Road to Redemption
Chapter 6
Back to Base
He had obviously fallen asleep himself during the night. He must have been lying on every bloody pointed stone in this cave as he felt incredibly stiff. As he was coming too he felt an unusual weight on him and lifted his head to see Molly still asleep, half sprawled across him. He couldn't help but grin, no wonder he felt so bloody stiff on his back, she had obviously felt that the cave floor was too hard as well and was using him as a pillow. Her head was on his chest so he couldn't see her face, but he hadn't forgotten the many times that Molly had slept on him like this, especially in winter when it was 'taters'. He would like to stay like this if he could where the past wasn't intruding and she still wanted to be with him.
It was definitely starting to get light although it still wasn't dawn yet. He tightened his arms around her in a final hug and kissed the top of her head. She started to stir and he could feel her stretch out, heard her groan as her head moved up onto his shoulder so he could see her.
"Morning" she said sleepily "See you're still like a hot water bottle, bloody taters in here" he smoothed the wisps of hair off her face with a huge smile on his face, remembering the many times they had woken up exactly like this, with her by his side engulfed in his arms.
"The mattress was a little lumpy though" he grinned at her
"Was it? I hadn't noticed" she sniggered. She didn't remember moving across to lie on him during the night, but she had been feeling cold so her body obviously even when she was asleep knew he was there and would keep her warm.
Her bruising was starting to come out now and as she moved she couldn't help but wince, unfortunately for her Charles noticed.
"Are you hurt Moll?" he asked gently "Show me."
She moved his shirt out the way and lifted the vest and he could see some very nasty looking purple bruises.
"You better see the medic when we get back, just to give them the once over" she rolled her eyes "I am a medic and they're fine" she said sharply.
They sat in companionable silence while they finished the last energy bar and drank the last of the water. The sun was rising in the sky and it shouldn't be that long before the helicopter came back for them. Just at that moment the radio crackled into life.
"We are three minutes out" came Blues voice "We'll winch you up….any sign of insurgents?"
Molly and Charles looked out and through their scopes to check and could see nothing.
"Looks clear" responded Charles
The helicopter was hovering above them and the winch was already lowered ready, the noise would alert anyone nearby and bring the insurgents to the pickup point. Charles tied his Bergen to the end and put one harness over Molly and the second over him before he gave the signal to start lifting them up.
He saw Molly's face screw up in pain and raised his eyebrows at her.
"The harness, must be on every one of me bleedin'' bruises"
"Put your legs round my waist" he said grinning then put his hands on her bum and lifted her, taking her weight and releasing the tension of the harness on the bruising round her ribs and back.
"Sorry Moll" he beamed at her.
"No, your bloody not" she grinned back as her legs gripped his waist and her arms around his neck.
They were halfway up when they saw a pickup truck approaching and Spanner was already on the machine gun ready to return fire. Charles just had to hope that they would be out of there before the gunmen were in range. They were pulled inside and the helicopter swung away and started heading back to Kabul.
Blue handed Charles a flask and grinned at him "Coffee Charles?" then turning to Molly "Don't worry Dawes we didn't forget you….Tea" producing a second flask and handing it to her.
"Thanks Boss, gagging for a cuppa me" grinning at him.
"We brought your Bergen" smirked Spanner and Molly gave one of her kilowatt smiles at him before opening it and starting to rummage. She took off Charles shirt and gave it back grinning at him.
"Bit minging but you can have it back now" and then pulling out her own shirt and pulling it over her head. She continued feeling around inside her Bergan before finally finding what she was looking for – her cool bag. She opened it and produced her bar of fruit and nut. She inspected it thoroughly before declaring that it didn't look too bad.
"Anyone want a piece" she looked at the three men smiling as she popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth
"Go on then" replied Spanner shoulder bumping her and taking some.
Charles just sat there watching the interaction before throwing his head back laughing, "Dawes, I didn't think you meant it when you said you had brought chocolate with you."
"Well Captain James" sniggered Spanner "That's one thing about working with our Dawesy here, we've all acquired a sweet tooth" he laughed again "If it's not this we have to pack the coco pops."
"Ah Spanner have you brought me breakfast with you as well?"
"No, he hasn't Dawes" grinned Blue "I don't mind bringing the tea and coffee but I draw the line at breakfast."
Charles sat back and listened to the banter. He had only worked with her that one time on her first tour, she had a knack for drawing people to her, her happy disposition, he could see that Blue and Spanner thought highly of her. He didn't like the fact she had picked a very dangerous role within the army but he was immensely proud of the fact she had achieved it and was obviously a highly thought of and respected member of the team.
He was dog tired, looking forward to a shower and his pit. A small smiled played around his lips and he had to bite it so as not to show it. They had talked for the first time in such a long time and judging by how he woke up this morning, Molly hadn't washed her hands of him completely, she obviously still had feelings for him. He wondered if he would be able to convince her to come back to him and possibly leave Special Forces?.
Somehow looking at her and how she was laughing with Spanner, he had a feeling she might not give it up and he would have to learn to live with the fact that she was throwing herself into those kinds of dangerous situations. He still felt angry that she had stood up in the back of that pickup and drew fire away from them.
Blue was looking at Charles out the corner of his eye and could see a raft of emotions passing across his face. He knew there was unfinished business between them both. He liked both of them, he thought that Charles had come a long way since the indecisive Captain he encountered in Bangladesh, in fact he was quite impressed that he had held it together and kept his team on track, somehow even managed to make sure that Lane wasn't involved in this mission. It can't have been easy for him when he saw Molly get up from the pickup and draw the attention of the insurgents so that they could open fire, but he held his nerve.
He liked having Molly in his team, she was focused, fiercely loyal and her work ethic was impressive. Always handing over some of her telephone minutes if they were on tour to him or Spanner so they could ring their wives on birthdays and anniversaries. Mind you that might stop if she gets back with Charles and he shook his head grinning. Bones would have been proud of her not only getting through selection but becoming a valued member of the team. He hoped that she continued and didn't want to jack it all in if she decided to give it another go with Charles.
It didn't take long to get back to barracks and they were greeted by 2 section. Dangles and Brains giving her bear hugs which made her groan as they squeezed on her bruises.
"How's Fingers?" asked Captain James causing Dangles and Brains to giggle.
"We found him a rubber ring Boss" answered Dangles still laughing "Can't sit down."
"He should be out the hospital in a day or two" laughed Brains "He was due to leave and go on his honeymoon anyway. He's gonna be sore for a while."
"How's Jackson?" asked Molly.
"Shoulder wound, Peanut is on his way out to replace him and he will fly back to Cyprus with Fingers in a couple of days" answered Blue.
"Aren't we finished here and shipping out?"
"Georgie doesn't think its Omar, thinks he's an imposter" interrupted Dangles and Molly looked towards Blue who shrugged.
"Captain James, shower, change, have some scoff and then we'll meet with the Brig in 2 hours" said Blue. "We'll discuss it then OK" Charles nodded, picked up his Bergen and started walking to his quarters. What the bloody hell was she up to this time? He saw Colour Sergeant King walking towards the group.
"Colour, on me" and continued walking to his quarters followed by Kingy. He really could do with some sleep and definitely a shower but he needed to find out what had been going on in his absence. Omar had only been in their possession for 14 hours and she has already started throwing her weight about and laying down the law by the sound of it.
"Right Kingy" he started while getting one of his coffee pods adding the water and starting up his Nespresso machine "What has been going on, has Lane been having her psych evaluation as ordered by the Brig and what is all this about it not being Omar?"
"Yes, Sir she has, I have the report on my desk if you want me to get it?" he answered.
"No just give me the facts, is she fit for service?"
"The therapist says yes, she hasn't resolved her issues with Captain Harte's death, not gone through the grieving process" Charles sighed so he couldn't send her home.
"What's with this thing that we haven't got Omar" Kingy had the decency to look sheepish.
"Appears her and Prof dressed as Americans and went to visit him. She showed him a picture of Captain Harte and he didn't recognise him."
"That's her sole basis for her reasoning?" said Charles astounded at the stupidity of the girl, the Americans would be furious "He didn't recognise a bloody photo?" Kingy nodded.
"Thinks that if it was really Omar he would be boasting about it."
"Whether he is or isn't Omar, it was not for her to interfere in the interrogation of a suspect, that is the role of Special Forces and the Americans."
Kingy thought that Captain James was certainly back to his assertive no nonsense persona he remembered from their early tours, he could see that he was absolutely livid.
"How does she know that by showing him that photo that she hasn't contaminated that investigation?" raising an eyebrow and frowning at him "Put them both on a charge and confine them to barracks." He ordered.
"I am going to have a shower and change, then I intend to get something to eat before my meeting with the Brig, I do not want to hear that she has put so much as one toe out of line again."
"Yes Sir" and he left Captain James' office and walked across the parade ground. While he had just had his ear chewed off it was good to see him back.
OG
Molly was doing similar and had gone across to the shower block with a clean uniform. She had washed her hair and was gingerly washing her body, the bruising looking quite bad now on her ribs. She was quite right her breasts had gone a funny colour as the bruising had spread. She couldn't really see the one on her back. She was getting dressed when she heard someone come into the shower block.
"You need to get that checked out, want me to have a look for you?"
Of all the people it had to be it had to be her didn't it! "No thanks, I'll get someone else to do it" she finished off dressing and left but Georgie following behind.
"I'm a medic let me check those bruises" she continued following behind Molly across the parade ground.
"Lane" shouted Kingy. Georgie stopped to look at him while Molly continued walking to the barrack rooms without saying another word to her.
"I don't know what happened out there Kingy but Molly has some really bad bruises."
"She's a medic herself Lane and by the looks of it doesn't want your help."
"But….."
"But nothing Lane, Captain James is back and has heard what you and Prof have been up to. The fact he is not pleased is putting it mildly" Georgie nodded and smiled slightly, she would go see him and tell him they had the wrong man. She'd also tell him about the injuries she saw on Molly and that in her opinion she wasn't fit for duty. He'd listen to and support her. Without waiting for Kingy to dismiss her, she started walking towards Captain James' quarters. Maybe Blue would use her as their medic and she could find out more about what was going on with Omar?. She'd volunteer her services thinking they were unlikely to turn her down.
"Sergeant Lane" Kingy barked "Did you hear me dismiss you?"
"You all think I'm mad don't you, well I'm not" she said through gritted teeth as she swung back to face him "None of you are supporting me, I expected more from you, thought we were friends?"
"Lane, I am supporting you. I've told Captain James you passed the psych evaluation and you just need to process your grief properly" he sighed "But you really aren't helping yourself if you keep going off on your own agenda like this. Out here I am your senior rank, and I am telling you as both that and your friend, you need to follow orders, do what you are told and not keep answering back."
"What if he's not really dead? I didn't check his heart" she said very quietly and her eyes filling with tears "He could be out there somewhere."
"He was dead Lane, no doubt about it" he responded knowing instantly who she was referring to "Do the job you are good at, follow orders and keep your head down for the rest of the tour, if you can't then maybe you should think about going home. Carry on like this and that choice maybe taken out of your hands, Rogers is the section medic, you are here as an extra" he continued "Captain James has put you and Prof on a charge and ordered that you are both confined to barracks for that stunt with the Septics."
"I need to talk with him."
"No, you don't Lane. He has given his orders. He's just got back from a gruelling night. Leave him to do what he has to do."
Colour Sergeant King stood with his arms folded across his chest watching her, leaving her with no option but to walk away and back to her quarters.
OG
Charles felt infinitely better after his shower and change of clothes. While most of him would have liked to lie down on his cot to catch 40 winks he didn't really have the time as he had a meeting with the Brig and Blue.
He went across to the Mess hall to fill his flask with the muddy looking coffee and got himself some food as a late breakfast. He sat at one of the long trestle tables and started eating. He saw Spanner sitting with some of 2 section but there was no sign of Molly yet.
He hadn't been there long when Blue joined him with a plate of food and mug of coffee.
"Well we missed breakfast coming to collect you" he grinned and Charles smiled back.
"I don't want to speak out of turn Blue but Molly has some quite bad bruising."
"I know" and Charles raised his eyebrows "Those vests may stop the bullet but can still leave you injured" he laughed as Charles nodded in agreement "You lifted her weight out the harness, did you think I wouldn't notice? I'm her CO, or did you just want to hold her arse?" he threw his head back in laughter at Charles horrified expression.
"I've been shot wearing one myself Charles. Fractured 3 ribs and punctured a lung. Spanner will see she gets to the hospital for a check-up."
Charles nodded and changed the subject still slightly flushed as being caught touching Molly's arse, "So, about this business with Lane and not believing its Omar. What do you think?" Charles asked.
Blue shrugged, "The Americans believe he is, or that is what they are telling us but there are things that don't add up and not that he didn't recognise a photo of Elvis."
"Anything you can share Blue?"
"That mission we have just been on, it was almost as if they knew we were coming."
"What makes you think that?"
"Firstly, when we questioned the husband there was no mention of one of the insurgents coming to the house to pick him up and judging from the fear on his face he was as surprised as we were. When we got into the truck and went to Omar's camp" he started, thinking he would leave out the bit where they were pointing guns at Molly's head "The truck was already loaded with bombs and a driver. There wasn't a lot of security at the camp considering he is head of a terrorist group, then as we were leaving they were prepared with men, guns and an RPG" he finally finished off "I think we have a leak."
"A corrupt ANA" asked Charles and Blue nodded "Maybe one but who knows how many?"
"The election is any day now and the Americans are sending in a dignitary" responded Charles "I think when we have the meeting with Brigadier Hart we need a united front, start keeping things close to our chest and not involving the ANA?"
"I agree" nodded Blue as he finished his food.
OG
Molly now showered and dressed herself and feeling very tender around her ribs thought she would go to the Mess Hall for some food. She could see Charles and Blue chatting intently on one side but was pleased to see some of 2 section and Spanner were also in there, she waved to them as she walked to the counter to see if she could get a late breakfast and a mug of tea.
"Molly" she heard her name being called and a hand on her shoulder "You need to get those bruises looked at, they look serious enough for you not be on duty"
Molly turned to look into the dark brown pleading eyes of Georgie "If I need or want your opinion I'll ask for it. What's more I really don't think you are capable of noticing who is fit for duty do you?" shrugging the hand off her shoulder and moving away.
"Molly, I will go to Blue and tell him you're not fit for duty, you can't do your job properly with bruising like that. How do you know you haven't got a cracked rib?"
"I'll go to the hospital later."
"Please Molly let me help you."
"Help me, you having a giraffe, you're about 2 years too late to do that." Molly spat as she again moved away to get her breakfast.
"Corporal Dawes" Georgie said more forcibly, she wanted to talk with Molly, to say she missed her as a friend and she was sorry for the past, try and get her on side again, getting her into the med centre would give her that chance, "You are to go to the med centre for a check-up, that's an order!"
Molly's eyes opened wide and she frowned. Spanner noticed what was happening, he recognised the expression on her face and knew she was about to blow, her eyes turning a steely grey. He saw that Peanut had just arrived in and gave a whistling noise to attract his attention and pointed to Molly and Georgie.
Peanut dropped his Bergan just as Molly swung round with her fist clenched at her side. She really did want to put her pearly whites down her throat.
"Molly" called Peanut and she turned to see who was calling, smiling instantly when she saw her flat-mate "Look what I've brought from home" he grinned back waving a big box of coco pops. She broke out into peals of laughter, her anger abated for the moment walking towards him and gave him a welcoming hug.
"I thought I was going to be stuck with bird seed for the rest of this tour, thanks Peanut" she laughed still hugging him. Spanner and he exchanging looks over her head that they had stopped her making a huge mistake.
Blue on the periphery had also spotted what was going on as he was facing the food counter and breathed a sigh of relief that the team had stepped in. He would have had a bit of a problem if Molly had actually clumped a Sergeant.
"Charles" he said quietly leaning forward "Your medic is harassing a member of my team, verging on bullying"
Charles turned his head and took in the scene of Molly with Peanut and Georgie with a face like thunder standing at the food counter. Spanner had got up from his seat to join Peanut and Molly, slapping him on the back and welcoming him out here. With arms linked guided Molly out the Mess Hall. Blue stood up to leave.
"Don't worry Charles, I'll make sure she goes to the hospital for a check-up. In fact, I think that's where the lads will be taking her now" he too left the Mess leaving Charles sitting alone.
"Lane, over here now!" he called to her as she sat down opposite "What the fuck was going on there?"
"She's injured Charlie, she shouldn't be on duty with bruising like that and not being checked over."
"Again Lane, you will address me respectfully as your CO; Sir, Captain James or Boss. As an experienced Sergeant you should know better. Both Blue and I know she has some injuries" he looked down at his coffee "It will be dealt with, but not by you. You need to remember you are here as part of 2 Section not Special Forces. They are a separate unit with a separate reason for being out here. Yes, we may be called to assist them but you will unlikely be involved as you are confined to barracks as you are well aware."
"This is about us isn't it Charlie, what we did? Nobody knows Charlie" he closed his eyes and ran his hand across the back of his neck.
"Lane did you listen to a word I just fucking said? It's SIR and no it's not" exasperated at her and the past "Blue as her CO will make the final decision on if she is fit for duty not me and most certainly not you."
"I just want to talk to her, tell her I'm sorry for what we did….you've talked with her" and he sighed "I wouldn't call it that. Molly is a professional and won't talk about it until we get home, and she's right we're on a mission, we have to stay focused on the tasks we have been given" he looked at her "If you can't do that then I will have no choice but to recommend you are sent home, do you understand Lane?"
"Charlie that really isn't Omar they have got" she said plaintively
"SIR! And that's not your concern Lane" he stood up with his trademark stern faced expression "You are here for 2 section to support Rogers as medic, stick to that or you be will on the next flight back to Brize."
"I thought we were friends Boss" she looked up at him silently pleading with him to side with her. He sat back down again.
"We were never really friends Lane, you and Molly were, me and Elvis were, you were in my chain of command. Those were our links until lines got blurred. You can't bring personal into battle, this is my first tour since I acknowledged I had PTSD and got the help I desperately needed and was long overdue. I have to prove myself every bit as much as you. You need to see that Lane" he took a deep breath "there are things that are going on behind the scenes that you are not privy to, going off half cock on your own agenda is not going to help and what's more will not be tolerated. Do I make myself clear Lane?"
"I just want us to all be friends like we used to be" and her eyes filled with tears.
"That will never happen Lane, what we did in Bangladesh made sure of that" he whispered, "If Molly wants to talk with you or with me for that matter she will but only when she is ready" he finished more gently "but not here."
OG
"You don't have to stick with me you know" Molly said to both Spanner and Peanut "I know you were mates with her too."
"Yeah but we couldn't have you clumping her could we" grinned Peanut "Won't do your promotional prospects a lot of good would it?
"Nah suppose not."
"And besides we weren't exactly mates, she was Elvis's girl. Now come on then, let's get you to the hospital. It gets us out of this dignitary thing the Brig has going on, so it's a win win!"
Poya was delegated to drive, Mimi was also coming along to check on some girl that had been involved in a bomb blast she had become attached to, she was sitting up front with him chatting away. Spanner and Peanut in the back with Molly, making sure that she did actually go to the hospital.
She was led off by Dr Bahil for x-rays along with a check-up, while Spanner and Peanut took up position on seats in the waiting area. They watched while Mimi went off to a ward to talk with a young girl of about 11. Poya had vanished down a corridor.
Molly had one of those horrible hospital gowns on, although she did still have her trousers and boots on. She was sat on a gurney waiting for Dr Bahil to come back and give her the results of her x-rays. Mimi had now re-appeared and was looking at the bruising on her back.
"Bet that hurts?" she said
"Have to say the Nurofen is not really working" she laughed back.
At that moment Dr Bahil came back "Looks like a hairline fracture on one of the ribs Molly and as you are probably aware there's not a lot we can do with that."
"Are you going to strap them?"
"No not a good idea, take deep breaths every now and again to keep the lungs clear, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain. You are young and fit so 3-6 weeks and it should be healed" she smiled at Molly. "Maybe a cold compress to help with the swelling."
Spanner had just walked in "You could use your cooler and keep your chocolate close to your chest" he grinned and silently wondering if he needed to tell Blue, but then he had worked through a mission with a busted rib. He, Peanut and Molly could have a quiet chat on the way back.
At that moment Poya came back into the room and was shouting in Pashto to Dr Bahil. As he opened his jacket they could see that he was strapped with explosives. He walked to the gurney and was close to both Molly, Spanner and Dr Bahil. Mimi tried to talk to him, to reason with him that they were friends, that he could trust her. She even told him all about her crap upbringing. Molly thought she came from a pretty dysfunctional family until she heard what Mimi was telling him. Molly hoped he was listening and was being talked down by Mimi, and not going to become another martyr that thought he was going to paradise. In the event they didn't need to worry, Peanut had spotted him as he walked through and thought he looked nervous, shifty even and followed behind. When he saw him with the remote in his hand he shot him, virtually point blank so he had no time to detonate.
"I think that answers the question" said Peanut as Spanner nodded "You had a leak on that mission"
"But are there more?" responded Spanner "We better let them know back at base, there is that American dignitary coming in today."
OG
Spanner radioed across to Blue, told him what had gone down at the hospital and if it hadn't been for Peanut he along with Molly, Mimi and Dr Bahil would have been red misted. His personal feeling was that there was more than one that had infiltrated the ANA.
"Do we need to cancel the parade?"
"Up to you Boss, but Peanut and I think so."
"OK" he responded. "What is the status on Molly, is she fit to continue?"
"Fractured rib Boss, significant bruising and 3-6 weeks before it's healed."
"Shit, it's too short notice to get Dyno sent out."
"Look Boss, so long as there is nothing too strenuous she should be OK to continue. Peanut and I can take up the slack" he stated, "The mission is nearly finished now, no point in sending for extra help."
"How to we guarantee that Spanner?" he asked, "and there is a certain Captain here that will be pretty pissed if she gets hurt even more."
"Your call then Boss."
"OK we continue as we are but if you have any doubts that she is in pain and as a result her safety might be compromised, pull her off. Understood light duties only?"
"Aye Boss"
"I'll be in touch once we have had the meeting with the Brig, see if we can cancel this shindig he has planned…see you back here in 20 minutes, and I'll have a chat with Molly."
OG
Charles had just finished collecting all the papers he needed for this meeting with the Brigadier and was walking to his office when he was joined by Blue. They knocked and entered his office. He thought that Blue looked a little furtive but didn't have an opportunity to speak to him before they went in.
"So, what happened out there and why were Dawes and James left behind?" he barked leaning back in his chair. Blue couldn't help but wonder how someone like him had made it to Brigadier and wondered if he had ever been in combat or just ordered others into it, while sitting in a nice cosy office.
"With the intel I now have and an incident at the hospital that I have just been informed about, I would say we have a leak. Here in barracks!" he looked him straight in the eye ignoring his question. Neither he nor Captain James had been invited to sit and he for sure was beginning to feel like a naughty school-boy rather than an SF Captain with years of experience.
"Don't be ridiculous Captain, there can't be a leak here."
"Well they knew we were coming" persisted Blue "and one of the ANA has just been shot at the hospital while trying to detonate a suicide vest, one that was stationed here!"
Charles head swung round quickly; no wonder he was looking furtive. Molly was at the hospital with Spanner and Peanut. Blue looked back at him and nodded trying to indicate that they were all fine.
"You need to cancel the American dignitary Sir…..there is probably more than just him involved."
"Don't be ridiculous Blue" huffed the Brig "We need this, prove that we are equally involved out here."
"Sir I really think you should listen to Blue" Charles started "I am inclined to agree with him, I think it unlikely that he was working alone, that there is more than one, that they not only wanted to disrupt the election by assassinating Dr Bahil but take out a Brigadier and American General at the same time."
Brigadier Hart stared at him intently without speaking and Charles maintained his eye contact hoping he was listening to what they were trying to tell him.
There was a knock at the door and the Brig called enter and Colour Sergeant King came in to inform them that Prof, Lane and the ANA soldier Rabee had left for the hospital as they had heard there was an explosion. Did they want him to round up 2 section to support in case there were secondary's.
"There wasn't an explosion it was neutralised." stated Blue
"I think maybe he could the accomplice" said Charles to Blue "If he has got them to take him to the hospital and Dr Bahil?"
"When is that girl ever going to look at the bigger picture…I thought you confined them both to barracks" stormed Blue turning to King? "Contact them on the radio and find out where they are."
"Oh, and King" added Charles "We will be having a discussion later on as to why she is out there after I gave you an explicit order that she was confined to barracks"