Page 105 of No Going Back

Kelly: Of course. And I will tell you everything when you are here on base in person.

Mira: Is everyone OK?

There was a slight pause before Kelly’s response came.

Kelly: As far as I know. Yes. I have to go. I’ll see you really soon. Xx

Mira stared at the phone. As far as I know. That meant the team were probably off grid, which explained why Tyler’s phone was off. Made sense. No way Kelly could share any details over the phone. She was just going to have to wait until she got to Westside. It couldn’t happen quick enough.

***

TYLER SAT OUTSIDE THE small café in Peshawar, opposite a leggy blonde. Tall, curvy in all the right places, she had a smile that could knock a man out. Well, most men. Tyler’s heart ached. Tanya was an American journalist. In SEALs, during the war in Afghanistan, Tanya had been based at Bagram Airfield. Tyler had made it a point to get to know her. During those long deployments, they had kept each other entertained. Sex, that’s all it had been, although he recalled it had been good sex. When his deployment finished, though, Tyler headed back to the US. Other than a couple of texts or emails, there was nothing between them, until the next deployment. The arrangement had suited them both.

The last time he’d seen Tanya was three years ago when American troops started their withdrawal from Afghanistan. The arrangement between them naturally had come to an end. Neither of them were looking for anything else and there were no hard feelings. They kept in touch for a while through the odd text or email, but eventually that fizzled out. Tyler watched her now as she sipped her tea, then licked her lips. There’d been a time that small action would make his cock stir but now, he felt nothing. He had one thing on his mind. Payback.

“Still looking good, Tyler.”

Tyler smiled. “So are you. Did you go back to the States at all after the withdrawal?”

“For a couple of months. It was good to see the family, but covering senator speeches and elections had me going crazy within days.” She grinned at him.

“You missed it. Being out here, in the action.”

“Yeah. I did. Nuts, huh?”

“No. It’s not. You were in Afghanistan for years. Reentry is hard, I know that. I remember going back after deployments never got any easier. It’s two very different worlds.”

“It is. I feel like I have a purpose here, that what I report on needs to be told. Especially now. Everyone thinks the war is over when we both know it’s not. I don’t want the world to forget about these people, what’s still happening.”

“Can you even go across the border? Into Daram?”

“No. Not without an invitation and it’s too dangerous.”

“Just as dangerous for you here. There are rebel groups growing this side of the border.”

“I know, but there are a lot more allies here, and I know how to look after myself.” She winked at him. “And now you’re here.”

Tyler smiled. She did indeed know how to handle a weapon, but they both knew that meant nothing. A group of rebel soldiers could take her easily. They used to have that discussion often, but Tanya didn’t care. This was her job and she accepted the risks. No point in raking over old ground now.

“What about you? You didn’t say much on the phone yesterday. Are you out of service now?”

“Yeah.”

Tanya raised her eyebrows at him. “Wouldn’t have guessed that. You’re too young to tap out. Got lured to mercs?”

“Is this Tanya a friend asking or Tanya the journalist?”

She smiled. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”

“Tanya, I can’t stop you reporting on anything, but I’m asking you not to mention me being here.”

Tanya sipped her tea before answering. “I would never report anything that would put you at risk. We’re on the same side.”

“Thank you.” Even if she did decide to write something, it wasn’t going to change what he was here to do. But he believed she wouldn’t. American military had saved her ass a few times.

“Here.” She slid a bag across the table. Tyler glanced inside to find the handgun he’d asked her to get for him, together with a few spare cartridges.

“I appreciate this. Sorry to ask. Is it traceable?”

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