Concentration

Chapter 2

Mike was reading a report, worried about the mission that Kara and the others were on. They had recently gotten a report that there was one last 'Concentration Camp' designed by Allison Shaw, still operational years after Shaw was killed.

After an investigation and recon, the general consensus was that the people that were imprisoned had to be liberated. The problem being was that the camp was at the bottom of a canyon in Texas and very hard to get to without being noticed. He was studying a map when his cellphone rang. It was Kara Greene, with an update, he was sure.

"Casualties?" Mike asked as soon as he answered the phone.

"None on our side. We are in with minimal resistance. Two of the guards have been killed. But, Sir…we found three prisoners that might be of interest to you. Its Christine and the girls." Kara explained.

"How?" Mike asked. He was stunned.

"We are still figuring that out. I am going to have them taken to Amarillo. They need medical treatment. Christine, in particular, needs treatment." Kara continued.

"What's wrong?" Mike asked.

"Starved, beaten, tortured, she's an emotional wreck. The girls seem normal—thinner than normal but not like Christine. Those history books that showed photos of the people being liberated from Concentration Camps in Germany after the Second World War? That is Christine, although instead of a tattoo on her forearm, she has a brand." Kara explained.

"Alright. Get them what they need. I'll be on the first plane out. I'll pay you back." Mike said.

"I'm not even worried about that, Sir. I'll call you when I find out which hospital in Amarillo." Kara said before hanging up.

Mike ran to his apartment and was packing a bag when there was a knock on the door. He was shocked to see Tom on the other side. He'd already called the President, needing time off to care for his family. His secretary had arranged his flight for him and his neighbor would feed his goldfish and collect his mail.

"Kara called me. I'm going with." Tom answered. Mike wasn't sure Tom could handle it but it would be good to have someone there.

"You sure? It sounds pretty bad." Mike asked as he continued packing the bag.

"Yep. You would have probably found them if it wasn't for me." Tom remarked.

"My secretary got the flight but I have no details other than to be at the airport by two." Mike admitted.

"Already taken care of. Let's go." Tom said. He grabbed a photo off the end table and handed it to Mike. "Christine might want that." Tom remarked. It was a photo of the kids when they were young.

"True." Mike answered.

Mike's secretary had been a miracle worker, getting them on a flight to Amarillo, of all places. The seats were decent and there were no stops. Mike was not surprised to see Kara waiting for them when they walked out of the airport.

"Thought you might want a ride." Kara said.

"Thank you. How are they?" Mike asked. They got in the Jeep and a Staff Sergeant began the drive.

"Traumatized. Christine, in particular. This is Staff Sergeant Peter Adams. He found them. Has been very supportive, getting what they need." Kara answered. Mike shook the young Marine's hand when they pulled up to a red light.

"Thank you." Mike said simply. He looked out the window, preparing himself. His marriage had not been strong before. He would help Christine of course, but he wasn't sure there was any hope for them.

"Sir…Mrs. Slattery…She is quite traumatized." Kara started.

"She's been sexually assaulted, hasn't she? What about my girls?" Mike asked.

"Just her. Somehow, she was able to protect the girls." Staff Sergeant Adams said.

"I see." Mike said. He was trying to detach himself from Christine. It wasn't that he didn't care about her, even love her. Her biggest complaint had been his career before. There was no way that she wouldn't blame him. He needed to prepare himself for the worst.

"Mike, don't go all doom and gloom. Christine was always strong." Tom said.

"Easier said then done." Mike remarked. They pulled up to the hospital. Mike and Tom followed Kara in. As they walked, Mike was struck by the amount of very thin, traumatized people walking around. "Are these people from the camp?" Mike asked.

"Yes." Kara answered simply.

"Not to sound bad but at least there were no gas chambers." Tom remarked.

"Not gas chambers. They used other means. Probably worse." Kara said in a tight sounding voice. Mike and Tom exchanged a look as they got to a hospital room.

"Are they together?" Mike asked.

"Yes. Christine won't be separated." Kara said.

"I'll stay out here, Mike." Tom said. Mike nodded and followed Kara into the dark room. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the lighting. Both of his girls—much older and thinner, were sound asleep in two hospital beds. Christine—who looked like a shell of her former self, was sleeping in a recliner beside Hannah's bed. Kara went to her side and gently woke her up. Instead of standing over Christine and potentially scaring her, Mike knelt down and was immediately shocked by Christine's state.

"You're here?" Christine asked. She reached out and touched his face, almost like she believed he might be a figment of her imagination.

"I am. You're safe. Why aren't you in bed?" Mike asked as he pointed at the third hospital bed.

"I…didn't want to sleep in a bed 'til you got here. Needed to keep an eye on the girls. They're scared." Christine said. Mike and Kara exchanged a look and Mike took Christine's thin hand to help her up.

"I'm here now. I'll keep an eye on them while you sleep." Mike said. Christine had a death grip on his hand and arm. He helped her climb into the hospital bed and tucked the blankets around her. He was a bit shocked that Christine was allowing him to touch her, but she honestly seemed scared to let him go.

"Sir, I'll get you something to eat and to get them a few supplies they need." Kara said.

"Thank you." Mike said. He handed Kara a credit card and then settled in the chair next to Christine's hospital bed. Kara had left and presumably, Tom had gone with her.

"I missed you." Christine said simply.

"I missed you too." Mike answered. Even as ragged as their marriage had been, he had missed Christine. So much so, he never moved on.

"I am so tired." Christine admitted. Mike stood back up and took her hand.

"Sleep. I'm not going anywhere. You are safe now." Mike told her. He kissed her hand and smiled down at her. She nodded and quickly fell asleep, leaving Mike to think on his own.