phone.”
This got a few laughs, and it was obvious that some lunkhead had forgotten to do that once. These guys had a history together, and Kate and I were just a new chapter. And hopefully not the final chapter. It was also obvious that the DSS agents liked the boss, and that told me a lot about Paul Brenner. Actually, I liked him, too. He had good taste in women.
He continued, “As for other calls, specifically calls of nature, we may not be able to stop, so there are male and female bottles in each vehicle.” He advised, “If you don’t know which to use, call me.”
Good laughs, though they’d heard this one before.
He also informed everyone, “We have brown-bag lunches in each vehicle, compliments of the cafeteria.” He added, “Dr. Nolan can treat food poisoning.”
There was really a lot of good material in Yemen. A joke a minute. I couldn’t wait to get to Ecco’s and try out some of this stuff. “So, this camel walks into a bar in Sana’a, and the bartender says, ‘Hey, why the long face?’ ”
Brenner continued, “Because these Land Cruisers are FAVs-fully armored vehicles-they are heavy, and we will have to make a refueling stop.”
He glanced at the paper in his hand, then said, “The route. We are taking the main road to Yarim. There we will decide if we’ll take the Ta’iz road, or the new road to Aden, depending on the security situation.”
He concluded, “I’ll be in sat-phone contact with the embassy and also with the Sheraton in Aden to see if they have any info for us en route.” He then announced, “We have been promised Predator drone surveillance, but I can’t promise that it will be extensive or effective.”
I noticed that Brenner didn’t mention that those surveillance Predators might be armed with Hellfire missiles, or if they were, that the Hellfires would be used. Bottom line for any commander is don’t promise more than you know you can deliver. The men know the risks, and they appreciate honesty. Bullshit is not part of the pre-mission briefing.
Brenner also informed everyone, “The Yemeni authorities have not been advised of our movement, but as always, we’ll encounter National Security Bureau police on the road as well as local police and military checkpoints. If we’re asked to stop, Mr. Harris will deal diplomatically with the situation.”
Buck said something in Arabic, then translated, “Get out of my way, you stupid sons of diseased camels.”
Big laugh from the boys. It was obvious that no one here had a very high regard for the host country or its citizens. I could certainly see why this was so-but American arrogance led to over-confidence, and that led to mistakes.
Brenner also reminded everyone, “Flak jackets will be worn even though you’re wearing Kevlar vests. We will maintain the top speed possible, and I will set the speed. Vehicle intervals are determined by speed or terrain.”
He then got down to the tough stuff and said, “As per our training, we will not deploy or return fire if fired on-we will trust our armor, and we will drive through the ambush, even if our so-called puncture-proof tires are flat. If a vehicle is disabled by an explosive device, we will encircle the disabled vehicle, take up defensive positions, and return fire if fired upon. If we are engaged by a moving vehicle while we are moving, you may at that time lower your windows and blow him the fuck off the road.”
That got a big cheer. Even Howard let out a whoop. I’m starting to worry about him.
I watched Mr. Paul Brenner, combat veteran, and I could see, as I said, that he was very much in his element here, getting the troops psyched up, showing a mixture of professional confidence and personal aggressiveness. This was a competent leader, and a man everyone could trust-except maybe if you happened to have your wife with you. But, hey, no one is perfect. I just hoped he was focusing more on the mission than on his lonely dick.
I glanced at Kate while Brenner was speaking, and I could see she was somewhat taken with Mr. Macho. She had that admiring look in her eye that she usually reserves for me and Bon Jovi.
Anyway, Brenner wrapped it up with, “We have no reason to expect any problems on the road, but if we do have an encounter, we’re more than equipped and ready to handle anything. I wish us all a safe journey and a nice ride in the country.”
Everyone applauded. Bravo. Encore. Well, maybe it was time to go.
Ed Peters, part-time preacher, called out, “Godspeed, and safe home.”
And bring those Land Cruisers back in one piece.
Brenner shouted, “Mount up! Let’s roll!”
Everyone gathered their gear and made their way to their assigned vehicles, but I, of course, walked Kate to Vehicle Four. Howard was already sitting in the passenger seat with his M4, talking to the driver, and I loaded Kate’s luggage in the rear compartment beside Howard’s.
I closed the hatch and said to Kate, “Sounds like a milk run.”
She didn’t respond to that, but advised me, “Behave yourself.”
I put on that confused look that I do so well and asked, “What are you talking about?”
“You sit up front.”
“Of course. Shotgun.”
“Give me a kiss.”
We did a hug and kiss, and she said, “See you at the refueling stop.”
Or sooner.
So I threw my bags in the rear of the middle vehicle, where Dr. Nolan’s CPR unit and oxygen were stowed. I got in the front seat and said hello to the driver, whose name was Mike Cassidy.
Dr. Nolan was already in the rear seat with a big medical bag, wearing her flak jacket, and I turned to her and said, “Hello, Doctor.”
“Call me Clare,” said Scarlett.
The big engines of the five Land Cruisers all fired up, we buckled up, and off we went.
Both gates of the sally port were open, and the convoy passed quickly out of the American Embassy compound and into Yemen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Across the road was Tourist City, the scene of last night’s Russian adventure. Thinking back, I was certain that Buck knew of Mr. Brenner’s interest in Mrs. Corey, and I wondered what the wise old diplomat would advise his friend. I’m sure Buck would tell Brenner to cool it. Mission first.
“John?”
I turned in my seat. “Yes, Clare?”
“Have you driven to Aden?”
“Actually, I have. About two and a half years ago.” I asked, “How about you?”
“First time.” She told me, “I just got here three weeks ago.” She asked me, “How long will you and your wife be here?”
Who? Oh, my wife. I replied, “Hopefully not long. How about you?”
“I signed on for a year.” She told me, “The State Department is helping me repay my student loan.”
“Right. Me, too.”
She laughed.
I asked, “How do you like Yemen?”
“Sucks.”
“Give it time.”
Mike Cassidy, our DSS driver, assured her, “It doesn’t get better.”
We continued south, past the British Embassy and the Movenpick Hotel, then turned onto the Marib road, which was not well traveled, making it easier to see if anyone was following. Then we doubled back to intersect with the main road heading south again.
The Bondmobile reported on the radio, “We’re alone.”
