Chapter 14: Lexa
After a couple of days, Abby said that I was good enough to be released from the hospital, but she still wasn't happy that I was going back to Ahmed's. For that matter, neither was Ash, but we really don't have any other options. Besides, there is no way in hell Ash is going without me. Abby made us both promise to take it easy for a few weeks and to come back next week for her to check both our stitches. We both promised we would take it as easy as we could.
The following day both Abby and Blake came by to tell us goodbye and good luck. I was thrilled to get out of the hospital, even knowing where I was leaving it for. I was actually looking forward to getting back to training. I felt like I was becoming lazy just lying in bed the last couple of days. Plus, how bad could it be with Ash with me. I was really getting used to her being around.
It only takes us about two hours to get to the gate of the compound. When we pull up to the gate, the guard recognizes us right away and says that Ahmed has been waiting for us to return. So he waved us on through. Once we pulled into the parking area, Ash turned to me and said, "You ready for this?"
"As long as you are with me, I am ready for anything!"
Ash just shook her head and took my hand, "You are seriously crazy, you know that?"
"Crazy about you? Maybe. Let's go." I think I surprised Ash with that statement because she looked at me for a long moment and then leaned in for a very intense, quick kiss, then she was out the door. We walked to the back of the jeep to grab our bags, and Ash said for me to take the lead because she hadn't been inside before.
I headed for the entrance. As we walk in, it looked like everyone in the whole camp was waiting right inside and started clapping for us. As we continued down the tunnel, Ahmed was waiting for us. He shook Ash's hand and asked us to follow him. We just looked at each other and followed him to his office. Once inside, he asked us to have a seat so that we could talk.
Ahmed spoke, "Word has spread about what happened in the valley and how you two pretty much saved everyone. I just wanted to say thank you. Ash, I hope that we can get to know one another better. I think you will be a great asset here. As for you, Lexa, you've definitely proven your ability to shoot and work with a team and a partner. I'm glad to see that you have finally come around."
Ash says, "You're welcome. I was just doing my job, which reminds me we need to talk. With Azan dead, I am a free agent. Would you like to hire me on?"
Ahmed replies, "We will discuss that in private. Lexa, will you excuse us, please. Take Ash's belongings to Omar's old room while we discuss business."
I reply, "Sure thing, Ahmed."
I grab both our bags and leave the room. I drop off Ash's gear in Omar's old room and then head for my own room. As I walk through the tunnels everyone, I pass is telling me good job or thanks. It's like I am a celebrity all of a sudden. I wonder what Omar thinks about this. When I see Reed, I stop to ask him what I missed and where Omar was. He informed me that Omar is highly pissed at Ash and me but that everyone else had told Ahmed about how we had saved everyone in the valley. Omar had been promoted to take Azan's spot just like I thought. He went on to say that they were able to retrieve the trucks the next night and finish the relocation. He warned me that Omar has said the next time he sees either Ash or me that he will kill us, but Ahmed has told him to leave us alone. I thank him and head to my room to rest.
