Forgive & Forget (Love in the Fleet) (21 page)

He led Rashid to the door of a carpet shop that had no rugs for sale outside. The shop was dark and a sign in the window sported a “Closed for Prayer” sign. The driver slipped off his sandals and indicated that Rashid should remove his shoes as well. Bells jingled over the doorway as they were greeted by a man in western clothing.

“
Assalam alaykum
,” the man said with a welcoming smile.

Rashid could barely see through the blanket of cigarette smoke that engulfed him as he entered the shop. The men were probably smoking a day’s worth of cigarettes now that the sun had set and they could indulge. But Ibrahim had trained him well and he knew how to respond. He blinked and sniffed once and replied, “
Waalaykum assalam
.” Peace be upon you as well.

“We are honored to have you visit with us, Rashid,” said the man who had welcomed him. “I am Mohammed. Please follow me.”

Hakim called to him. “I will wait for you outside, sir. Let me know when you are ready to leave.”

Rashid kind of wanted the driver to stick with him, as the host led him to a back room. He glanced over his shoulder and waved to the driver. “Okay.” About to give him a thumbs-up, he remembered it was an obscene gesture in the Middle East. Almost as bad as showing the sole of one’s shoe to someone. Crazy Arabs.

Mohammed escorted Rashid to a large room where a gigantic red Oriental rug covered the floor. Colorful piles of carpets stood stacked like barricades around the room, while geometric designs in earthy tones covered the walls.

Four men sat clustered around a table, sipping tea, eating, and smoking. They all rose to welcome him, walking over in their stocking feet. “
Assalam alaykum
.”

“
Waalaykum assalam
,” he responded as Ibrahim had instructed him.

“Rashid, welcome to Egypt,” one said. They each smiled warmly and shook his hand.

“Come, sit down, sadiqi,” said Mohammed. “We are indulging in a light snack. It has been a long day of fasting.”

“Thank you, sir,” he replied as another man handed him a small glass of hot tea. The men raised their glasses and toasted him. Rashid smiled, took a sip of his tea and almost spit it across the table. One sip was enough to rot his teeth. How did they drink this sweet stuff?

They made small talk about the shop and the holiday and shared details of their fasting for that day. Ibrahim had told him the rules of etiquette. There would be at least three glasses of tea before they would discuss business. Rashid wasn’t sure he could stomach three glasses of it, but he’d do his best to be polite. Even if each sip made him pucker inside.

There wasn’t a lot to talk about yet. The weather? Hot. The cruise? Routine, so far. His visit to Port Said? This outing was going to be it. But rules were rules and nothing of import could be discussed until they had finished with the pleasantries.

“So what do you think of Port Said, Rashid?”

“This is my first time ashore here, sir. Although I have been through the Suez Canal on a previous deployment. It is very exciting to see so much action in the streets this late at night. I guess because of the holiday. It’s kind of odd to see so many people shopping at eight, nine at night.”

The man laughed. “It will go on like this into the early hours of the morning. The people will eat and drink and visit long into the night, preparing for another day of fasting tomorrow. Come join us in the meal.”

He thought it was very cool how they dined the traditional way, dipping their right hands into the large tray of roast lamb, kebobs, and rice. Hummus, tabouli, and melon slices on the side. Scooping it all up with bread. Oh, well, when in Rome. Rashid picked up a piece of pita bread and joined them.

When they had finished eating, a young man cleared the table and poured each of them a third glass of tea. Everyone except Rashid lit a cigarette and worked at refilling the shop with smoke.

A man named Saied Ghassan leaned back, burped, and smiled at Rashid. He revealed yellowed teeth beneath his thick moustache. Never had Rashid seen a more chilling smile. Rashid had already figured out this was the boss man tonight. “So, sadiqi, we finally get to thank you for your help in our mission.”

“I guess so, sir.”

“I wish there was a better way to show our gratitude than sharing a simple meal with you, but please know that we appreciate all the information you have sent.”

All the men nodded their heads, smiled at him, and mumbled “
Shukron
.” Thank you.

“
Afwan
,” he replied as Ibrahim had taught him. “You’re most welcome, all of you.”

“I know I am speaking for our brothers who are spread far and wide throughout the world, when I say thank you for what you are prepared to do for our cause.”

“It is my pleasure, sir. It also meets my needs.”

The man took out his prayer beads, flipping them in his hand, stroking the thirty-three beads. They were meant to keep track of prayers as someone recited them, but Rashid had come to understand why they were referred to as “worry beads.” Wished he had some of his own to flip around in his sweaty palms while these men discussed his death as if it was business as usual. Wished he smoked too. However, with the amount of smoke in the air, he was probably inhaling as much as they were.

“So tell us. Your ship will be transiting the canal soon?”

“Yes, sir. We’re going through in two days. We should be in the Gulf by September first. I don’t think there will be a problem finding us on the ninth. It appears we’ll be near Dubai for Eid.”

Ghassan smiled, but it didn’t reach his cold eyes. “Which is when you will help us celebrate with fireworks.” He turned to an-other man at the table. “It’s still several weeks, but I think we can plan to use the dhows near our southern target area. Alert the powers-that-be to make advanced preparations to transport the fishermen and the explosives to Doha.” He looked back to Rashid. “But you will let us know if anything changes. Using the code, of course.”

“Certainly, sir. As best I can. I believe I made it clear that we do not always have access to email.”

“Yes, yes. I understand. But you will stay in contact with Hot Mama as often as possible?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Everything sounds good, Rashid, although we have an important question. We understand you will be traveling with other American ships. Five, I think. Will they be a problem for our fishermen?”

“No. See, the escort ships are there to protect us.” He raised his hand to counter the eyebrows that were raised at that information. “Sure they carry all sorts of advanced systems and weaponry. But they’re not geared to protect us from common fishing boats. So say the Iranians decide to send a missile our way or a ship of their own or a submarine. The smaller ships of the Carrier Strike Group would intercede and protect us, but you’re talking about dime a dozen fishing boats. Five out of hundreds that float around us whenever we’re in confined spaces, or in port, or in the Gulf.

“I guarantee the escort ships will not pose a problem for you. And remember, I will be the one monitoring the radar on September ninth, so don’t worry about a thing. Any other concerns?”

Smiles lit faces around the table.

One man who had not spoken yet this evening now spoke up. “Rashid, I have a concern for your soul.”

Whoa. That sure as hell had come out of left field. “My soul?”

“Yes. Our fishermen have a cause, all part of Jihad. This is their mission for Allah. They know they will go to Paradise, but I worry about your soul, son.”

“My soul is just fine, thank you.” Even though his heart was pounding to beat the band.

“I just wanted to make certain to remind you that it is not too late to embrace Islam. You could still have a chance to go to your reward for your help in our Jihad.”

“I appreciate your concern, sir, and I will take that into consideration.”

The man seemed satisfied. “Good. I would feel remiss if I had not brought that to your attention.”

Rashid noticed at least two of the men sneaking peeks at their watches. He knew it would be impolite for them to leave before the honored guest, and he really wanted to look into finding a beer. He pushed his chair back and stood, “Well, I mustn’t keep you, sadiqis. I know this is a holiday night and I’m sure you have celebrations to attend. Thank you, Mr. Mohammed for your hospitality. I wish everyone the best for the remainder of Ramadan and may all of you have a satisfying Eid.”

They stood to shake his hand and give him bear hugs, slapping him lightly on the back. “May Allah bless you, Rashid.”

Ghassan hugged him, then cupped Rashid’s face in his hands. “Peace be with you, sadiqi. And may everything go according to plan.
Inshallah
.”

As God wills it.

Stepping out of the air conditioned store, Rashid felt as if someone had opened the oven door. He’d traded the thick, smoky air in the carpet shop for a blast of hot, dry heat that smacked him in the face. He found himself looking forward to getting back to the ship so he could breathe again. A man could suffocate in this heat.

He’d been through the canal before. Beyond its banks was barren desert in all directions, where the air baked all day long and now even at nine o’clock at night it was easily ninety degrees. Yeah, yeah. He’d heard the old, “but it’s dry heat.”

It was still fucking hot.

The streets bustled with shoppers as Hakim drove him back to the docks. They made small talk about the crowds and the traffic and the good smells permeating the air. He felt bad for Hakim, that maybe he hadn’t yet eaten after fasting all day. He should have asked for a doggie bag or something.

“Sir, is there anything else I can do for you before I return you to the piers?”

“Yeah, can you find me a beer?” There were still a few hours before the final liberty launch sailed back to the ship. This would be his last night ever to enjoy a brew. He’d even spring for an expensive one. Forget it. His last chance to imbibe in this lifetime? He deserved whiskey. But he’d have to take it easy. It was vitally important he remain in control at all times. He’d nurse one whiskey. Two tops, then take the next launch back to the ship.

The taxi driver pulled up near the docks where bars catered to sailors who traversed the canal. He opened Rashid’s door, shook his hand, then held onto it. It was clear he had something important to say. “Just remember, sadiqi, it is not too late to embrace the one true faith. If you do, you will go directly to Paradise with the fishermen, and your death will not be in vain.”

“Thanks, but no thanks, Hakim. And thanks for driving me tonight. Your service made me feel good. Thank you.” They hugged, then he said goodbye to the kind man who had called him sir all evening. As he walked into the closest bar, most likely filled with American sailors, he mulled over what Hakim had just said. And that other man too. He was touched that they cared about his eternal soul. Offering him Paradise along with the fishermen. But Rashid wasn’t crazy like the fanatics. He didn’t need seventy-two virgins in Paradise.

All he wanted was that one bitch to roast in hell with him for all eternity.

Chapter 23

Philip had room service delivered to their little corner of paradise. No way could he and Hallie chance being seen in a restaurant together by a shipmate. They were well aware that several couples had recently gone to Captain’s Mast and punished for “having relationships.” All of them had been enlisted. They couldn’t even imagine what would happen to a commissioned officer.

Proposing to her in a fancy restaurant wasn’t worth the scuttlebutt that would fly, let alone a chewing-out if they were seen together in public. So if that meant he was going to propose to her in bed, so be it. The least he could do was pull out the five-star terry cloth robes. Proposing in bed was one thing. Naked was another. He wondered how many men on the ship would give their left nut to be in his shoes.

Or his bathrobe.

He hated to spoil the ambience, but over a late dinner in bed, while curled up in the fluffy white robes, it was time to talk about serious matters. Like Rick for starters.

“Hallie, I called my dad and had him do a little checking on Captain Amerson. The aviator community is pretty tight and he contacted a couple of buddies. I didn’t tell him much, just asked him to find out if Andrew Amerson ever went by Rick. He emailed me this morning. That’s what the Captain’s close friends still call him.”

“Good work, Johnston. You want to be my assistant at CNN?”

“So we’ve determined the Captain is your father. What are you planning to do with the information?”

“Nothing—at least for now. Don’t worry, Philip. I’m not going to humiliate him, although he deserves it. I don’t want anything to do with him, because I don’t trust him. Perhaps we could simply keep the secret as our ace in the hole, should there ever be a problem about you and me together.”

“My sentiments exactly, but what about him being familiar with you? I’ve had some time to think it over and you were very clear you wouldn’t tolerate it, but what if you hadn’t been? We don’t know what he might have said or done. What if he tries it with some other woman on the ship who can’t handle it like you did? Do you think you should go talk to somebody?”

“Not yet, but I have everything documented if I need it. He can’t have gotten in trouble for it before. The Navy’s firing COs right and left for that kind of thing. He’s not stupid, although he didn’t act very smart around me. I found out a little about his wife and that he has three sons. That kind of blew me away. Philip, I have three half-brothers somewhere. Anyway, nothing else was new and we didn’t find any complaints about him. I’ll be vigilant and just play it by ear for the time being. Let me get over him being Rick first and who knows? I may decide to go have a little chat with him at a later date. But there’s no reason to confront him yet.”

“But you have every right to be angry about everything. How are you going to deal with that?”

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done with shit in my life. I’m going to turn it into something good. Somehow. I’ll find a way to find the bright side. There has to be a reason this happened.”

His mouth curled up in a wry manner. “You mean like calling it fertilizer and making things grow from it?”

“Good one. I like that idea.” She reached out and took his hand. “You know, girls with good fathers grow up and marry someone just like Daddy, and girls with bad fathers often do the same
or
they’re smart enough to figure out what they don’t want.”

“Like?”

“Like you, Philip. Maybe this is not about me finding out how bad he is, but appreciating how good you are. Do you have any idea how many flashy aviators have tried to hit on me since the first broadcast?” He didn’t want to know. “If I hadn’t had this experience with him and my mom, I might have fallen for that.”

“Hallie, you don’t know how hard it is to hear the guys talking about you and I can’t do anything about it. I know you love me, but I worry about you being treated like that. We’ve got to figure a lot of stuff out here tonight. Like what we’re going to do about the rest of the cruise. I mean, today was magical—the best day of my life—well, maybe except for a certain day on a sailboat.” His voice trailed off and he kissed her mouth, her nose, her forehead, her ear.

“But we have to go back to the ship tonight and I don’t know how I’m going to handle it—after this.” He gestured to the room, the bed, and her. “After loving you again. It’s so difficult knowing you’re on board when I can’t see you or touch you or even talk to you. And it’s really hard to listen to men talking about you when I want them to know you’re spoken for. But you know we can’t meet on the ship. And we can’t sneak around either. We need to figure this out and set some ground rules. We need a plan and I think…”

Hallie grinned, propped herself up on her elbows, and jumped in with both feet. “Okay, here’s our plan of attack. We walk out of this hotel and go back to the ship. We steer clear of each other and we don’t communicate for the rest of the cruise.”

Did she want to break up?

Then why was she smiling?

“Except maybe for letters—pleeease, let there be letters. We act like every other person on board who’s separated from the ones they love for the duration. We focus on our work and the mission. We remember the code: Ship, shipmate, self. The ship comes first. We do our jobs graciously and we smile inside, because we know we’re loved. I have to have that, Philip. Come on. Every girl in a foxhole needs to have a guy to think about. A good man to come back to.”

Philip’s mouth tipped up at the corners. He liked where this was going.

“But we don’t forget about each other and we don’t forget promises we make today. We remember every detail to keep us warm until the ship pulls back into Mayport, or if I have to wait, until I get out of the Navy next March. And I mean it. I don’t think we should even see each other in liberty ports any more. It’s too dangerous.”

He couldn’t believe she was taking the words right out of his mouth.

“But there’s nothing in the UCMJ that says you can’t love a subordinate or a superior, just that you can’t fraternize with them. Nobody can take away our thoughts and our feelings, not even the Navy. My mom told me that before I left for boot camp, ‘Just remember, Hallie, when you get there, think whatever you want—say what you have to say in your head—just don’t say it out loud. If you’re standing at inspection and some chief is in your face and she’s reading you the riot act, you can think ‘Screw you, Chief!’ But just look straight ahead and say, ‘Ma’am, yes, Ma’am!’”

Philip fell back on the pillows, shaking with laughter.

Hallie was on a roll now. “So we go through this charade—by the way, somebody told me I’m pretty good at pretending—so we do this for the next hundred and fifty-nine days, or two hundred and seventeen if you’re going to make me wait until I’m a civilian. Trust me I’ve counted them.” His laughter fed her fire. “And then we’ll be free to do whatever we want. So when we’re ready, we
get married
and, as Trixie would say, we live happily ever after fucking our brains out!”