African Dragon (25 page)

69.

After the remaining PAC forces had either been killed, captured or escaped into neighboring Congo-Brazzaville, life returned to normal in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The president had ordered a National Week of Mourning, and the United States and other countries pledged money to help rebuild parts of the destroyed capital. China also offered to help rebuild, and denied any involvement with the PAC forces, but President Kuwali politely refused their aid.

The day after the attack, the team, escorted by Lieutenant Hamill’s marines, recovered the bodies of Earl Jones, Joe Smith, and Ernesto Perez. Their flag draped coffins joined Cory Stewart’s onboard a C-141B Starlifter back to McGuire Airbase in New Jersey, then a quick transfer back to Langley.

The team mostly slept on the very long flight home. Jake Koches and Lance Woods were flown out to a hospital ship before being sent to Germany. They’d be following the Team home a couple of weeks down the road. Hodges made the flight with the rest of his team, albeit a little black and blue with multiple cuts all over his face and body.

Chris Mackey was fast asleep. The adrenaline that had helped keep him alive had left his body. He had been right all along of course—he was too old for this shit. He snored loudly, but the engine hum drowned it out.

Julia and Chris sat together, speaking quietly over the sleepy drone of the plane. Julia leaned over and smiled. “It was a hell of a romantic getaway, but I think maybe we started thinking about a different line of work.”

Chris nodded. She could always make him smile, but he was shot. It had been a terribly costly mission, and he had calls to make when he got home. “I think Dex would give us as much time off as we wanted. He even said something like that on the sat-phone. Where do you want to go?”

“I only have two requirements about location. We’re together, and no one is trying to kill us.”

Chris looked around to make sure no one was watching, then he kissed her hand. “Deal.”

Epilogue

One Month Later

Chris and Julia were sitting up in Julia’s bed, sharing a bottle of wine and eating cheese and crackers.

“I could get used to this,” said Chris, leaning in for a kiss.

“Which part, the crumbs in my bed, or being naked with me on nice clean sheets while drinking wine with no one trying to kill us?” asked Julia with a smirk.

“All of the above. The DRC seems like a movie we watched. I’ve never gone so long without training or being around my guys. Six weeks off? Who gets that?”

“You complaining?” she asked. “Prefer the smell of a half a dozen unwashed SEALs to my perfume?”

“Nope.” He kissed her again, and smelled her hair as he buried his face in her neck. “Not a bit. In fact, just the opposite. I thought it would take a long time to get used to the idea of ‘being out’ or retiring, but the truth is, I’ve never felt more relaxed in my entire life than I do right at this moment.”

Julia smiled. “Won’t get bored if no one is trying to kill you?”

“Based on what happened an hour ago, I think you might be trying to kill me…”

“Oh you poor thing!” she said with a laugh, and leaned in for a long hug.

The television grabbed their attention, and Julia grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.

“…with China vetoing the Security Council’s recommendation to send aid and support to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chinese Ambassador Li Quingshui said that China opposed the UN resolution because the current corrupt government had accused China of participating in the attempted coup. He went on to say that China’s peaceful attempt to aid the suffering people of the Democratic Republic of Congo had proven that the current US backed regime was a puppet government that was corrupt and committing genocide on its own people. Because of this, China would not allow any aid into the impoverished nation until the government faced new elections…”

Chris took the remote from her hand and clicked the television off.

Chris Mackey sat in Dex Murphy’s office looking stoic.

“I understand Mack,” said Dex. “What about an inside job? Being a desk jockey isn’t as boring as it sounds. You’d still get to run missions, do some good in the world…”

Mack shook his head. His eyes filled with tears. “All three agents, Dex. Smitty. Ernie. Cory. I put three stars on that wall downstairs. No, sir. I’m done. I was too old for this gig a few years ago. It’s time.”

Mack stood up and extended his hand. Dex stood and gripped Mack’s hand tightly with both of his. “You’re one of the best agents we’ve ever had, Mack. I’ll miss you. Stay in touch.”

Mack nodded, knowing full well that once he left that office, there was no staying in touch.

“Take care of yourself, Dex,” he said quietly. He forced a smile and headed for the door to parts unknown.

About the Author

David M. Salkin is the author of eight thrillers in various genres, including military espionage, crime, horror, science fiction, action-adventure and mystery. With a writing style reminiscent of the late, great Michael Crichton, Salkin
’
s work keeps his readers turning pages into the late hours. His books have received Gold and Bronze medals in the Stars & Flags book awards, and David has appeared as a guest speaker all over the country.

David is an elected official in Freehold Township, NJ where he has served for twenty years in various roles including Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Township Committeeman and Police Commissioner. He co-owns Salkin
’
s Jewel Case with his brother and is a Master Graduate Gemologist.

When not working or writing, David prefers to be Scuba diving with his family. He is a Master Diver and
“
fish geek,
”
as well as a pretty good chef and wine aficionado. Some of his famous recipes were perfected in the parking lot of Giants Stadium.