Page 32 of No Man Left Behind

“There were screams and shouts, mostly in Pashto. The hood made it impossible for me to see, but I started to believe it was real. When the shots and the screams stopped, the silence was huge. It was like it never happened.”

She blew out a breath to steady her voice. He wasn’t judging her, so she could be honest. “I was too afraid to call out for a long time. Finally, I did, figuring I was likely going to die. And that dying was better than some of the options I faced.”

“It took me a while to get my voice to work. I’d had nothing to drink, and it felt like the desert winds had dried my throat to dust. But I must have made some sound because it wasn’t long before I heard voices. In English and Pashto. Telling me I was safe. That no one would hurt me again.”

Marcus rested his head on their joined hands for a long moment before he looked up. “That’s horrific, but I’m glad they found you. Were they American?”

She nodded. “I don’t remember much. A man the others called Annie took off my hood, and they untied me. Gave me water.”

“Annie?”

She smiled. “Annie. I’m pretty sure, anyway. There was a Dodge as well. But I was in and out of consciousness, so I’m not positive.”

Marcus shrugged. “Call signs can get a little weird.”

She nodded. “How did you get named Arrow?”

His face flushed, but he smiled. “There was one idiot who wanted to leave base on one mission. He wanted to head to a nearby town and let loose.”

“During a mission?”

He nodded. “Like I said. Idiot. When we stopped him from leaving, he called me a boring straight arrow. Thankfully, only the arrow part stuck.”

She laughed softly, glad for the lighter moment. “I like it. And there’s nothing boring about you.”

He smiled back, then turned the conversation back to her ordeal.

“After they released you from the hospital, you headed to Seattle. Did you feel anyone watching you there? Is that why you left?”

She frowned a little. “You’re very perceptive. For a while, it was fine. I worked in a coffee shop for a long time. Lots of tourists, lots of regulars. It was a decent job and left me time to work on my comic strips. Then I got the itchy feeling, and it wouldn’t go away. It got worse every day.”

Marcus didn’t comment. The man’s patience was infinite.

“Someone sprayed paintedBitchon the coffee shop door. Smashed a window when I was closing up one night. A brick hit me in the head one morning when I was opening the door.”

“Holy shit, Elina. That’s a lot. I assume you called the police.”

She nodded. “My boss, Kashvi, did. We reported everything. The police couldn’t find any evidence. Kashvi insisted on walking everyone to the bus stops and met us there. She had us call her when we were heading home and heading to the shop. We stayed on the phone until we arrived. She was very proactive.”

“She sounds like someone I would like.”

That made her laugh. “You would. No nonsense, and ready to take on anyone who messed with any of us.”

Marcus rose to his feet and tugged her up into a hug. “I’m sorry you had to leave a place you enjoyed. But I’m also happy you left. Might make me a selfish bastard, but I’m glad you made your way here.”

She rested her head on his chest. “Me too. It was always my plan to try to find you. I didn’t mind leaving the job, but I did enjoy working with Kashvi.”

“What made you leave? Did it get worse?”

She nodded. “More of the same, but it followed me home. My apartment window was smashed. Someone left dead rats on the building doorsteps. Nasty graffiti on the main door.”

“No one got inside?”

“No. The building had good security. But I couldn’t stay and put other people in danger. I didn’t have any real ties to the city. I quit my job and bought a car online. Then I gave up my apartment and left.”

His arms tightened, and he kissed her hair. “You’re a brave woman, Elina. Did you feel anyone follow you?”

“No. I moved from town to town, taking temporary jobs. My comics had become popular, so I had enough money and didn’t need a full-time job as well. I’d stay for a couple of weeks, then move on.”

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