AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I moved my gaze over to Hill, who stared back at me. He held my gaze for a moment then looked away out the window. I wished I’d driven a bullet through his head when I had the chance.
Location: Washington
Coordinates: United States Army Headquarters
Ty
I held the kid’s hand as we stepped onto United States soil. It had been a long time, and I hoped it would feel better than it did. I looked back at the chopper and wondered if I’d ever be back in the Afghan mountains again.
When we changed planes, I had to make the call to Frank about Brown. He told me we’d discuss everything once we got back. I barely had enough time to think before we were whisked back into the air.
When we landed, Moore raced by and threw me a small grin, and I tried to return it. He was glad to be home, but I knew we were both still in shock over Brown. I hated to think how our heads would deal with what happened once we finally got time alone. The thought haunted me. I kept moving, not bothering to look back at the rest. They weren’t my brothers.
Frank walked out to greet us and then ushered us inside along with a few other soldiers. I knew I needed to get through this first, then I would deal with everything else. The kid deserved this moment.
“Welcome back, Captain Beckett.” Frank looked down at the kid. “Seems you found someone we’ve been looking for.”
“It seems so.”
“Come, his parents are waiting through here.” The doors were opened for us, and we were whisked through security and down a long hallway.
“Halim!” his mother yelled when she spotted him. He raced toward her, leapt in her arms, and burst into tears. His father hugged and kissed him as Frank glanced at me.
“You had no idea who he was?”
“No. I didn’t even know his name until we were in the chopper.”
“You have no idea what you just did for our country.”
“I didn’t do it for the country, I did it for him.” I felt a weight lift off my shoulders when his father looked at me with joy and appreciation.
“I can’t thank you enough.” He gave me a bow, and I just nodded. I didn’t want a thank you; the moment was enough for me.
His mother lowered him so his siblings could hug him with cries and happiness.
“Thank you, thank you so much.” She held her hands together and cried. “You gave us back our son. Our family is one again.”
The word family hit my gut, and I fought to settle my rage.
“He’s a good kid,” I turned to Frank, “but a kid who will need some help.” I tapped my head.
“I have a therapist lined up.”
“Good.” I knew he’d need it. We had a lot to do before I could get out of there, so I stepped forward and sat down on the chair. “Kid,” I said in Dari, “come here.” He pulled out of his brother’s arms and came over to me. I knelt to get on eye level with him. “You did real good out there, braver than most of the soldiers I’ve seen. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.” He nodded. “Tyler,” I pointed to myself. “That’s my name, okay? If you need anything, you let that guy right there know,” I moved my finger to Frank, “and I’ll be there.” He leaned in, and I wrapped him in a bear hug. I felt a prickle of sadness break through my shield as I held him. We had a bond, that kid and I, and one that would last a lifetime.
“I’m Halim.”
“So, you do speak, and in English.” I glared at the little shit for not speaking up sooner.
“I made this for you.” He pulled out his pouch and tugged loose one of the leather straps with a few washers on it. He held it up for me to see. “That means Captain. That’s you, and this is for me, Halim.” He had pounded the letters in Dari. “And this in the middle,” he turned the washer around so I could see the pounded shape of a dog, “is our wolf.” My gaze flickered up to his. “Tall, strong, and he’ll send powerful echoes to save the people he cares for.”
“Wow.” I couldn’t believe he’d made something so meaningful at such a horrific time for him. He wrapped the leather strap around my wrist a few times and tied it at the end. “Thank you, Halim. This is very special to me.” I grasped his hand and shook it.
“You won’t forget me?”
“Never.” I stood and ruffled his mop of hair. I said a quick goodbye, as I had a sudden need to be alone. I rounded the corner and pressed my hands into the wall. My arms vibrated at the picture of Brown’s eyes as they bulged when the bullet drilled through his skull. My heart raced, and I fought to control my anger.
Hill dropped Brown’s rucksack at my feet.
