Page 24 of Summer Heatwave
“He was probably too damn afraid to say no.”Humor laced the man’s voice.“They don’t call you Ms.Manacle for nothing.”
“I’m also known as Ms.Miracle.I’ve saved their asses so many times I should be canonized.”
“I’ll put a call into the Pope.”The admiral’s voice sounded closer as he apologized, “Kam, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.Ms.Merkel and I had a few things to go over.”He took his seat behind his desk.“First, I want to thank you for agreeing to train several of our men.I understand this unique style of Brazilian jujitsu is highly effective, especially for those with smaller bodies.Not all SEALs are built like the Hollywood hulks seen on television.Cardio is often more important than brute strength for us.”
Kam took a few minutes to explain the advantages of Brazilian jujitsu and how it could be combined with standard hand-to-hand combat moves.
“This sounds exactly like the direction Captain Hubbard and I discussed last week.”The vice admiral stood.Kam and Ms.Markel followed suit.“Commander Reece Brenner is waiting for you.He has two squads that are transitioning to training.You’ll be working with those men in the facility that Commander Brenner will show you.If there is any additional equipment or modifications that need to be made, please work directly with him.”The vice admiral held out his hand across the desk.
“Thank you, sir.I appreciate the personal welcome.”She understood that he was an extremely busy man.
As they shook, he looked at her with sincerity.“I meant it when I said that we truly appreciate you doing this for us.I know it sounds trite, but I mean it when I say that what you are doing will make America safer.”
For the first time, she felt the weight of her training on her shoulders.She had twenty hours to teach these men as much as she could.Someday, it might save their lives.
Waiting outside the door stood a relatively short man in a commander’s uniform.She’d pegged him at about five-foot-nine inches, maybe ten.His brown hair was shorter than many others, but his hazel eyes were warm as she was introduced to Commander Reece Brenner.
She followed him down the hall in silence.It took Kam a few minutes to realize where she’d seen him before.“You were there during the briefing last month.”
He slid a glance her way.“Good catch.I’m quite sure we weren’t introduced, but yes, I was there.The men you’re about to meet were the ones who discovered the human trafficking and brought it to my attention.These men were also involved in the arrests here on base.
“There are over thirty women who owe these men their eternal gratitude.”Kam grinned.“And close to fifty men who are in jail thanks to your team.”He simply nodded in agreement.
They walked past several white block buildings to what was obviously a gymnasium.When they stepped inside, it smelled like sweaty men.Kam swept her gaze three hundred and sixty degrees.The building was old but well-maintained.Mats, which seemed in good shape, hung on the walls and could be quickly spread over the gleaming hardwood floor.
“I really don’t need much to teach.This form of jujitsu is all about body movement and power.We’ll train with the mats, of course.”She looked sheepish when she announced, “I have a loud voice even though I use the mic and speaker system at the school.The acoustics there are terrible.How many men are we talking about?”
Deep voices echoed into the gym from the far end.
“Six to start.”The commander watched the men as they entered the gym.“I may add another squad later but right now they’re busy on the rifle range.”
“I’m used to teaching classes up to thirty.You can add more if you want.”Worry suddenly hit Kam because the men were dressed in shorts and T-shirts.She wasn’t prepared at all to teach today.
“Men, gather round.”The commander’s voice filled the gym.The six men jogged to the center where Kam stood with Commander Brenner.“For the security of everyone, and to cut down on the confusion, we’re going to stick to handles.”He looked at her.“What do you prefer the men to call you?”
“Kam, please.”
“Very well.Kam I’d like you to meet Teddy, Eddy, Slick, Ox, Trojan, and Shadow.”Each in turn shook her hand as she memorized their faces, recognizing a few.
“Ma’am, I believe we?—”
“Hold it right there, Teddy.Do not call me ma’am.”Her gaze swept over the men.“Any of you.I’m Kam.And yes, we’ve met.Before we get started, I want to personally thank you.Because you did the right thing, thirty young women—some of them still in their teens—have been freed from captivity where they had been forced into prostitution.You did that.”She pointed her finger at each of the men.“Human trafficking is so often overlooked.People don’t want to get involved.Thank you for speaking up.”
Kam glanced over at the commander before she continued, “I understand that you were allowed some closure on the matter by taking part in arresting the men here on base who were involved.Thank you for helping us put those evil men away.”
She glanced at the highly polished strips of wood at her feet, trying to decide how much she could tell them.They all had top-secret security clearances and were known for keeping secrets.When she raised her gaze, she didn’t hesitate.“This goes no further because the women are in protective custody, but many of them have decided to go home.We are arranging to make that happen for them.”Kam had to smile.“Several have decided to become U.S.citizens.We have a program specially designed to assist trafficked victims with English as a second language, job skills development, and even placement, all while undergoing constant therapy.Homeland Security takes human trafficking very seriously.Again, I want to thank you for helping us save those women.”
All six heads bobbed in acknowledgment.
“Kam, this is what we do,” the commander said.“Usually, it’s in some Third World shithole rather than our backyard.”He looked contrite.“Excuse my language.”
Okay.That had to end right now.“Well, fuck, commander, I might be female, but God dammit, I grew up in a house filled with Italian cops and wore a uniform on the street for nearly ten years.I can swear in several languages.Nothing any of you say is going to embarrass me as long as it doesn’t get personal.You go there, and I’m gonna hurt you.”
The tallest one in the group gave her ayeah rightlook.
“Shadow.”Kam put command in her voice.“Right here.”
His gaze darted around before he stepped forward.Kam estimated him to be about six-foot-five.He was big.She stepped close to him, invading his personal space.“You don’t believe I can do it, do you?”
