The Gray Man Ch. 17 - Sarah

Dear Reader,

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events and incidents are the products of the author's imagination.

Constructive criticism, and feedback is truly appreciated. I would like this to be an interactive journey as much as this medium allows. Please feel free to send suggestions, ideas for future characters etc. I welcome the input.

Also, if you'd like a character to inquire about Gray's services send me a description and we can work from there. The previous 3 stories have all been requested by readers. If you'd like to meet Gray - please let me know.

I also need to be honest. Nobody on this site is getting paid - authors, editors etc. If you are the type of reader that reads to look for mistakes to send snarky notes - allow me to invite you to skip my stories.

Keep Soaring,

Pelican

(¬‿¬)

UnderSecretary of Defense, Jennifer St. Jean, stood confidently at the front of the dimly lit briefing room in the A Wing of the sprawling Pentagon complex. As the 4th highest-ranking civilian official in the Department of Defense, she commanded respect and authority among her colleagues and subordinates. Today, however, her usual professional demeanor was subtly tinged with a hint of something else.

While the room was not warm, Gray noticed that when he walked into the room she took off her Blue pinstriped blazer that matched the same chalk pinstripe pattern of her pants. This was the daily attire for Ms. St. Jean, today though the blouse was more luxurious and one more button was undone, allowing the some of creamy white cleavage of her ample breasts to be visible.

As she was getting dressed that morning a battle raged within her. She buttoned then unbuttoned the same button 4 times before finally murmuring, "Fuck it," to the woman in the mirror and leaving it unbuttoned.

.

"Sergeant Major," Jennifer began, her voice smooth and composed. "We have a new assignment that requires your expertise and finesse. A high-value target that you know very well has surfaced in the mountainous region between Pakistan and Afghanistan-- the key figure in a network of terrorist organizations. We believe he's been hiding in an isolated compound, and it's crucial that we take his network before he can carry out any further acts of terror."

As she continued detailing the mission's specifics--the target's profile, the intelligence gathered so far, and the risks involved--Jennifer couldn't help but notice how Gray's strong jawline accentuated his rugged features. His hair had grown out since the last time she had seen him. If he was going to be in the field the last thing he wanted was to look like a soldier. The soft gray whisps at his temples, the pale eyes, and the tanned face were enough of a distraction, and she had seen more. Watching almost two hours optic footage of what lays hidden underneath his chinos and how he fucks when he had captured the fox. She knew the wildness that lay beneath his composed exterior, and she found herself momentarily distracted by the thought him bending her over her desk and fucking the shit out of her.

TJ was distracted too, but not by the same thing. He didn't care much for Jennifer St. Jean, and while attractive, her mannerisms annoyed the field agent. That wasn't the distraction though. As he looked through the file and at the image projected on the screen, memories of his last visit to this particular mountain range flashed in his mind.

The man he was looking at was Nazir Omar - the twin brother of the warlord that had captured him years ago, Aziz. Nazir was the money man while Aziz was more hands on when it came to the dirty work. It was Nazir who had placed the 2 million dollar bounty on The Ghost's head.

"Madam Secretary," Gray began as he tried to fight down the bile building in his gut, "I am sure you are aware of my past relationship with Nazir's family."

The gray haired woman looked at him carefully, "I am."

TJ continued, "As I am sure you are also aware, Nazir has put a bounty on my head."

Again, Jennifer's simple reply was, "I am."

If he was being honest with himself, 10 years ago TJ would have been on the first C-17 to Rihad, to catch a C-2 Greyhound to the nearest US Carrier, for a late night insertion into the mountains on a Navy Seahawk helicopter to go hunting. Today, it felt like a suicide mission, but at the core of who he was, TJ was a soldier and soldier's obeyed orders.

Gray sat for a moment, his mind drifting back to his capture, his torture, his rescue by Sharpshooter and his team, but mostly the deaths of his Damian, Matty, Juan, and Cortez who were killed when their Little Bird helicopter was shot down by a shoulder fired missile trying to rescue him. His capture led to the deaths of 4 of his closest friends, his team. For a man like TJ this was unacceptable.

TJ's jaw tightened and his eyes flashed from calm to enraged to focused in the span of two seconds. He knew this mission was different and he also knew no matter what his orders were, if he had an opportunity to prosecute Nazir Omar with extreme prejudice he would not hesitate, he also knew that if he would not be captured again, no matter what he had to do. He looked from the file to the screen to UnderSecDef St. Jean and nodded. His reply was a simple, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Gray," she said, catching herself and regaining her focus. "This mission requires utmost precision and discretion. You'll be eyes and ears only, we have a SEAL Team on QRF once you get eyes on the target. Our intelligence suggests that the target has surrounded himself with a small army of loyalists, so you can expect fierce resistance."

Gray's eyes never wavered from Jennifer's, his intense gaze almost magnetic in its pull. As she tried to hold his gaze Jennifer didn't know if she were more terrified or aroused and wondered if there was a word that described being both.

Jennifer noticed the slight smirk that played at the corners of Gray's lips. The focused glare and the smirk made Jennifer's stomach flutter. Her brain was screaming, 'Get control of yourself St. Jean' while her body was telling her to not be afraid to lose control.

"Sgt. Major," she said, her voice quivering with desire and growing softer, carrying a subtle hint of vulnerability. "I trust you. I know your entanglement with the Omar's, it's why I need you in those mountains. You know them, you studied the family for years. You know their movements, the ways they communicate, and the area around the compound are places you have been before. You've proven time and again that you're the best at what you do. Bring him in, alive if possible, but prioritize the safety of your team."

TJ looked at her, "When does my greenlight go on."

She tapped the file folder on her desk, "I want you boots on the ground in 14 days."

Gray nodded, "Roger that. That gives me a few days to gather more intel. I'll plan on grabbing the C-17 late Tuesday night, get to the carrier by Wednesday night - share intel with the SEAL Team and insert on Thursday night. That's 12 days."

St. Jean nodded, "I'll go to my boss and open the window."

As the briefing concluded, Gray rose from his chair to leave her office. Jennifer's heart was pounding in her chest. She watched his ass as he walked to her office door. "Oh, and Gray, one more thing."

TJ stopped and turned as she added, "Be safe."

He nodded, "I'll do my best, boss."

Gray left the office, found a corridor and made his way through the rings of The Pentagon, offering and returning salutes from Service Members as he walked. As he passed by a Colonel walking with a One Star General. TJ gave the proper salute as he passed until he heard his name,

"Holy Shit, Ghost. Too damn good to stop and say hello."

TJ turned and saw Colonel Brian Thornton, currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the 160th SOAR - (Special Operations Aviation Regiment)

Colonel Thornton broke into a big smile as he walked over and immediately wrapped TJ in a huge hug, "The last time I saw you docs were hauling your ass to the ER at Bagram."

In that moment it took every bit of strength that Thomas Patrick James had to not cry. At the time of the rescue Thornton was a newly promoted Major was at the flight controls of the US Army Blackhawk that Sharpshooter had loaded Gray on.

Thornton had come to see TJ when he had stabilized before they loaded him onto the C-17 for his flight to Ramstein.

"Colonel Thornton, it's been far too long," Gray said.

"Ghost, you son of a bitch! I had heard you retired. I can't believe it's really you."

Gray smiled, "I did, then Sharpshooter dragged me back in."

The General smiled, "Working for Admiral Barnett, he's a good man."

Gray nodded as Scott Thornton apologized, "Sergeant Major James, this is Brigadier General Tony Scott, Deputy Commander, First Special Operations Group."

TJ put out his hand, "Pleasure to meet you, Sir."

General Scott smiled, "It's nice to finally meet you Sergeant Major. Your reputation precedes you."

Thornton looked at his watch, "Got time to grab lunch, we were just headed to Robert Irvine's Fresh Kitchen before a 1300 meeting."

Gray nodded as his mind drifted to Angela in Germany, Gretchen and Sharpshooter becoming a couple and how it was growing more depressing eating alone. "I'd love to.

Brigadier General Scott put his hand on his Aviation Commanders arm, "You too go ahead and grab lunch, I'll go see if Dennis is in and grab lunch with him, you two catch up." He looked at TJ and put his hand out, "Nice to meet you Sergeant Major." Then turned to Scott, "I'll see you at 1300."

Gray couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Thornton, remembering the fateful day when their paths crossed, and in this moment he was thrilled that Brigadier General Scott kindly took a detour.

"You know, I'll never forget that day you flew into that compound to get me out," Gray said, his voice filled with emotion. "Sharpshooter said that you were under constant fire and that a smart pilot would have aborted until shit calmed down."

Thornton smiled, his face lighting up the room, "I'm a damn good pilot, but I have never once claimed to be a smart pilot."

Gray ordered Carne Asada Tacos which were as amazing as you would expect from a Robert Irvine restaurant. Thornton ordered a Curried Chicken Panini.

When the two men sat down Thornton's eyes softened, and he nodded. "That was one hell of a day, Ghost. I could tell by Shooter's voice that you were fucked up bad, I knew we had to get you out of there, no matter what it took.

Gray's voice dropped to a whisper. "I have been thinking alot about the Little Bird, and playing over and over in my head that if I had been the one that died - four hero's would still be here."

Thornton reached across the table and placed a hand on Gray's forearm. "Don't let the dragon do that, Ghost. You would have done the same damn thing, it's who we are. We fucking take care of each other, Gray. That's what brothers do. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat."

A moment of silence hung in the air as they both reflected on the events of that day. The clatter of dishes and the buzz of conversation surrounded them, but they were lost in their memories.

Finally, Colonel Thornton broke the silence, "Do you remember much of the flight?"

TJ shook his head, "All I remember was hearing, Raven-Zero Six, Ghost Secure, Wheels Up."

Thornton shook his head, "How the fuck did you hear that over the turbines?"

Gray smiled, "I have no idea, Sir."

Raven 0-6 smiled, "That's why you are The Ghost. So, what the hell brought you back in?"

Gray told him what he could of his work with Sharpshooter until Raven looked at his watch, "I hate to cut this but I don't want to be the last one to a meeting when the room is full of stars."

TJ smiled, "Again, thank you Colonel, for everything." Gray pulled out a plane white business card, no name, no address, just a telephone number and handed it to Thornton, "The next time your Blackhawk makes it to Andrews give me a shout, I'll bring the bourbon, Sharpshooter can man the grill and we can catch up."

Thornton tucked the card into the front pocket of his ACU's, "That is something I wouldn't miss."

Ghost finally made his way out of The Pentagon, weaved his way through Arlington traffic, and headed out for a long run. He was aware enough to know that going back to those mountains, that same village, into the neighboring compound to where all hell rained down on him would be a Post Traumatic Nightmare - he needed to get his shit straight and get it straight soon.

That night TJ met Mark and Gretchen for dinner at Busboys and Poets. Gray ordered a Shrimp & Chicken Chorizo Pasta, while Mark had Fried Catfish and Gretchen ordered a bowl of Tomato Soup with a Steak and Asparagus Salad. With the warm weather everyone had a couple of Mojitos to go with their dinner.

Early in the meal TJ looked across the table and said, "You'll never guess who I ran into at The Puzzle Palace today?"

Mark sipped his mojito, "Any particular reason you were in the Pentagon today?"

Gray nodded, "St. Jean is sending me boots wet for a few days. We can talk more about that tomorrow in the office."

Gretchen looked at her cousin then to her boyfriend. "You know this is bullshit, right? You can't have this conversation and just leave me hanging and worried."

TJ nodded, "I know Gretch, but this one is from high up the food chain. I'll be okay and we can talk a bit about it when I get back."

Sharpshooter trying to lessen the tension at the table followed up, "Who did you have the pleasure of running into?"

"Raven 06, he's now the CO of SOAR." Gray smiled.

Mark laughed, "No shit. Full Bird?"

Gretchen noisily placed her fork on the salad plate, "Please for the love of God speak in a language that I can understand."

TJ and Mark laughed, "Raven 06 is from what TJ says the Commanding Officer of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. TJ ran into him at the Pentagon - or the Puzzle Palace. I asked if he was a full bird colonel."

Gretchen shook her head, "Thank you."

"So, TJ," Mark began, his voice low and gravelly. "Tell me about running into Scott at the Pentagon."

"I was walking down the corridor and snapped a salute to a Colonel and a One Star. Raven called me out. We had lunch and caught up. First time I had seen him since they flew me out of Bagram.

Mark nodded, his face etched with lines etched by years of carrying the weight of responsibility. "You okay?"

TJ's eyes met Sharpshooters, Gretchen got goose bumps seeing the bond between these two warriors. "If it wasn't for you, and him I wouldn't be here. No bird should have been in that compound that high up in the mountains. Hell, he threw everything off the bird that wasn't bolted down to lessen weight. Not gonna lie, seeing him again, opened some boxes I thought were nailed shut."

Mark leaned forward, his voice filled with both empathy and understanding. He lifted his glass, "A toast to the wounds nobody ever sees."

Gretchen glared at Sharpshooter, protective of her cousin.

Underwood went on, "You are a strong man, Ghost. I know the memories can haunt you, but they also remind you of the strength and resilience that resides deep down inside of you."

Gray chuckled, "The shit we do is wild. Anyway, I gave him my number. Told him that the next time he flew his happy ass up here from Bragg to give me a call and the three of us can catch up."

Gretchen looked at the two men, amazed that they could flip the switch that easily. "That's something I am not going to miss."

Mark looked at his girlfriend, "Oh really?" he asked with a smirk

"Yes, really," she continued, as she looked at her cousin, "TJ, you need someone around to sit with the demons - I'm that person."

As they were leaving Mark needed to stop at the restroom. Gretchen reached up and touched Gray's face, "I'm not going anywhere, Paddy."

TJ smiled, his eyes moist. "I know Gretch, I know."

She pulled her hand away, "I don't suppose you want a contract before you leave the country."

TJ smiled, "Honestly, if it's soon it may be a good thing to distract me. I will be wheels up late Tuesday night."

Gretchen nodded, and handed him a folder. "Call me tomorrow."

Sharpshooter came down the hallway, "Now look who has secrets."

Gretchen smiled, slipped her hands into the arms of both men, "A girl does what she has to do."

TJ looked through the folder, this one was different. He actually chuckled as he read the contract. It seems that a wife was caught by her sister in law violating a prenuptial agreement by having elicit online activities. The wife, Sarah, also treated Andrea's brother, John, like shit. Andrea was tired of watching her brother miserable and got him to agree to have Sarah "tamed." At the threat of losing everything Sarah agreed. TJ put down the folder and shook his head before picking up the phone to call Angela. It was 1 AM so that meant it was 7 in Germany.

From working together for years as well as being lovers the pair had developed their own language to talk about sensitive issues without the risk of being overheard.

Near the end of the conversation Gray said, "Heading to the mountains, back to our favorite cabin to see the owner's brother. I'll call you when I'm back home."

The other end of the phone was silent for 30 seconds as Angela absorbed what she had just heard. "Wait, why would you want to go there?"

TJ responded calmly, "Boss is looking to buy a new place and wants me to check the property."

Angela's voice dropped into her throat, "Fuck. Just Fuck. Does Shooter know?"

Gray confirmed that he would be talking to him in the morning. Angela told TJ that she loved him and she would call him later in the day when she could talk more freely, and then hung up the phone.

She immediately walked into General Williams office, "Ghost is going after Nazir."

The General shook his head, "Who in the fuck ordered that? There is a 2 million dollar bounty on his head and we are going to send him right to them."

Angela nodded, "Direct from Undersec St. Jean."

The General rubbed his temples, "It's too early for this shit."

The career Marine First Sergeant Angela Taggert looked at her boss. "If anything happens to him, I'm putting a price on her head."

General Williams looked up from his desk, "Start a fucking Go Fund Me - I'll be the first to chip in."

Gray slept that night, but he wished he hadn't. The nightmares were powerful. The bed looked like he and Angela had spent the night having crazy sex. No sheets were tucked in, the mattress was soaked with sweat, and TJ woke up with a raging migraine. It was going to be a long day.

TJ got up, fixed coffee and headed to the shower taking his cup with him. On the way to the office he called Gretchen and gave her the go ahead for the contract. The rest of that week was filled with pouring over satellite images, planning with Sharpshooter, and coordinating flights to get to the carrier. It was a long week and when Friday came Gray was grumpy.

TJ met Sarah Anderson and her husband John for dinner on Friday evening to set the contract in motion. Sarah was 35 and an attorney - this explained some of Gretchen's smirk when she handed TJ the folder earlier in the week. John was a finance guy, who had inherited a huge part of his father's hedge fund. Andrea worked with her brother in the hedge fund.

As the maître d' led Gray to the table he was surprised to see four people at the table. From the picture in the file he immediately recognized Sarah. She was attractive, with shoulder-length chestnut brown hair that frames her face nicely. Her hazel eyes sparkle with intelligence and determination. Sarah's features are well-defined, with a graceful nose and a radiant smile that lights up a room. Gray guessed that she was a 36C.