creator. I didn't completely agree with the order and we had gotten some information that she might have been related to Admiral Slattery. Were you aware of that development?" Tom asked her.
"I was and I also didn't agree with the kill order. I thought The Creator deserved due process and even a chance to redeem herself. So, tell me the developments." Vice President was practically begging.
"Alright, it is Hannah Slattery. Ten years ago, during the height of the Red Flu, her mother and sister were beaten, raped and murdered by El Norte and his commandos. Hannah is massively intelligent. The word they used when she was young was gifted. Her IQ is off the charts. El Norte apparently took a weird shine to her. He educated her and in recent years, made her into his…mistress. She is only twenty now. She's been through a hell. She practically begged us to take her with us. She does admit to creating the cyber-attack but said it was done with a gun to her head. She created a backdoor in hopes that our analysts would find it. As you know, they haven't. She is currently working on it. She feels horribly and is deeply, deeply traumatized. She is a victim. I do need to tell you; she did tell us that El Norte has what she calls 'The Camp,' it houses other woman with stories similar to Hannah's and she did say some of them were American citizens." Tom told Vice President Graham, holding his breath.
"We have to evacuate those women. What kind of shape is Hannah in, physically?" She asked.
"Agreed, ma'am. Hannah will be a valuable resource where that is concerned but she is absolutely exhausted. I didn't see any signs of physical abuse but definitely psychological. I get the idea that the sex was less than consensual too. I haven't formally interviewed her. She was adamant that she wanted to stop this virus and I felt that she needed food, a shower and a nap. Her father is caring for her now." Tom admitted.
"I figured he would be. Alright, I am being sworn in within the next couple minutes. I want to be on the James when you interview her; I need to be there when you interview her. It might not hurt to have a woman close anyway. At this point, we are giving her a stay of execution and she is entrusted into you and Admiral Slattery's custody. I know that you are less than impartial and I honestly don't care. That woman has been through hell on Earth and her intelligence has been used for a weapon. I cannot imagine the psychological pain she is in. This may very well end in a pardon. I will see you all first thing in the morning. That will give Miss Slattery time to rest." President Graham told him.
"Thank you, ma'am. Despite the pain that Hannah is in; she is an incredible young woman. Her spirit is pretty well broken but I think you will be impressed with her." Tom assured her.
"I'm sure she will find a way through this, her father will be there to help her and his wife is a force. In a few months once she's rested and healed, I can foresee her being an analyst for us." President Graham foretold.
"I do think she needs a few months but I think Hannah will want to be where she can do the most good. I did tell Admiral Slattery that if all this works out; he's taking three months off. He's barely taken anytime at all since the Red Flu and it's time. He's going to need a reset." Tom warned her.
"That's fair and I agree. I'd better go. My pilot will get with the Nathan James on arrival and such." Vice President Graham was saying her goodbyes.
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I will let Captain Green know." Tom told her.
"Hey, nothing formal. I hate that stuff. I don't expect it or want it. I know there are protocols but now isn't the time for that crap." Vice President Graham remarked. Tom knew then, she was going to make an incredible President.
"Yes, ma'am." Tom agreed. They said their final goodbyes and after forewarning Kara of the visit and what had happened with the President; he headed back to Mike's quarters. He wanted them both to get a good night's rest. Mike hollered for him to enter and was reading something on the couch. Hannah was nowhere in sight.
"Where's Hannah?" Tom asked.
"Shower. I hope there aren't any water restrictions. She's been in there for a bit. I should have warned her." Mike apologized.
"Oh, let her be. I spoke with the Vice President, who is probably becoming the President as we speak. President Jones was assassinated. They believe as a retaliation for us taking Hannah. All that is unclear. She will be here tomorrow and she and I are going to interview Hannah. She is not a fan of the kill order and even mentioned a pardon. I don't want to get your hopes up, Mike but you may get exactly what you want." Tom told him with a smile.
"Oh, thank God. I hope so. She did do some computer work. Said she needed to monitor things but she thinks she has it fixed." Mike replied.
"I hope. Have you called Andrea?" Tom asked.
"I did. She's making big plans of redoing the guest room and Kara is going to email her sizes so Hannah has a wardrobe when we get home. I told her that I wasn't sure that I would be bringing her home but Andrea gave me this whole speech about having faith." Mike told him.
"You should have more faith. I think Hannah will be in that guest room before the end of the week. We may need some help in regards to rescuing some other hostages but you very well could have your girl home soon." Tom promised.
"One can hope. She's…so broken. It's scary. I want to tear El Norte limb for limb. Do what he did to Christine and Quinn, without the raping, obviously." Mike admitted.
"He will not make it out of this alive. And it will not be quick." Tom promised.
"As good as that sounds, having him imprisoned like he did to Hannah also sounds appealing. It's kind of a mixed bag right now. I am not concentrating on him, just Hannah and getting her through this. That is all I care about right now. You can choose El Norte's fate." Mike admitted.
"We will take care of it. Get some rest; take care of your girl." Tom told Mike as they both stood up. Hannah walked back in, towel drying her hair. She was wearing a pair of yoga pants and a yellow Navy t-shirt. They both noticed her slightly limping and looked at her curiously. She sat down on the couch and lifted her foot up for them to see. The bottom of her feet looked like hamburger meat.
"Sweetie, what happened to your feet?" Mike sat down next her to examine her feet. Tom also knelt down next to her.
"The commandos were horrible to those women and kids. I got caught sneaking food and medicine to them while El Norte was away. The second in charge hated me and this was my punishment. I had to walk on hot coals and shattered glass. Then I was whipped." Hannah admitted quietly.
"Whipped? Your back?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, and I can't put medicine on those. The shower really made the lash marks sting." Hannah told them.
"Can I look? Mike asked as he gestured towards her back. She nodded and leaned forward. Mike lifted her shirt up gently and gasped. Tom also leaned over to look. Hannah's back was covered in angry lash marks. A few looked infected.
"I'll call Doc Rios to get some medicine and a female corpsman. Is there anything else?" Tom asked.
"No. That's it. I am really tired." Hannah admitted.
"I'll have them hurry, but sis, some of those marks look infected so we need to get you on medicine for them." Tom told her as he moved to Mike's desk to call Rios. Within five minutes, a female corpsmen and Rios was there assessing Hannah's injuries. Tom left for the night but Mike stayed with her.