Chapter 23: Let's Go

On the Stairs

Mike pulled the kids out of the way and slammed the door. He handed them off to Tom. “Cut them loose, leave the gags, blindfolds, and hands tied behind them.”

“We’re not leaving one here?”

“Nope, they’re more useful to us as shields and bargaining chips. I told them that to slow them down.”

“What you got for me?” Al said as he unhooked the mine from the oldest boy’s chest.

“Set up the claymore so they get a big surprise when they open that door.”

Al looked at the tunnel door and then at the door that led out of the office into the hall beyond. “What about that one.”

“Can you set it up to detonate if either one opens?”

Al sucked in a breath and looked at the geometry of the room. “Yeah. It won’t be as effective.”

“And?”

“And,” he smiled. “I love things that go boom.”

“Get on it.”

Next to the desk, Randall, Julia, and Niki waited for him. “Julia.” He looked over Randall’s shoulder and out the window. The helicopter passed by and into the valley.

“So much for the helo.”

They turned and looked.

“Julia, you take the pack. Keep it strapped on, and don’t let it go.”

She put it on, securing the clasp around her chest.

“You and Randall each have kid duty. You’ll both keep physical hold of the back of their shirts at all times. Don’t let them go. When it comes to those kids, they are our way out.” He looked both of them in the eye. “You will do exactly what I tell you when I tell, no matter how disagreeable you may find it.”

“Hold on,” Randall said in an authoritative voice. “One, I don’t like anyone barking orders at me. I’m a Colonel in the United States Army. Two, I’m not fully cognizant of the Rules Of Engagement here in Afghanistan. But I'm certain holding children as hostages is not an authorized action.”

“ROE?” Every muscle in Mike’s body tensed. He lifted his weapon, ready to butt-stroke the little man. Niki grabbed the back of his shirt and stopped him as Randall stepped back with his palms out.

“I didn’t mean anything by what I said. It’s just...”