PART III - Chapter 15: THE COLD RECEPTION

 

 

Chapter 15

The Cold Reception
(Ó 2010)

The Yellow Cab Logan rode in was on I-75 and soon came to the sign that read, “BRIDGE TO CANADA/PORTER ST.” The driver followed the arrow from the sign and now was just a few minutes from the Ambassador Bridge, the bridge that linked Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. The only place in the world where you could travel southbound to get into Canada.

Canada, the country that the Lakota Sioux once affectionately referred to as “Grandmother’s Land”, after the Queen of England. Logan gazed at the old bridge and followed its span to the other side of the Detroit River. In less than fifteen minutes, he would be out of the United States and maybe … just maybe … the most difficult part of this journey would be behind him.

 

Logan wore his hat low with dark sunglasses, even though it was late afternoon and it was starting to get dark, and he also had his scarf drawn up to his chin.

 

The driver, an older gentleman of African decent with silver hair at his temples turned to Logan and asked, “Would you like for me to take you over sir?”

 

“Yes, please.” Logan replied using his natural American accent and handed the driver a ten-dollar bill, “This should cover the tolls for you to and back.”

 

The driver took the bill and proceeded to the exit, which made a wide circular turn, then straightened and started to go upward. Then onto the bridge to drive for the 7,500 feet into Canada. Logan laid his head back on the seat and looked up through the rear window. He watched as the steel cables and high support towers of the suspension bridge passed on both sides of him. He felt the cab as it angled upward and soon he would be over 150 feet above the river - - -

 

- - - When Logan awoke the first thing he noticed was that, his bedroom was drenched in sunlight. He sat up and rubbed his eyes then looked to the clock on the table next to his bed, he saw that it was 3:45 … in the afternoon; he had slept for fifteen straight hours. He kicked his feet over, sat on the edge of his bed, and again rubbed his face. He now felt the roughness of four days of beard growth on his face.

“Damn.” He said to himself, “This civilian life is starting to make me into a wimp.” He was disappointed in himself for not fighting his fatigue and going to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau. In his days as a Legionnaire he would have been in the field for four days then off for a night or two on the town with hardly any effort whatsoever.

 

He stood up from his bed, stepped into his bathroom, and looked at himself in the mirror. His hair all disheveled and with the addition of the four days of growth on his face, he looked as if he should be begging for spare change out on the streets. He decided to take another quick shower, if nothing at least the make his hair presentable again. The hot water and soap rejuvenated him and now he was very wide awake. He stepped from the shower to his sink and filled it with steaming hot water. He retrieved his can of shaving cream from the medicine chest and applied a thick lather to his face. He let the lather set on his face to help soften and raise his beard, as he did so he combed his hair straight back. Then he took his razor from the medicine cabinet, swirled it in the hot water, and began to shave starting with his upper lip. He heard the sound of which he could only compare to Velcro strips being slowly pulled open as the razor removed the stubble from his face.

 

Slowly he would move the razor across his face, and then would feel around the freshly shaved area for the minute stubble that was left behind with his fingertips. Then he would pass the razor again, this time against the grain until his face was “as smooth as a baby’s butt.”

He now rinsed off his face with cold water and looked at himself in the mirror. Unusual how a shower and shave can make you feel like a whole new man. He then went to his dresser and again put on a new pair of briefs. He also put on a clean pair of sweatpants along with a white t-shirt. He thought to himself that Jean-Luc was right. That he would now be in a lot better shape to see that girl Lily, now that he was fully rested. He would relax a little, then get dressed, then make his way for Le Club Argenté D'oiseau later that evening. 

He went to his kitchen and began to make himself some eggs, toast and coffee. Even though most people were having their dinner, Logan had to have breakfast food because he had just awakened. As he put on the coffee he turned to switch on the television set. To Logan’s surprise, there on the screen was Captain Thiebulet. Logan turned up the volume and from what he could tell; this was a taped news conference from earlier that morning.

 

 

Apparently, the arrest of Bela Volchescu and the raid on his compound was the number one news story in the country. The Captain was giving a statement about how this operation and arrest had put a stranglehold, and set back, organized crime not only in France but in all of Europe as well. Standing with him were high-ranking members of Interpol and the GIGN as well.

Logan watched the report as he made his late evening breakfast; the story was the dominate one on the news. He sat in front of the television, ate his eggs, toast, and watched as several correspondents covered the story. They were reporting everything from how the raid itself was executed, to the life story of Bela Volchescu. After about five more minutes, Logan reached over to the side table next to his chair for the telephone and dialed Jean-Luc.

Logan heard the phone ringing on the other side of the line, on the third ring he heard it being picked up and Jean-Luc’s voice saying, “Ahlo?”

“Jean?”

 

“Logan! How are you my friend? How did your evening go?”

“Well, it didn’t,” He answered low toned, “I sat on my bed for a minute and I thought I would just lie down for a few more … next thing I know … it’s almost four in the afternoon.”

Jean-Luc let out a laugh, “Well, you were exhausted Logan and you would have been no good to anyone last night.”

“Yeah, I know, you were right. But, I’m going to go there later on.”

 

 

“And you shall be all rested and able to concentrate on this young lady.”

“Yes,” Logan agreed, “you were right about that too. I do feel much better. Anyways, the reason I called, I just turned on the news, I guess were famous.”

“Well, Thiebulet is the one who is famous,” Jean-Luc, said as if he was correcting him, “not we. And believe me … you prefer it this way.”

 

“Meaning?”

“We angered a lot of bad people yesterday Logan. That is our job. Today not only did we put Vochescu out of business, but we have also interrupted a lot of cash flow to his clients, maybe stopping most of it all together. Let Thiebulet be the front man, as well as those others. We must be unseen and unknown, it the best protection for all of us,” then Jean-Luc emphasized, “and for our families.”

“I understand completely.” Logan said, “How long has this been going on, the news story I mean?”

“Oh, since about ten this morning.” Jean-Luc Answered, “Thiebulet must have gone home right to bed and got there early this morning. He called a last minute news conference and laid out all the details. It has been the talk of the town all day.”

“And I slept right through it all.”

 

 

“Well, you did not miss much my friend, after awhile it does gets boring. Besides, why do we have to see it on the news? We were there.”

“That’s true.”

“So, you are going to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau later then?” Jean-Luc asked.

“Yes,” Logan answered, “and this time I hope there will be no more distractions.”

“You sound a little nervous.”

“I guess I am.”

“Ha!” Jean-Luc exclaimed, “Is it not humorous just the way that is. Here is the man who took down one of the most dangerous gangsters in Europe … and a little woman makes him nervous.” Logan then heard Jean-Luc laughing.

“It is funny isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. But do you want to hear something else that is funny?” Jean-Luc asked.

“What’s that?”

 

 

“Your little nervousness is understandable.” Jean-Luc said, “But to answer the question you had the other night, when you snuck into the compound? The answer is cynophobia.”

“Cynophobia?” Logan asked baffled, “What the hell is that?”

“It is the abnormal fear of dogs.” Jean-Luc answered, “You were wondering why Bela had no guard dogs on the compound, that is the reason. He hates dogs, he is terrified of them.”

“One of the most feared men in Europe, and I could have taken him down with a poodle instead of a bullet?” Logan asked jokingly, “It would have saved us a lot of work and him a leg. Serves him right, how can a man hate a dog? Dogs are the best.”

“I guess everyone has a weakness.” Jean-Luc said. “Well, you go out and have some fun with that little weakness of yours then Logan.”

“Okay Jean, thanks. See you later.” They both said good-bye to each other and Logan hung up the telephone. He sat and watched a little more of the news program, waiting for the sports reports to see the football standings. He missed some of the games while he was gone and hadn’t seen any newspaper yet.

The news broadcast then ended. Logan stood and went into his bedroom to his closet to pick out what he was going to wear that evening when he went to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau . This time it would be black slacks, and a charcoal grey mock turtleneck along with his leather jacket. Same basic outfit, different colors. He laid them on the bed and began to pace around his room and the rest of his apartment. It was true, he was nervous about seeing Lily. That was the effect she had on him. He thought of how all see had to do is look at him, and he would begin to stutter while he spoke, his fingertips would shake, or all other thoughts would be obstructed and all he could concentrate on was her face.

He looked to his watch and saw that it was now 5:45 PM, and he planned to arrive at Le Club Argenté D'oiseau around eight that evening. He had over two hours to kill, so he spent it pacing his apartment and rocking in his chair contemplating how he was going to spend that evening with Lily. What to say to her and what to talk about. The time seemed to drag, but finally it was a quarter passed seven, he dressed in the clothes that he had chosen and left his apartment. He walked to the corner of his street, summoned a taxi and then was on his way.

 It was evening in Paris and the streets were bustling with the movement of the people and all the side activities. The lights from the streets and buildings blanketed everything with the mixture of their glows. In twenty minutes, the taxi stopped across the street from Le Club Argenté D'oiseau. It was all lit brightly and the building itself reflected outward onto everything around it. It was almost the centerpiece of attention. The patrons were going in two, three, four or more at a time. Logan looked at his watch and saw that it was now just five minutes to eight. He took a few minutes to give himself just a little more time to build his courage up. He then took a few deep breaths, and crossed the street.

He walked in a brisk yet nervous pace and then he came right up to the door. He recognized the doorman, and the doorman recognized him. He nodded his head to Logan and opened the door for him.

“Thank you very much.” Logan said acknowledging him. He entered and saw the club was now much busier than he had seen from the last times he was there. In addition, he felt the eyes of all the men upon him again, this new man, who was he, that they’ve never seen before. He made his way to where he could see the private table that belonged to Claude Deveraux, and sitting there was Lily with all of her friends. Logan began to feel his heart pounding slightly.

He began to make his way to the table, it was slow because the club was somewhat crowded at the time, and many of the men would stop Logan and ask him his name or if he were alone. Logan then noticed that he had caught the attention of Clive. Clive was smiling at first, however when he saw Logan, that smile disappeared suddenly. Clive kept his stare on Logan and soon the others at the table turned to see what he was looking at. The same reaction came from everyone.

Miriam looked … stopped smiling. Cosette looked … stopped smiling. Bricey looked … stopped smiling. Giselle looked … stopped smiling. Then Lily turned and saw him, he knew then something was wrong. She took a quick look at him, and then turned her back as if she were shocked. Then she slowly turned and looked at him and she too wasn’t smiling. In fact, she looked rather sad.

Claude on the other hand looked at all at his table. The expression on his face was actually one of amusement.

 

 

Lily then stood and walked over to Logan, she was wearing a lavender metallic mini dress with long sleeves. She stopped abruptly about two feet in front of him, crossed her arms and asked coldly, “So … where have you been?”

It suddenly occurred to Logan that he had no answer for her question … and … who would ever believe it. His mind went blank; he had no idea as to what to say to her. All he could muster was, “I … um … something came up.”

“That’s all you have to say for yourself?” Lily asked angrily, “Something came up? As I recall, standing in front on my flat, FOUR NIGHTS AGO, you were supposed to meet me here the next night, and ‘start all over,’ isn’t that so?”

“Yes.”

“So … start what all over?”

 Logan was speechless with this cold reception. He began to stutter out, “Well … um … you know. What was starting between us?”

“What was starting between us? That’s just it Logan, something had started, then you abruptly stopped. I sat here the next night waiting for you … hour after hour. I thought something might have happened to you. I sat here the next evening also, and you’re not here,” Lily said, in a stern and angry tone, “now all of a sudden you pop in out of the blue. Where have you been?”

 

Logan thought for a split second, how could he possibly tell her where he had been? Even though it was true, it would be impossible for her or anyone to believe. “I … well … I just got called out of town suddenly.” It was all he could think of.

Lily crossed arms began to tighten, “Called out of town? Called where?”

“Someplace north of here.”

“And this ‘place north of here’, there are no telephones or any ways to communicate?”

Logan looked down to her feet, nodded his head slowly ‘no’, and said, “Well … no actually. From where I was … I had no access to a telephone.”

Lily’s lips now began to purse, “I’m getting angrier at you by the second Logan, I feel that you’re keeping something from me. Is there another woman or something? Is that it? You are married then … aren’t you?”

“No!” Logan exclaimed, “I’ve never been married and there is no other girl.”

“Then what is it then?” Her expression told him that she wanted the truth, now, and it had to be his final answer.

Logan felt the nervousness of his predicament. He saw in his mind just telling her: “Well you see babe it’s like this. I was living out in the forest around a farmhouse for three days and nights spying on one of the most notorious gangsters in all of Europe. I coordinated the raid on his home, shot four men, crippling the gangster in the process, stopped the sale of about a ton narcotics, and saved a bunch of children from being sold into sexual slavery. Why did I do all this you ask? Simple dear, I’m undercover for the French National Police! Get it?” 

Logan looked up from her feet and to her eyes and simply said, “All I can tell you is … well … that it’s …”

 

 

“Complicated?” Lily finished.

“Yeah … complicated.”

Her expression no turned colder, “Complicated and mysterious, is that what you want to be to me Logan? Because I just cannot have that. I just had a man who burdened me finally taken out of my life, and that is thanks to you, but is this how you want to be? Coming in like a knight in shining armor, just to keep yourself at a distance?”

“No, I don’t want that.”

“Then tell me then, what happened, where were you?”

Logan then looked up to the ceiling, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

 Lily then turned hastily and stepped back to where her friends were sitting, Logan followed behind. When she got the she looked to them and said, “Miriam? Cosette? Giselle? I’m sorry, but my evening has suddenly been ruined. Would you all mind coming home with me?”

Giselle said, “But of course my dear, come on girls.” The girls all then stood and went to Lily’s side.

 

 

Logan could see tears starting to form in Lily’s eyes and he said, “Lily, wait. Don’t go.”

“No Logan,” she said sternly, “I can’t do this. Until you come clean with me, I will not do this. You cannot be ‘complicated’ do you understand? I can’t have mysteries about a man I would be involved with.”

“But, I told you before that my life is very complicated.” Logan said.

Lily looked to him, “Well then Logan, until you can make yourself uncomplicated to me … go piss off.” She and the other girls then turned and exited rapidly leaving Logan standing there. The last three words she said caused a stabbing pain in his chest.

He stood there with his hands on his hips and watched as the for of them left the club. He took a deep breath through his nostrils and then realized that Clive, Bricey and Claude were still sitting at the table and staring at him. He looked over to them and there was a brief uncomforting feeling between him and them. Finally, Clive motioned for him to have a seat. Logan slowly sauntered over, sat down hard on the open chair next to Clive, folded his hands between his open knees and looked sadly to the floor.

Clive placed a sympathetic hand on Logan’s shoulder and said, “She is angry with you, because she cares for you.”

Logan looked at Clive’s face, he was smiling just a little and he asked him, “You think so huh?”

“Oh most certainly,” he answered, “you are all she has spoken about over the past four days… Yes, half of it was anger, the other half worry,. But the subject was still you.”

 

 

“Now I really feel like shit.” Logan said.

“She is angry with you now, give her a little time to settle down,” Clive advised him, “then go to her and give her your explanation.” Clive gave Logan’s shoulder a little shake to get his attention focused, “You do have an explanation, do you not?”

“Yes … yes I do.”

“Then what is it? Can you tell me?”

Logan then stood up and said to Clive, “You want to know the truth? Well that’s what wrong … it’s the truth. I tell you right now Clive, if I … had to explain to me … what happened and where I’ve been? Well, to tell you the truth I would not believe me.” He then turned and left the club himself quickly.

He stepped outside of Le Club Argenté D'oiseau and looked to the direction that Lily would have taken to walk home. There he saw the four of them standing on the corner. Miriam, Cosette, and Giselle were all trying to comfort Lily who was crying. Lily looked up and saw Logan standing on the steps of the entryway, the other girls looked up and gave him a cold stare, Lily then motioned for all of them to leave and with that, the four of them disappeared around the corner. Logan then began to feel more worse. He stepped down onto the sidewalk and began to walk in the opposite direction.

He never summoned a taxi or took a bus; he walked the entire way to his home.

 

 

* * *

The walk had taken him a few hours. Once he reached his apartment, it was just starting to become dawn. He sat down in his chair not bothering to turn on any of the lights, he drifted off to sleep. He was then awoken by the sound of his telephone; the morning light was now illuminating his living room.

 

 

He picked up the phone and said sleepily, “Hello.”

“Logan! You are home!” It was Jean-Luc. “Are you still asleep?”

“What time is it?”

“It is just past ten.”

“What’s up Jean?”

“Two things, first, how did it go last night?”

Logan was hesitant with his answer and Jean-Luc sensed it. “Well, to tell you honestly Jean, I blew it big time.”

“What do you mean?”

“She was very angry with me and I can’t blame her.” Logan said, “I was supposed to meet her that night on the day we were called away. I was gone for four days and nights, she didn’t here from me, I basically can’t explain where I’ve been, you know.”

“Sounds very complicated.” Jean-Luc said with sympathy.

“Yeah, well that word has been bantered about a lot.” Logan said.

“Well, my friend, my advice it to give her a little time then go and pursue her. Tell her what happened.”

“Oh come on Jean, if I told you where I have been all that time, if you were a woman, wouldn’t you think it was all bullshit?”

“I see what you mean.” Jean agreed, “But, give it a few days, at least try and work it out.”

 

“Yeah, right. I’m not very good at this romance thing; I’ve been out of that game for a long while.” Logan said, “You said there two things, what’s the other?”

“Well, speaking of games, some of the other guys want to know if you would like to practice at some football this afternoon, we need our goalkeeper.”

“I don’t know Jean. Maybe not today.”

“Come on Logan, it is a beautiful day, some running around in the sunshine with a little aggressive play will do you good. Afterwards we will go for a drink and talk about it.

Logan thought for a second, “Alright, what time?”

“One o’clock?”

“OK then, come by and get me.”

“Logan?”

 

“Yes Jean?”

 

“It will all be alright for you, I know it.”

“Thanks Jean.” - - -

 

- - - “That will be $22.75 sir.” The taxi driver said to Logan. He looked out from the window and saw that he was now on the Canadian side of the river. He opened the door and took his bag. He reached into his pocket and gave the driver a single bill, who looked at it and said, “I can’t break a hundred dollar bill sir.”

“You don’t have to,” Logan said quietly to him, “just keep it.”

The driver’s expression became one of pleasant surprise, “Why thank you, thank you sir. You have yourself a pleasant trip wherever you’re going.”

“Thank you,” Logan said, all the time making sure that his face was not that well seen, “be careful driving back.”

“Good night then sir.” The driver said.

“Good night to you too.” Logan then turned and went into the building where he would enter Canada.

He stepped up to a desk where a young woman with red hair sat; she was wearing an official Canadian Immigration uniform. When he stood directly in front of her, she smiled and said, “Good evening.”

“Bonjour.” Logan replied in French using his acquired French accent.

The woman then replied in French, “What brings you to Canada?”

The both then spoke in French to each other during the initial interview.

“I received a last minute invitation from some friends of mine in Marseilles to meet them for a quick vacation in the Caribbean.” Logan then produced his French passport. “Unfortunately, the United States still has no direct flights to Havana, so I have to travel to Toronto and catch a flight.”

“Havana huh? I envy you, so nice and warm there. The Americans don’t know what they are missing because of their silly embargo.” She took the passport and examined it. “How long do you plan on being in Canada sir?”

“Probably just a few hours. I’m going to catch a flight out of here at Windsor to Toronto and then catch the first plane to Cuba.”

The girl then looked at the photo of Logan on the passport, then to him. She stamped it with the Canadian seal, handed it back to him and said in French, “Welcome to Canada Mr. Morrow. Have a pleasant time in Havana.”

“Merci beaucoup.” Logan replied to her.

 

 

“Oh your very welcome sir, good night.” She replied smiling 

Logan then left the building and once he was outside, he saw the observation point that he had stood at some thirty years ago, in that time … before he was Logan. It was an open concrete area with some benches and tables right at the edge of the Detroit River where there was a metal railing to barricading you back from the water. Logan stepped up right to the edge on the railing and looked at the skyline of Detroit. Starting with the Joe Louis Arena, then over to the Cobo Center, then Hart Plaza, and finally to the most famous landmark of the city, the five round towers of the Renaissance center.

 

He thought of how peaceful Detroit looked from this side of the river, and then his memory went back to the night he stood here last, saying good-bye to someone on the other side, and then saying he was sorry for what he had done.

He reached into his breast pocket and took from it the last piece of his surveillance equipment that he had. All the others were discarded in various trash bins, some miles apart, all wrapped in their fast food restaurant bags to help them blend in to the rest of the trash.

It was his monocular. The same one he used to watch the pedophile Jared Bartholomew, the same one he used to watch the man who supplied him his little boys, Gregior Divic, and the same one he used to watch the street gangs and the narcotics dealers. In addition, the same one he had when he saw the police watching his home the night before.

He looked around to see if anyone was near enough to see what he was about to do, when he saw that he was secure and alone, he threw the monocular into the river. It went out some thirty feet, as soon as Logan heard the splash it made he turned quickly and made his way to the nearest taxi stand, and summoned a taxi that would take him to the Windsor Airport.

PART III - Chapter 14: HER NAME WAS NADINE

Chapter 14

Her Name Was Nadine
(Ó 2010)

Logan stood up from his seat to stretch himself and take a somewhat limited stroll around the train. He then returned to where his seat was. Before sitting, he stood close to the window and looked to all the land that was going behind him. Every turn of the trains wheels brought with it another mile passing by. He came to the realization now that he was never again going to see Jo-jo, Chicago … or even America ever again. 

Yes, he knew that he was never going to see America ever again, as he had thought one time before so long ago. However, that was in that time … before he was Logan. This time however … it was definite. He would never return to America. It was terrible enough what he had done before and had to flee the country. Nevertheless, this … this “thing” that he had done now, not only with the police looking for him, but all the others as well. In addition, with what he had pilfered from the others, and the secrets of his “vacations” he took to the Caribbean with what he had made off with, this was now for all the best. It is best to just end it.
 

However, a thought did come to his mind. The thought that this time he is not leaving home, rather … he is going there.
 

Going home. Home … home to Lily - - -

- - - Jean-Luc wasn’t joking with Logan when he let Logan know that the debriefing with Thiebulet would go “well into the evening.” They had arrived back in Paris by mid-afternoon and to the police headquarters by 3:00 PM. It was now 9:45 PM and Logan was functioning on exactly ninety-seven minutes of sleep since the initial time he first had left Lille, and the total time of sleep since the operation began.

Everyone involved was now in the “war room” going over every minute detail for the official report that had to be written and submitted. Every piece of evidence was logged. The captive children were still at that moment being interviewed and their statements recorded. Every bullet fired was accounted for, transcripts of the radio conversations were set to record and all police and GIGN members’ statements were being reviewed.

 

At 10:30 PM, a uniformed officer interrupted the meeting. He entered the room to give an envelope to Captain Thiebulet. He opened and read the message and looked briefly to Logan, then thanked the officer and dismissed him.

“This is from the hospital.” Thiebulet announced. “Bela Volchescu had to have his leg amputated from the top of his knee on down.” He looked to the men in the room for their reactions, Henri and Jean-Luc had an expression of surprise, however, Logan, showed no emotion. It was if that you announced that two soccer teams that he did not care for played to a nil to nil tie. Theibulet though was discreetly pleased with Logan’s response. “All others that were wounded will recover completely, including the man who was blinded. He just had to have the shrapnel and splinters removed; he will be able to regain his sight”

 

 

Silence came to the room momentarily, then Thiebulet announced that he was satisfied and that everything was well situated enough to “call it an evening”, to which all in the room gave their separate sighs of relief. Logan himself was grateful that this evening was coming to an end. He was now beginning to feel just how weary he really was. In his mind, he thought that he would go home, shower, get dressed and then go to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau to see that girl Lily; however, his body was in conflict with his mind. It was fighting all commands from the brain, and wanted nothing else more than to shut down and go to sleep.
 

  “Jean-Luc,” Theibulet called to his Lieutenant, “you and your team, take a few days off. You all did a splendid job.” He then looked directly to Logan, “Indeed, splendid. I thank you all. Let us all resume with this on Monday morning shall we?” 

 

Logan, Jean-Luc and Henri stood and shook hands with the Captain, who then left the room briskly, all knew that he was satisfied.

As soon as the Captain was well down the hall from the room, Logan let out a big yawn, rubbed his eyes and looked to his watch. In his mind, he figured that if he left right at that moment that he could make it to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau anytime between 12:30 and 1:00 AM; and if Lily was not there then one of her friends surely would have to be. However, the more he planned the next couple of hours, the more his fatigued body would protest.
 

“I thought he would never finish” Henri said rubbing his face, “I have never known a more meticulous man. Every ‘i’ must be dotted, every ‘t’ crossed.”
 

“Come Logan,” Jean-Luc said laughing and he grasped Logan by the shoulder, “let us get you home so that you can get some sleep.”

"Sure thing, but I may just go out after a quick shower and a shave.” Logan answered and as he did, he rubbed the three days of growth on his face.
 

“Oh you think so eh?” Jean-Luc smiled, “Going to that club to see that girl? Do you think these feelings of love will recharge your batteries enough to even make it there?”
 

“Love?” Logan said, his eyes squinted tight, “It’s kind of early on to be using that word don’t you think Jean?”
 

“Love knows no timeline or schedules my friend. It could happen to you in one second, or take several years. Besides … this is Paris … the city of love.”
 

“I never took you as being so romantic Jean.” Said Logan.
 

“We are Frenchmen, Henri and I, love is second nature to us. Right my friend?” Jean-Luc said as he looked to Henri.

“Most positively,” Henri replied proudly, “Love and romance to a French man is as natural to us as our breathing.”

Logan sat with a smirk on his face.
 

“Don’t worry my friend,” Jean-Luc said to him, “that American part of you will melt away once you involve yourself with this girl. All you will need is she, and this city. Come let us get out of here and be on our way home. Do as the Capitan says, take these days off and make the best of them.”
 

Logan then stood and as he did, he felt a wave of physical fatigue flow through him. He concentrated and made his mind inform his body that it would just have to rest later on into the early morning, however his body did protest. He took a deep breath and began to walk with Jean-Luc and Henri as they left the room together.

The day’s events replayed in his mind. The one thought that dominated was that of the little girl, Ula, and how the events of this day were almost like that of that day in February of 1976.
 

---Nadine---
 

Of how back then he had a mission that involved himself … and the GIGN.
 

---Her name was Nadine---
 

The three men stepped into the hallway and made their way to the elevators, once there, Henri pressed the button that would summon the elevator car. The three men stood in silence for a moment, then Logan began to yawn. He tried to stifle it in front of Jean-Luc and Henri; however, both his comrades caught him and began to laugh.

“I’ll be okay.” Logan assured them. “Besides, I have to now ‘melt away’ that ‘American part’ of me.”
 

“You will be able to do so much better if you are rested.” Jean-Luc said as he smiled. “Your concentration will be focused on her, not on how exhausted you are.”
 

The elevator then opened and all three stepped in; Henri pressed the button that would take them to the main floor where they would leave the building. They felt the car lurch upward. Again, there was silence, Logan may have been the most tired, but Jean-Luc and Henri were also. As they stood, Logan now found himself thinking of two girls. The girl Lily and of the little girl back in that tiny African country.

 

- - - Nadine … how old would she have been today if? - - -

The elevator door opened and Logan came out of his thoughts. The three men stepped out into the lobby where they saw a few members of the graveyard shift starting to report for their duty. They walked quickly and greeted all that they passed. Once outside, the cool night air then accosted them and seemed to invigorate Logan. They walked directly to where Jean-Luc’s car was parked and they all went to their usual seats. Logan in the back, Henri on the passenger and of course Jean-Luc at the wheel.
 

The effects of the night air on Logan began to dissipate fast as soon as he sat down in the back seat, and his body was now beginning to seem to win the argument with his mind. He had to sit in the middle of the back seat. His size caused him do so, and he had one foot placed behind each of the front seats. He also had to sit with his arms crossed. He laid his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes. His thoughts now again bounced between that of the girl Lily, and of the little girl from the past … Nadine. Back and fourth between them both, it was if it were like watching a tennis match.
 

Some moments passed. Henri turned and looked at Logan. “Are you alright Logan?”
 

Logan came out of his thoughts and opened his eyes. “Huh? Oh yeah, I’m okay. All right, I admit it. I’m damn tired. Plus I was just thinking about something.”
 

 

“What is that may I ask?” Henri said.

“I was thinking about those guys, you know? Those guys in the GIGN.”
 

“What about them?”
 

“They’re still good. Damn good.”
 

Jean-Luc looked at Logan through the back view mirror, “That they are. You speak as if you know them.”
 

“Well, I have worked with them before.” Logan replied solemnly.
 

“You have? Really? When was this?” Asked Jean-Luc.
 

“Some years back … in Djibouti.”

Henri then perked his head up, his eyes seemed to widen as some instant notion came to him, “Djibouti? You are not speaking of that crisis with the French schoolchildren are you?”
 

Logan looked at Henri, and then slowly nodded his head ‘yes’.

Henri then asked somewhat excitedly, “You? You were involved with that school bus incident?”
 

“Involved?” Logan replied. “Hell man … I was on that bus.” - - -

* * *

 

- - - Logan began to tell Henri and Jean-Luc about his involvement in the incident in Djibouti:

 

“If Djibouti has the market cornered on anything … its heat. It was 1976, it was the beginning of February, and the weather was hot. That proverbial snowball we all will speak about? Well, it does have a lot better chance in hell than it does in Djibouti.
 

 

“It was an awful way to start the school day; the terrorists took the bus at around 8:00 AM that morning. Some say there was twenty-nine children, some say thirty, even thirty-one. To me, the only number that mattered came at the end of the whole ordeal.
 

“They were the children of the local French officials, mostly the French military. The jag offs that took the bus though, they were from yet another one of … what seems to be … that endless supply of fundamentalist groups that seem to saturate the southern hemisphere of the world, - - -
 

- - - “Not only in Africa,” Logan said, he then placed his hand on his chest, then slowly moved it down to his abdomen, “but in South America as well. - - -

 

“This one was an Islamic fundamentalist group. They called themselves the Somali Coast Liberation Front, or the FLCS. Funny thing about all those groups, they always claim that they are liberating someone or something, but they just cannot seem to do it without killing off the entire innocent population.

“Their demands we the same cliché ones that come from all these groups. That all foreign military and businesses leave the country; that all their political prisoners be released; and that Djibouti was to be declared a Fundamentalist Islamic Republic.” - - -

 

- - - “And of course,” Logan said as he held up both his hands, “they would be in charge of everything in this great new Islamic nation they were going to form.” Logan then placed his hand on his lower thighs, “If this grand new nation was not to be formed, then the consequence would be … that they were going to kill all those children. Couldn’t do it like the Americans and the French did, you know, through a revolution, no; they have to kill the children of those they hate … and of course God was giving them permission to do so.” Logan looked at his two friends, and began to speak with a slightly angry tone “Let me tell you something. When I was in high school back in the States, I had a radical social studies teacher who kept trying to convince us that these poor nations in Africa and such hated us, meaning western civilization. Because of our so-called arrogance, our wealth, and our ‘imperialistic’ ways. I can tell you both with complete confidence that those people in Africa don’t hate us. They don’t hate Europeans, Americans, or anyone part of western civilization. They just don’t. Because they can not. They do not have the time to hate us … because they just hate each other too much. With their tribalisms, and if it is not that, it is their differences in their religions. Then there are the different sects in those religions. I have never seen a continent where the people will find different ways and reasons to hate and kill each other as Africa does. And it’s a shame too, because if they would ever learn to just get along, they could rule the world economically. Africa … what a waste of potential.” - - -

- - - “When word got out, everyone reacted quickly. The bus was headed straight for the Somali-Djibouti border. We sent a PUMA helicopter that overtook and intercepted it. It landed right in front of it keeping the bus from crossing into Somalia. I was just meters away from the border. The Somali guards, to me, put on a great act as if they were trying to stop the bus also.

“So then there we were. The 2^nd R.E.P. was there serving at the time, we were alerted and at the scene in no time. When I got there, it was such an unusual scene. Bus loaded with screaming frightened children, along with screaming terrorists. The helicopter between them, and the sun bearing down. 

“They set me up near the helicopter, I was a fully trained sniper at that time - - -

 

- - -“But of course the Legion did not ‘officially’,” and as Logan said this, he emphasized it by doing quote marks in the air with his fingers, “have snipers at this time. Probably because of that little misunderstanding that we had with Charles DeGaulle back in 1962.” - - -

- - - “I had my crosshairs on the bus, but once in a while I would turn and set my sights on the guards on the Somalia side of the border, just to get my point across to them. And as fast as everything seemed to have come about, all of a sudden we were all at a dead standstill. What we call back in the States a ‘Mexican standoff’. Our orders were to keep everything just as it was until the GIGN would arrive. But they? … Well, they were all still in France. They had to load up their gear and fly from Paris to Djibouti, all the time making some sort of plan while we kept them abreast of the situation.

“You have to understand that the GIGN was just formed a couple of years before and had never really been used for any situation. They were about to lose their virginity with this. And they were formed by the government of Madame le’ Republique, which meant that if they succeeded, all the glory would go to them, and if it failed … it was to be the blame of the Legion. And of course, all successes the Legion would contribute would be to the credit of the GIGN.

 

“So there I was, looking through the scope of my rifle. I was going from one head to another, watching those bastards on that bus. I saw the face of each child and how scared they each were. My job for the next several hours was just to sit and watch, and wait for the GIGN. I had to radio my superiors on any change I saw, no matter how slight, which in turn was radioed to the GIGN guys who were at that same time on their way. I and the other Legionnaires were basically to show some force and to use that show as a stalling tactic. However, if something went wrong, we were to then step in and take the bus ourselves, and to kill every one of them dirt bags.

 

 

 

“You see, that’s how we were trained, to completely stop thinking and acting emotionally. To go into a state of total logic. There I was, pointing my rifle at that bus, sometimes in complete view of those dirt bags on the bus. I would sometimes be in a kneeling position, sometimes prone, but all of the time I had my crosshairs pinpointed on one of the skulls of those creeps. And I knew that they had theirs on me. But I was there for a reason, to let them know that someone is ready to die to stop them … that someone was me. I was there to send a message that this is where it was going to end, their completely sick plan and visions of grandeur. And my train of thought at the time? I was there to stop this completely. If I had to kill all of them … that is what I had to do. If I had to kill one or more of those children to stop them … that is what I had to do. If I myself had to be killed … then that is what must be done. It was okay, I was totally expendable for the greater good … for what was to be in the long term … of all things considered.

 

“Everything was done in terms of logic; it was of what was for the greater good, and for the long term. I’ve had to do it many times, as well as the rest of my fellow Legionnaires on these types of missions, or on missions that are commonly known as ’black operations’. We would have to stand fast and witness people being murdered, tortured, burned alive, raped. We would have to watch and wait for the right moment. Others had to be sacrificed in order to save the rest from mass murder and genocide, and above all … make our mission a success. Or, even just to save one person who was important to the French government. We had to stand fast, in order to complete any mission successfully. For the greater good, for the long-term good, for the greater good of those who survive. However I must confess that sometimes … after we had to do something like that … we would all thensecretly leave our posts to seek out these scumbags and hunt them down. When we did find and had finished with them, well lets just say we let the jungle handle the rest.

“I held my position there all through that night. It was all quiet and tense. The only sounds you heard was the desert wind and the crying from those kids on the bus, along with an occasional shout from the terrorists telling the kids to ‘shut-up’. The commotion from the children on the bus though was used to our advantage; we were very busy setting up positions, watching and studying the terrorists’ moves, as well as watching those morons on the Somalia side of the border. It was helping us to figure out who on that side were sympathizers.  

 

“Finally, the GIGN arrived that morning. When they arrived on the scene, I was ordered to stand down and stand by. I was in a sitting position at the time. When I got the order, I slowly stood up and looked directly at each of the scumbags on the bus, and then when I turned to rejoin my unit, I gave a stare at the Somalis on the other side of the border. I gave them a little wave said to them sarcastically in English, ‘Bye-bye … kill ya later.’

 

“The GIGN began to set up a dialog with the terrorists and negotiated at least to get some food and water to the kids. Of course, my fellow Legionnaires and I were somewhat perturbed with this, we just wanted to storm the bus, kill the scum, and get the children back to their parents. However, unbeknownst to all of us, this was part of the strategy that the GIGN had put together. They had sent food and water to the kids and began talks. Later, they sent more food and water for the kids, and continued to talk. The talks went on into the next day. Then some more food and water was sent to the children, and as it was being delivered, we were all ordered to be at the ready, for we were now being given plans to storm the bus.

“It turned out that the negotiations were all bullshit. The GIGN had no intentions of letting any of those pieces of shit go. All of the talks were just a ploy to gain some confidence from the terrorists, and to get the food and water to the children. You see, the food they had sent to them this time was laced with tranquilizers. The plan was simple. The drugs would make all the children fall asleep so that the only people moving around would be the terrorists. A separate GIGN sniper would be assigned to the head of one of the terrorists, and then simply pick them all off. I was put together with the team that was going to enter the bus as soon as the shooting ended to insure all the terrorists were neutralized, and to evacuate all the children.

"Yeah, the plan was very simple, that’s probably why it began to deteriorate. We were informed that the drugs should begin to take effect within twenty minutes or so. I was set up with my team, watching through my binoculars, and kept looking at my watch. It was a long twenty minutes, and soon I saw some of the kids beginning to fall asleep. They would slump down in their seats and their heads would go below the window line. Unfortunately, the bastards on the bus began to sense something wrong as well. The children going quiet then asleep set off an alarm to them and we could see that they were all starting to become agitated. They began to start to shake some of the kids to wake them up, they were shouting to each other in their language and you could see the panic starting to take over.

 

 

“We then were radioed the order to stand by to attack and enter the bus. We were at the ready, and in a minute or so, a quick volley of gunfire went off and most of the windows of the bus shattered. I then heard our Lieutenant begin to scream to us, ‘MOUVEMENT! MOUVEMENT! MOUVEMENT! ALLEZ! ALLEZ! ALLEZ!’ (MOVE! MOVE! MOVE! GO! GO! GO!). Then we all ran towards the bus with our rifles pointed forward.

“The first thing I saw when I entered the bus was that the woman bus driver was holding a little girl who was fast asleep on her lap, and I don’t know how it happened, but I was third in line when we entered the bus, but somehow I ended up being in the back of it. We all did a security sweep to make sure all the terrorists were dead. However when I got to the back I found the last one alive, he was badly wounded and was trying to escape out the back emergency door, which was now open slightly ajar. As I raised my rifle to the level of his face he simultaneously grabbed the nearest child to him and held her if front of him. He still had a handgun and he was pressing it so hard on her head that I thought that he was going to push the barrel of it right into her skull. He then stood up with her, on arm around her, the other with the gun to her head.
 

"I just stood there with the barrel of my rifle pointed right at his face. I didn’t say a word or respond to anything that he was saying. He was shouting his demands in a mixture of Arabic and Somali dialects that I could only piece together. But I knew what it was, the usual, ‘Stay away or I’ll kill this girl!’, and he kept moving his gun from her head to mine. To add a little to the drama, he would sometimes drop the gun and aim it at one of the other children who were asleep in their seats. I just stood still, holding my gun at his head, letting him scream both his threats and his praises to Allah. I was waiting now, waiting for just the right moment, actually the right second.

 

 

 

“My eyes were fixated on him. At that moment, the only people in the world were him, the girl and myself. I just let him rant and scream. I stared at him with absolutely no sign of emotion on my face. Waiting and contemplating what I would have to do. If I had to blow his head off right there … so be it. If I had to let him shoot me before I killed him … so be it. If I had to kill both him and the little girl to end this … so be it. Just as long as he was killed in the aftermath, that’s all that mattered. I was in a total state of logical thought.

“Then things seemed to go into slow motion. His gun going back and forth, from my head, to the little girls, all the time him screaming insanely. The gun … going from my head, to the girls. From my head … to the girls. From my head, to …
 

“Then … he made his final mistake. For some reason, when he had the gun to her head and began to bring it back to point to mine, he stopped midway, and he was shaking it at me, with the barrel pointed to the ceiling.

 

“I pulled my trigger. My bullet hit him right into his left eye and went out the back of his skull. I can still see the shockwave from the bullet violently puff up the girls’ hair as it passed by her head. I grabbed her with my free hand as the scumbag flew back, hitting the emergency door and falling out the back of the bus. I had the girl now in my free arm and I set her down in her seat, her hair was now drenched in the dirt bags blood. I stepped to the exit way of the door to make sure he was dead with my rifle pointed down at his body. The blood was flowing freely from what was left of his head making a crimson puddle in the desert sand. I jumped down anyway to take a closer look.

 

 “All was still for a moment as I walked over to the body. Then, I heard more gunfire from behind me. I quickly turned and I saw some idiot running from the Somali side of the border shooting into the bus. I heard his bullets hitting the metal and glass, and he was screaming out some of the same propaganda bullshit the guy I just killed was screaming. I returned his gunfire, along with that of about ten other GIGN men and Legionnaires and he dropped face down … dead.

“Then we all drew our weapons to the Somali guard post and anyone there who was thinking of engaging us in a firefight immediately had a change of heart. They all secured their weapons and stepped back.
 

“It was over. I then jumped back onto the bus to help evacuate the children. The first one I picked up was the little girl whom I had just killed the terrorist over. I took her out the same back emergency door and came round to the front of the bus with her, the side where the front entry door was that the children would use to board. There was a small commotion going on up there and they were shouting for some medical assistance. I handed the girl I had over to a medic who quickly took her away. I then went to the front of the bus to help more with the evacuation, when I got there I saw what the disturbance was about.

 

 

 

“The bullets from the Somali who ran toward the bus had gravely wounded the driver, and had also killed the little girl who was sitting on her lap. The driver was somewhat conscious and crying, the child’s head was resting on her chest. The girl’s face looked as though she was just sleeping, as if nothing had even gone on. But, you saw the blood on her clothes, and the color begin to leave her body. I stared at her for the longest time that is until the Sergeant-chef screamed at me to move my ass. I turned to the guards at the Somali border and I began to briskly step towards them. The all began to stand when I stopped just a few feet from them and I began to shout something at all of them in English, I was so angry. Then I heard the Sergeant-chef screaming at me again, only this time to move my ass back and rejoin my fellow Legionnaires.” - - -

* * *

 

- - - Logan now felt the car came to a complete stop. He looked out his window to see that he, Jean-Luc and Henri were now stopped in front of the entryway of his apartment building. Jean-Luc and Henri were both looking over their shoulders ready to hear the rest of Logan’s story.
 

“One,” Logan said holding up his index finger, “we saved thirty, but that one that died was all that mattered to me. The five terrorists we killed meant nothing, but her, that one, that’s all that mattered. You see, after the missions are completed, and all is said and done, we have to go back to our forts and our living quarters where the logic side gives back to the human and emotional one. We are not made of stone you know.”
 

Henri and Jean-Luc remained quiet shortly, and then Jean-Luc said, “You go in now Logan and get some sleep.”
 

“No,” He replied as he seemed to become wide awake, “I got the adrenaline all kicked in. I’m going to get all cleaned up, dressed up, and I’m going to go see that Lily girl.”
 

“Are you sure?” Asked Henri.
 

“Yes, I’m sure. Don’t worry guys, I’ll be okay.” Then Logan opened the door and stepped out of the car. He took a couple of deep breaths of the night air and looked around his street. Jean-Luc and Henri were expecting him to say ‘good-night’ to them both, but instead Logan looked to them both and said, “Nadine.”
 

Henri looked confused and asked, “I beg your pardon?”
 

“Nadine.” Logan said. “The little girl who was killed on the bus. Her name was Nadine. I’ve never forgotten her.” He then had a slight smile come to his face, and he then gave a small wave and said, “Good-night guys, see you both on Monday.”

 Both Jean-Luc and Henri said goodnight back to him, then drove away leaving Logan on the sidewalk. Henri looked in the rear view mirror at him until they had turned the corner. He looked over to Jean-Luc and said, “It is unbelievable.”

“What is that?”
 

“That right now, somewhere in the world, there a men like Logan doing God knows what against some real over the edge evil people, and we know nothing of it.”
 

“Yes,” Jean-Luc agreed, “and thank God for them.”

Meanwhile, Logan made his way back to his apartment. Once in he stripped off the clothes, went to his bathroom and turned on the shower. He stepped in and let the hot water engulf him, starting with the top of his head, down the back of his neck and over his shoulders and back. He felt all the dirt and smells from the last three days flow off him. He then took the shampoo and soap and built up a thick lather all over his body, and then he let the hot water rinse it all off him. He stood under the showerhead and felt the ecstasy of the hot water as his body began to relax.

 

 

He turned off the water and stepped out from the shower. He toweled himself dry and wrapped the towel around his waist. He stepped over to the mirror to examine his face with the three days of beard growth. He decided to shave, but first he would go out on some clean underwear. He went to his dresser, found a clean pair, removed his towel and put the briefs on. He then sat on the side of his bed. Once he did, he began to feel the fatigue that in his body, he tried to fight it, wanting desperately to go to Le Club Argenté D'oiseau and see Lily. However now, the relaxing hot shower, combined along with how tired his body really was and with the quiet serenity of his room, he decided that he would lie down “just for a moment.”
 

Once he did so … he fell immediately into a deep restful sleep. - - -

- - - Logan came from his thoughts as he now heard the sound of the brakes on the trains’ wheels and felt the deceleration. Next, a voice came over the loudspeaker announcing that the Wolverine had come to the destination where he was to get off … Logan was now in Detroit. Here he would now take his bag, find a taxi and make his way to the Ambassador Bridge, and to once again just as he had done before … before he was Logan … escape through Grandmother’s Land.

 

PART III - Chapter 13: THE MASKED AVENGER

 

 

Chapter 13

The Masked Avenger

(Ó 2010)

Logan sipped from the paper cup that contained the coffee he had purchased, it confirmed his previous thought that “it wasn’t Jo-jo’s”, however, it would have to do. He tried to cut the bitterness down the best he could with cream and sugar, and the strawberry jam he spread on the toasted bagel would help.

He sat at a table by the window, facing the direction that the train headed, watching the seemingly endless stream of bare trees, snow, farms, and black topped roads go by. The coffee in his cup rocked to the train’s rhythm. He was now just a few miles inside of Michigan.

 

His attention was drawn in the view up ahead, as he suddenly noticed some flashing blue lights on a paved road. He first felt a sudden jolt of concern that quickly subsided as his logic told him that it was much too soon before anyone would be suspicious of anything. 

 

A moment later, the Wolverine rode past the road and Logan looked down to see some Michigan State Troopers, and a local Fire Department as they were helping to clear up a minor traffic accident, probably caused by the snow on the road.

 

The lights of all the vehicles, blue and red, flashing and breaking up the colorless background of white, black and grey.

 

Just like that day - - -

 

 

- - - The day of the raid. It was decided that the raid was going to be executed twenty-four hours ahead of schedule. Logan had not slept since he arrived outside of Lille the day before. For thirty-six hours, he relayed intelligence information to Jean-Luc,the representatives of Interpol and the GIGN. 

 

It was now late morning, in a little more than an hour whoever it was who was coming for the seventeen children would be coming to pick them up, then take them to whatever part of the world they were to go to be sold.

 

Logan sat cross-legged in his base site inside the thick bushes. He watched through his binoculars as the six, three man teams of the GIGN were setting up their individual ambush points where Logan had instructed them to be. He silently radioed to each one of the teams and kept them abreast of the whereabouts of each roaming sentry. Once he felt secure, he took the time to retrieve the case that contained the FR-F2 snipers rifle, and began to assemble it. He did so quickly and almost completely by sense of touch, he had been trained to assemble weapons blindfolded. He kept his eyes strictly on his surroundings, scanning from the compound, to the main road, to the forest around him. 

 

With the tripod attached, he again donned the black nylon mask over his camouflaged painted face, then slowly moved himself into a prone position and set up the FR-F2 so that it was aimed at the compound. He then took one of the clips of ammunition, set it in its place, pulled back the bolt, and loaded the first round into the barrel. He then placed the rifle on safety.

He looked down on to the Volchescu compound through the telescopic sight of the rifle. He saw the sentry in the bell tower of the barn as he, now and then, stood up to observe his surroundings. Logan then placed the sight to the roof of the main house, and saw the sentry with his back to him as he was sitting on the opposite slope of the roof. Logan then looked to the large van; it had been moved a few meters more to the south of the compound, between the main house and the guesthouse. It was ready to move the human cargo that was held captive inside of the barn. There was no significant activity seen elsewhere, occasionally someone would pass by a window, or come from one of the houses to the barn, or vice versa. Logan had reported that there were always five roaming sentries, the two sentries on the barn and main house, a sentry at the gate, three men in the guesthouse, two in the main house, not counting Bela, and two more inside the barn. Sixteen potential targets in all.

 

He then scanned the area that was immediately around him to look for the sentry in his area and saw that he was nowhere near. He radioed all the others with a whisper, “I’m going to start the deal, all teams wait for me. I will be with you all shortly.” Logan then slowly crawled out from the thicket, and began to go to the area where he knew that the sentry near him would be.

 

Logan was to start the raid. His first objective was to take out all the roaming sentries silently and swiftly, using his blackjack, garrote, or his bare hands. He was to transfer each unconscious sentry to the closest raiding party where they would place the sentries in restraints and muzzle them.

Outside of the compound, the six, three man teams had literally surrounded the area. In addition, in a five kilometer radius, was the rest of the raiding party, ready to come together on the north and south ends of the unpaved road that ran along the east side compound. They all monitored their radios, listening to Logan as he called out in his coded language, waiting for his signal to converge onto the compound.

In the meantime, Logan knelt hidden behind a two large trees, waiting for the sentry in his area the walk by. The sentry soon showed himself, unaware of Logan’s presence. Logan waited patiently as the sentry stepped slowly by. When the sentry was just a footstep past Logan, he lunged up from behind him and wrapped the garrote around his neck. Logan only exerted enough pressure on the garrote to keep the sentry from crying out, and to cut the flow of oxygen and blood to the sentry’s brain, thus rendering him unconscious. 

“Team six … one down … show.” They heard Logan’s voice say, meaning that the first sentry was down, asking the team designated as number six to show themselves to him so that they may retrieve the fallen sentry.

 

Five minutes later, everyone heard Logan broadcast, “Team five … two down … show.”

Seven minutes later, “Team four … three down … show.”

Then, eleven minutes later, “Team three … team one … four and five down … show.” All five sentries had been neutralized. Logan used his garrote on two, an equilibrium punch on one, and the other two were blackjacked.

 

One minute later, Logan broadcast, “Teams one through six … get set … okay all … let’s make the deal.”

Logan was making his way back to his base where the FR-F2 was hidden when he heard through his earpiece the sound of Jean-Luc’s voice saying, “All parties! Move in!” He knew that he had about ten minutes at the most, but he would be back to his spot long before that.

In less than five minutes he was. He crawled on his stomach to the awaiting rifle, his hands slipped around it, his left under the barrel. His right hand covered the trigger and then he gently switched the safety off and began to wait.

The sound of vehicles began to come from both directions of the unpaved road. Logan peered through the scope of the rifle. He looked first to the north end to see police vans with their lights flashing speeding down the road. He looked then to the south ends to see the same spectacle. “Here come the cavalry boys.” Logan whisper to himself.

“Bela! Каждое! Полиции! Полиции!” (Bela! Everyone! Police! Police!) Logan heard the sentry in the bell tower scream. Logan brought the rifle up to his direction and watched him through the scope. The sentry reached down and picked up an AK-47 rifle, and stared as the vehicles drew closer. “Где те fucking идиоты?” (Where are those fucking idiots?), Logan heard the sentry yell, meaning the roaming sentries who now were no longer there.

 

 

Logan scanned the compound. He saw the sentry on the roof of the home stand up, he also had in his hands an AK-47. He then looked to the main house and guesthouse to see a flurry of activity, men running around and grabbing weapons. Then Logan heard the burst of automatic gunfire. He moved his rifle over to see the sentry in the bell tower firing at the vehicles as they made their turn off the unpaved road and onto the pathway that led to the compound.

“Now we just can’t have that.” Logan whispered and aimed the FR-F2 at the sentry. Logan looked through the scope and placed the crosshairs right on the sentry‘s head. Logan then began to place his finger on the trigger for what was going to be a perfect headshot, considering the distance. He was just beginning to place pressure on the trigger when … he froze.

 

A memory came flooding into his psyche, a feeling of great warmth engulfed his body. It was the memory of the vision he had in Chad. The memory of his vision during the chaos and gunfire During the time of his injury. During the three days that he was unconscious afterwards.

The memory of his visions of … The Woman in the Flames. He heard the words she spoke to him in his vision.

- - - your time here is finished - - - you have done enough - - - do not take another life - - -

 

Logan remembered everything she said to him, he remembered every moment of the visions he had. He relived it all. Then the second burst of gunfire from the sentry brought him back to reality. What seemed like hours was in fact just two seconds.

 Logan continued to peer through the scope, the crosshairs still locked on to the sentry’s head. He dropped his aim downward slightly, squeezed the trigger lightly … and fired. The bullet struck the sentry in his right shoulder blade causing him to drop his AK-47 and scream loudly in his pain. Logan then grabbed his radio and called to the three men teams, “Teams one through six, give them rotating cover fire.”

The six, three man teams then began to fire short bursts from their rifles, one team at a time, from alternating directions which created confusion to all else in the compound. It was also the first message sent to those in the compound that they were surrounded. Logan focused his attention to the sentry on the roof of the main house. He stood up in plain sight and it appeared that he was panicking. The sentry raised his AK-47 and fired a burst at the oncoming vehicles that now wear bearing down on the entry gate. He then started to randomly fire in the north direction where some of the teams were giving their cover fire.

Logan aimed the rifle at this sentry; looking through the scope, he saw that his back was to him. He placed the crosshairs onto the right cheek of the sentry’s buttocks … and fired. The sentry jerked upwards screaming, he dropped the AK-47 and fell backwards, rolling down the roof and landing on the second floor balcony near the ladder. His screams from his agony let Logan know that he was still alive.

 

 

Logan then turned his attention to the sentry at the gate. The man at the gate witnessed the two other sentries’ as they were wounded. When a voice from the loudspeaker from the lead vehicle ordered, “Упадите ваше оружие! Сторона лож вниз на земле!” (Drop your weapon! Lie face down on the ground!), the sentry threw his weapon aside and complied.

Gunfire then started to come from the houses and the barn. Logan radioed, “Fire at the houses only! The children are in the barn!” The six teams and the men from the vehicles fired a series of short quick burst. After doing so, all gunfire on both sides ceased.

Logan radioed the men at the vehicles, “Okay guys, tell them that old worn out line of bullshit that we always say.”

 

With that, the voice from the loudspeaker began to broadcast to the compound, “Bela Volchescu! Вы и ваши люди вполне окружены! Ход из ваших оружий! О вне с вашими руками в воздухе! Вы!” (Bela Volchescu! You and your men are completely surrounded! Throw out your weapons! Come out with your hands in the air! All of you!).

Logan then looked to the large van, he then radioed, “Jean-Luc, I’m going to render their vehicle useless, Okay?”

 

 

Logan then heard through his earpiece, “Go ahead Number One.”

 

 

Logan turned his rifle to the van, aimed towards the bottom of the grill and fired. The bullet shattered through the grill and pierced the radiator. He then fired higher through the upper part of the grill, again striking the radiator. He looked through the scope to see the fluid of the coolant begin to make a large green colored puddle on the ground. Logan then aimed at the left front tire and fired. The tire exploded violently. He then fired at the right front tire causing it to do the same. Logan then fed one more round into the chamber and fired at the windshield causing it to shatter completely and fall onto the front seats.

 

Logan then crawled backwards and out of his base camp to make his way closer to the compound. He made his way down to an area of tall grass just outside the compound wear he had a good view of the front door of the main house. He lay prone, unseen by those who were in the house; he set up his rifle so that it was aimed toward the house.

Silence and stillness fell over the compound. It was so quiet that Logan could hear the whirring sound of the motors of the emergency lights of all the vehicles. He then heard loud voices coming from the main house, Bela was screaming at the men in anger.

 

 

“Трусливые драчевые свиньи!” (Cowardly bastard pigs!) The front door of the main house then violently flew open and Bela emerged with an M-16 in his hands. “Умрите вы сволочи шлачки!” (DIE YOU SCUM BASTARDS!) Bela fired a burst into the direction of wear Logan’s base had been set up. Then Logan heard a strange click from the M-16, then a loud popping sound. There was then a hiss through the air, going over Logan’s head, and then there was an explosion. Bela’s M-16 was equipped with a grenade launcher. He was aiming in the area where Logan made his base camp and had fired his first shots with the FR-F2.

“Son-of-a-bitch.” Logan whispered. Then Bela launched another grenade in the same direction. Logan covered his head as the second grenade exploded. Some of the soil rained down upon him. Logan then took aim with his rifle. He looked just in time to see Bela turn, go to the side of the house, arm another grenade and began to raise the M-16 in the direction of all the vehicles. 

Logan took aim, saw that Bela was in a squatting position, his right leg slightly in front of his left. Logan placed the crosshairs directly onto the side of the right knee of Bela … and pulled the trigger. 

The right knee of Bela Volchescu exploded it a red vapor cloud, making him to fly upward, twist in midair, fall hard onto his back, and causing him to inadvertently toss the M-16 away from him. Logan looked through the scope to see a combination of expressions on the face of Bela. A mixture of complete surprise and utter agony. Bela was breathing rapidly through his mouth, he lifted his head up to look at his leg and when he did so, and he let out a wailing shriek. Logan then moved the scope down to see Bela’s lower leg for himself and saw that it was grotesquely in an unnatural outward angle, bleeding profusely.

 

 

Then came the sound of shattering glass from the guesthouse. Logan moved his rifle to the direction of the sound to find that one of the men inside was aiming his AK-47 out from a side window. He saw as the man inside was searching the trees behind Logan in the attempt to find any of the members of the police who were there and had fired their weapons towards the compound. Logan took aim at the AK-47, which had the barrel now just sitting on the windowsill. Logan aim at the point where the automatic rifle and the windowsill met … and fired.

 

The bottom of the windowsill, and the wooden portion under the barrel of the AK-47 exploded, sending wood splinters and glass to go into the face of the man who held the weapon.

 

“Bela Volchescu. Скажите, что ваши люди передают. Вы строги ранены. Мы можем дать вам медицинское внимание вы.” (Bela Volchescu. Tell your men to surrender. You are severely wounded. We can give you the medical attention that you need), came from the loudspeaker from the vehicles.

 

“ИДЕТЕ К АДУ ВЫ СВОЛОЧИ!” (GO TO HELL YOU BASTARDS!), Bela screamed, and then began an attempt to find his weapon. When he spotted it, it was on the ground about a meter from his head. He then began to make an effort to crawl on his back to retrieve it. Logan watched through his scope. He aimed his rifle to the corner of the house near where Bela lay … and fired. Bela felt the wind break inches above him as the bullet soared past his face, then shatter a large portion of the corner of the house. This caused Bela to cease all movement towards his weapon.

Logan then rolled five times to his left. As he did so, he replaced the empty clip of his rifle with a fresh one, and pulled the bolt to reload. He then lay prone, set the barrel down on its tripod, and took aim towards the houses. He then radioed Jean-Luc and said in his whispering tone, “Tell them that I can keep this up all day.”

 

 

“Вы люди внутри там, думаете это сверх, мы можете держать это вверх весь день. Bela вниз, к смерти, так 2 больше из ваших камрадов. Вы приходит вне теперь, руки в воздухе, ем сверх. Let's закончить его мирно.” (You men in there, think this over, we can keep this up all day. Bela is down, bleeding to death, so are two more of your comrades. All of you come out now, hands in the air, it’s over. Let’s end it peacefully), was spoken calmly through the loudspeaker.

“НЕ СДЕЛАЙТЕ ЕГО ВЫ ТРУСЛИВЫЕ СВИНЬИ!” (DO NOT DO IT YOU COWARDLY PIGS!), roared Bela.

Silence came over the compound. The sound of the breeze through the trees and bushes was all that was heard. This silence continued for three minutes, and then was broken by the sound of the front door of the main door. The two men who were inside came out with their hands in the air.

 

 Bela looked up and said to the men through his gritted teeth, “Гадостная трусливая шлачка!” (Filthy cowardly scum!).

 

“Мы будем жить для того чтобы воевать другой день Bela.” (We will live to fight another day Bela), the man answered calmly to him.

“Шаг вне к центру смеси!” (Step out to the center of the compound!), came from the loudspeaker. The men stepped from to house and complied with what they were ordered to do. 

The door of the guesthouse then opened and out came the three men who were inside. One in front and the two others behind him. Of the two men in the back, one was helping the other to guide him. His face was bloody and Logan realized that he was the man who aimed his AK-47 out from the window. “Не снимите! Он был ослеплен!” (Do not shoot! He has been blinded!), shouted the man standing in front.

“Соедините другие, центр смеси.” (Join the others, center of the compound.) They all began to make their way to the other men standing in the compound, all the while they felt the crosshairs of the guns around them, especially that of the one who fired the last ten shots. 

 

 Logan then radioed to Jean-Luc, “Get the others from the barn, that should be all of them.”

 

 

Then the voice on the loudspeaker broadcast, “То из вас в амбаре! О соедините ваших камрадов. Он повсюду. Сделайте его теперь!” (Those of you in the barn! Come join your comrades. It is all over. Do it now!). A few seconds later, the large door opened and two men stepped out with their hands in the air and joined the others now standing side by side in the open center of the compound.

 

 

After they did so, the masked and camouflaged figure of Logan stood up from where he was taking cover, he seemed to appear from nowhere, his rifle still aimed at the men who stood with their hands in the air. He was ready to fire upon any of them who attempted to make a wrong move. Logan then took his radio and said, “Teams one through six, converge on to the compound, bring your prisoners with you.”

 

With that, the vehicles then drove through the entryway gate and Logan began to make his way towards the compound all the while with his rifle aimed at the men standing in the center. The other police officers from the vehicles then stormed the compound and soon had Volchescu’s men surrounded. The officers then made all the men lie face down on the ground. Logan looked around to the outside of the compound and saw the six, three man teams making their way towards the compound with the roaming sentries, who were now their prisoners. The prisoners bound with their hands behind them, their mouths gagged and they were blindfolded. Logan then aimed his rifle to the air; he removed the clip and ejected the live round in the barrel, then picked it up from the ground.

Jean-Luc then came up to him and said, “Good job Number One, good save.”

“Thank you. Here, could you take this for me?” Logan asked handing him the FR-F2.

 

“Of course Number One.” And took the rifle from him.

 

Logan then stepped to the men lying on the ground and came to the last two on the end. Logan then drew his .45 caliber side arm and knelt down to them. “Вы были двумя человек пришел от права амбара?” (You were the two men who came from the barn right?”), he asked them in Russian.

 

 

“Да.” (Yes), they both replied.

Logan looked them both over and then grabbed the smaller of the two and picked him up by the back of his neck, “Вы приходите с мной.” (You come with me). Logan stood behind him; made the man place his hands on the top of his own head, lace his fingers together, then forcibly marched the man to the barn and stopped at the front of the large doors. “Любое другой из ваших друзей пряча внутри там?” (Are there any other of your friends hiding in there?), Logan asked.

“Нет, там никакими другими.” (No, there are no others.), the man answered.

Logan then grabbed the man’s laced fingers with his left hand and squeezed just tight enough to cause him some pain. He then placed the muzzle of the .45 from behind the man, up into his crotch, and said, “Если вы лежите к мне, то эти будет единственный fatality здесь сегодня, вы понимает?” (If you are lying to me, these will be the only fatality here today, do you understand?).

“Я присягаю, я не лежу.” (I swear, I am not lying).

 

 

“Вы примете меня к детям, теперь!” (You will take me to the children, now!), Logan demanded. The man shook his head ‘yes’ and the both entered the barn. Logan looked and called over to the closest police officer “You, could you come with me please?”

 

 Logan and the other officer then escorted the Volchescu henchman into the barn. Once inside they found that the barn was never intended to be used for any animals. It was completely void of any hay or feed. The stalls were empty and clean. Just to their right were the cases that Logan had witnessed unloaded from the first van he saw from the night before last. It was suspected that they contained some sort of illegal narcotics.

 

 

“Это будет полиции! Совсем безопасно теперь! О вне угодите!” (This is the Police! It is all safe now! Come out please!) Logan shouted. Nobody came forward. Logan looked to the Volchescu henchman and asked, “Где будут те дети мешком dirt?” (Where are those children dirt bag?).

“Среднее стойло на левой стороне. Будет дверь ловушки. Используйте трап, котор вы видите внутри там.” (The middle stall on the left. There is a trap door. Use the ladder you see in there.)

Logan removed his .45 from the henchman’s crotch and holstered it “Получите к вашим коленям.” (Get to your knees.), he ordered. The henchmen complied and knelt. Logan again applied pressure to the locked fingers of the henchman’s hands, “Теперь сторона лож вниз, справедливо в dirt.” (Now lie face down, right in the dirt.). With Logan assisting him, the henchman then was put into a prone position face down. Logan released the mans hands, “Положите ваши рукоятки прямо вне, как самолет, с вашими ладонями вверх.” (Put your arms straight out, like an airplane, with your palms up). Logan now stood up, “Теперь распространьте ваши ноги и ноги врозь насколько вы можете.” (Now spread your legs and feet apart as far as you can). The henchman complied, and after he did so, Logan kicked his feet further apart.

 

 

He summoned over the other police officer, “Kneel down right between his feet and place the muzzle of your rifle right up his crotch and against his balls.” A big smile came to the officers’ face. He knelt down right between the henchman’s feet, brought the barrel of his rifle up to his crotch, and sternly placed it at the base of his scrotum.

 

The henchman slightly jerked up and Logan placed his boot down on the back of his neck. The henchman returned his face to the dirt and Logan removed his foot. Logan then knelt down, grabbed the henchman by the top of his hair, and pulled his head back. The henchman looked at the masked face and stared right into Logan’s eyes. Logan said to him, in a low calm tone, “Слушает к мне, если вы делаете одно неправильное движение, то этот человек имеет заказы для того чтобы снять ваши шарики. Вы понимаете?” (Listen to me, if you make one wrong move, this man has orders to shoot your balls off. Do you understand?).

 

“Да.” (Yes). He answered quietly.

“Хорошо.” (Good.), Logan said. He the stood up and looked to the officer, “He’s not going to move.”

 

The officer nodded to him and Logan stepped over to the middle stall. He flung open the gate to see that there was indeed a trap door on the floor. Against the wall the was a collapsible aluminum ladder. The door was secured with a piece of 2X4 lumber. Logan kicked it loose, reached down to pull the door up and open. There was what appeared to be a deep and large cellar and it was very dark. The only light that was seen was from the inside of the barn through the trap door.

“Здравствулте!? Французские Национальные Полиции. Interpol. Безопасно прийти вне теперь.” (Hello? French National Police. Interpol. It is safe to come out now), Logan called to the darkness. There was no response. He stepped back out to the barn and asked the officer, “Hey man, do you have a flashlight?”

 

“Yes,” the officer said and reached behind him. The sound of a Velcro fastener was heard being pulled, “here, catch.” He said and tossed Logan a heavy black flashlight.

“Thanks.” Logan said and returned to the stall. He knelt down again to by the open trap door and called out, “Здравствулте!? Это будет полиции! Совсем право! Вы можете прийти вне!” (Hello? This is the Police! It is all right! You can come out!) There was still only silence. Logan looked up to the wall and saw the ladder. He then called down into the hole, “Не будьте испугано! Я буду приходя вплоть до получаю вас все вне.” (Do not be afraid! I am coming down to get you all out.)

 

 

Logan stood and grabbed hold of the ladder, which was about ten feet in length. He dropped it down through the opening and when it reached the bottom of the cellar, Logan estimated that the room below was about eight feet in depth. Logan leaned the ladder against the lip of the entrance then tested to see how secure and stable it was. When he was satisfied, he stepped onto the first rung, then placed both feet there. He stepped two more rungs down, then placed his feet to the sides of the ladder and slid the rest of the way down.

 

 

The aroma of damp soil was heavy in the murky air. Logan took the flashlight, turned it on to look behind the ladder and then slowly began to scan the room. He panned around to which looked to him as the larger area of the cellar that was behind him. It took but just a few seconds to see them all. There they were, all huddled in a large mass to the extreme back of the cellar. Logan recognized the three older girls who stood in front of the rest of the younger children.

“Здравствулте.” (Hello), Logan said calmly.

The dark haired girl in the center responded, “Здравствулте.” (Hello)

 

Logan spoke to her and the rest of them in a slow, calming tone, “Не будьте испугано, я с французскими национальными полициями. Мы имеем горничную рейд на этой смеси. Я должны здесь получить вас из здесь.” (Do not be afraid, I am with the French National Police. We have made a raid on this compound. I am here to get you out of here).

 

“Полиции?” (Police?), she asked quietly.

“Да, Полиции.” (Yes, Police), Logan replied.

She then turned to the others enthusiastically and said to them, “Все отлично теперь, полиции здесь.” (Everything is fine now, the Police are here).

 

Logan pointed the flashlight to the three older girls and said “Я вы 3 помочь мне получить более молодые одни вне.” (I need you three to help me get the younger ones out). The girls nodded and Logan then motioned them over to the ladder. He then turned back to the ladder and climbed up just far enough so that his head was through the entrance. He called to the other officer, “Hey man! I got them all here. I’m going to send them up and have them go to the center of the barn.”

 

“Alright Number One, it’s all still secure here.” The officer answered.

 

Logan then slid back down the ladder to find the three older girls standing at the base. The other two girls were blond haired and Logan said to them “совсем справедливо, оба из вас идут вверх, один из вас идут к центру амбара, другому пребыванию дверью ловушки. Пойдите дальше, пойдите.” (All right, both of you go up, one of you go to the center of the barn, the other stay by the trap door. Go on, go ). The blond girls then made their way up the ladder.

Logan watched as they both scaled up the ladder. He saw one girl then leave to go to the center of the barn, the other girl knelt down to the entrance looking back down into the dark cellar. Logan called up to her, “О'кейо, мы идем послать их вверх, одно одновременно. Вы направляете их к вашему другу. Вы ждет меня там. Вы увидите другого офицера там.” (Okay, we are going to send them up, one at a time. You guide them to your friend. All of you wait for me there. You will see another officer there).

 

“О'кейо.” (Okay), the girls said as she nodded, confirming she understood.

 

Logan then turned to the dark haired girl and said, “совсем справедливо после этого, старт принося их over here.” (All right then, start bringing them over here).

The girl motioned to all the other to come forward, “Я ы дальше, вы, мы выходим, идем вверх по трапу, одному одновременно.” (Come on, all of you, we are leaving, go up the ladder, one at a time). The younger ones came to them at began to scamper their way up. Logan noticed how they each would stare at him as they waited their turn to go up the ladder. They each would have a wide eyed look of astonishment, mixed also with some trepidation. Logan knew that they had all already been through a great ordeal. However, the sight of a man his size, in the dark, and wearing a mask while he still had the black camouflage make-up on his eyes; didn’t help matters.

Logan counted the children as each one would climb the ladder, the two boys were the last to go up. He pointed at the dark haired girl and said “16. Вы делаете 16. Одно больше.” (Sixteen. You make sixteen. There is one more). Logan thought for a split second and then asked, “Маленькая девушка, с курчавыми волосами, где будет маленькой девушкой?” (The little girl, with the curly hair, where is the little girl?).

“Ula?”

 

“То она названно? Ula?” (Is that her name? Ula?). Logan asked.

“Да, то будет ее имя. Она поэтому устрашала.” (Yes, that is her name. She has been so frightened). 

 

 

Logan began the shine the flashlight around the room and found her in two seconds. Ula was sitting with her knees up to her chin. She was sideways against the back wall. Logan saw that she was definitely frightened. She had a graphic expression of dread on her tear streaked face. Her blue eyes were wide open, her bottom lip protruded in a pout, and her body was shaking.

The dark haired girl called to her, “Ula? Ый здесь мед. Мы get out здесь.” (Ula? Come here honey. We are getting out of here).

 

 

“Нет, я не хочу слишком.” (No, I do not want too), the little girl said as she cried.

 

 

“Почему не мед?” (Why not honey?)

 

 

“Он пугает меня. Будет он плохим человеком?” (He scares me. Is he a bad man?).

 

 

“Никакое Ula, он не будет плохим человеком. Он с полициями.” (No Ula, he is not a bad man. He is with the Police).

 

 

“Почему он носит ту маску?” (Why is he wearing that mask?).

 

 

Logan looked at the terrified little girl. He remembered the other little girl from years ago, the other little girl in Djibouti. His heart felt heavy for her. He felt anger also, because he thought to himself of what Volchesku and his men had to do in order to scare this little girl so much that she would rather stay in this dark hole, than to come out of it with him. He turned to the dark haired girl and whispered in her ear as he asked, “где она от?” (Where is she from?).

 

 

"Moscow, котор я верю." (Moscow I believe), She whispered back.

 

 

Logan then whispered, “о'кей после этого, препятствуйте нам, котор оба идут к ей совместно и я поговорю к ей.” (Okay then, let us both go to her together and I will talk to her).

The dark haired girl nodded then said to Ula, “Не будьте испугано мед, мы приходит к вам совместно.” (Do not be afraid honey, we are coming to you together).

 

Logan and the dark haired girl stepped over to Ula. She pressed herself even more to the wall as they drew close. He knelt down close too her, her eyes wide as she stared at his shrouded face. He knew he had to win her confidence quickly. He was quite inexperienced when it came to comforting children, the last time he did so was with the girl and her friends at the incident in Djibouti.

Then an idea came to him suddenly and he spoke to Ula gently, “Ula, они имеют шуточные книги в Moscow?” (Ula, do they have comic books in Moscow?).

 

The little girl nodded ‘yes’.

 

 

Then Logan began to speak with her in the deep, serious, one that of authority; but also in the tone of a cartoon superhero, “После этого вы должны знать я.” (Then you must know who I am).

 

 

 The little girl nodded ‘no’.

 

Logan then placed his clenched fist on his chest and said in the cartoon voice, “Ii1... am замаскированный мститель,” (I … am the Masked Avenger), he then moved his fist from his chest and held his hand upright, with his index finger pointing straight up, “и I... приходило сохранить вас.” (and I … have come to save you).

 

The little girl let out a small giggle.

 

 

Logan then spoke to her in his calm, gentle tone again, “О на зазнобу. Мы идем получить вас из здесь. Мы идем получить вас назад домашним. Мы идем получить вас back to ваша мать.” (Come on sweetheart. We are going to get you out of here. We are going to get you back home. We are going to get you back to your mother).

 

She looked into Logan’s darkened eyes and asked, “Реально?” (Really?).

“Да, реально.” (Yes, really).

“Вы обещаете? (Do you promise?).

 

 

“да зазноба, я обещаю.” (Yes sweetheart, I promise). Logan then held open his arms to her. Ula looked up to the dark haired girl and saw her nodding in confirmation. Ula then swiftly jumped to Logan wrapped her arms around his neck, and held on tightly. Logan felt her fright leave her and go right through him. He placed his arms around her and stood up. He said to her gently as he clumsily patted her on the back, “оно совсем идет быть alright теперь, не устрашито больше.” (It is all going to be all right now, do not be frightened anymore). He looked then to the dark haired girl, “let's пойти теперь.” (Let’s go now).

 

 

The three of them then stepped back to the ladder. Logan let the dark haired girl ascend first and then he followed her, carrying Ula in one arm while guiding himself with the other. The dark haired girl waited as the both came from the cellar. He pointed toward the stall gate to where all the others were waiting. He then followed her to the center of the barn where the others saw the bizarre spectacle of one of their captors lying spread eagled on the ground as a man pointed a rifle between his legs.

 

 Logan himself turned towards the sight, now to find that Jean-Luc was standing behind the police officer who was pointing the rifle and guarding the Volchescu henchman.

 

“Number One!” He called out to Logan.

 

 

“Yes Sir?”

 

 “Come, we are leaving now.” Jean-Luc said as he pointed with his thumb over his shoulder.

“I’ll be right with you.” Logan replied and then looked at Ula. “теперь вы остаетесь с другими здесь. Я должен пойти теперь.” (Now you stay with the others here. I have to go now), he said to her.

 

 

“где вы идя?” (Where are you going?), she asked.

 

 

Logan thought for a second and replied in the cartoon like voice, “почему, я должен возвратить к моему секрету hideaway.” (Why, I must return to my secret hideaway). The little girl gave out a giggle and then hugged him again around his neck. Logan in his inexperience again clumsily patted her on the back. He then turned to the dark haired girl and offered Ula to her. The girl took her from him, Logan then said, “они идут принять вас к безопасному месту. Пожалуйста кооперируют и говорят они все, котор вы знаете.” (They are going to take you all to a safe place. Please cooperate and tell them all you know). He looked then to Ula, and said to her, “после этого они получат вас назад домашн к вашей мати.” (Then they will get you back home and to your mother). He then turned and headed for the barn entrance.

 

 

“хороший bye.” (Good bye), Ula said to him.

 

 

Logan turned, continued walking, and waved to her, “хорошее bye Ula.” (Good-bye Ula), He and Jean-Luc then stepped out of the barn.

 

 

Once outside Jean-Luc said, “Everything is secure here Number One. We are returning to Paris now.”

 

 

 

“Okay, just let me go back to my base and retrieve all my equipment, I’ll be back in about ten minutes.” Said Logan and he began to jog away. He was at his base site in minutes. He gathered all his equipment and placed it into his backpack. He slipped the backpack on, picked up the rifle case and jogged back to the compound. 

“Number One!” Jean-Luc cried out to him from the back of the blue van. He was waving to him to come over. Logan jogged over to the van, tossed in both the rifle case and backpack, and jumped in. Once he was inside, the doors slammed behind him and the van began to drive rapidly from the compound.

Logan and Jean-Luc now both secured themselves as the van made its way on the bumpy path that led to the unpaved road. Henri was driving. They came to the road and turned southward and sped away. Logan sat with his back to the side wall of the van and gave out a sigh.

“Good job Logan.” Henri said to him looking straight ahead.

“Thank you.” He said, sounding tired. He looked to Jean-Luc and asked while pointed to his own face, “May I take this off now?”

“You sure may Logan,” Jean-Luc answered, “you sure may.”

Logan reached to the top of his head and pulled off the mask, his face was covered with the smeared camouflage make-up. Jean-Luc then handed him a moistened towel so that he could clean off his face. The towel was soon sullied with Logan’s make-up, however soon his face was back to normal. He looked at the mess that he had left on the towel, he folded it up and tossed it to the side. He then set his legs straight out, leaned more firmly against the side wall of the van and then rested his head slightly back against it. His body was now beginning to feel the exhaustion caused by his non-stop dealings of the past forty-eight hours.

 

 

“That is it Logan,” Jean-Luc said to him, “get some sleep while you can. This is not over as of yet.”

 

 

"Meaning?”

"We still have to have the debriefing with Thiebulet once we get back to Paris. That could go well into the evening.”

“Oh great.” Logan sighed.

“We still have between two or three hours until we are there, grab yourself some sleep.”

“Is that an order?”

“Yes, In fact I will wake you when we get to the parking facility at the …” Jean-Luc stopped speaking. He could not finish what else he was going to say, because Logan was already asleep. - - -

 

 

- - - There was a break in the clouds of the overcast sky and a sun ray suddenly illuminated the train car. Logan saw the farmlands around him with patches of snow still from the winter that was about to end, but also with the greens and dark browns of the earth that was beginning to peer through the broken blanket of white.

He watched as the houses and barns of the farms, as well as those of the orchards drift by his window. As he passed one farm, he saw a father playing catch with a football, whom must have been his son and daughter. A humorous thought came to him. He thought of all the times that he had clandestinely traveled through Michigan so that he could visit his to his mother and pay his respects to her, how he would drive past all the farms, vineyards, and orchards for hundreds of miles; how he would never see the people who lived on all of them ever outside. He never saw them in front of their homes, driving their tractors, or even working the land, he had never seen anyone until this moment.

 

 

He looked to his wristwatch and saw that it was now 10:17 AM in Chicago. Jo-jo was well into her morning routine now he thought. By now, she had read the note on his desk and believed that “Mr. Morrow”, would be gone for the entire day and that she would see him the next morning. It would be just another normal day and by the time Jo-jo would be taking her afternoon break, he would be in Grandmother’s Land. 

 

 

 

Logan took off his wristwatch and set it one hour ahead as to adjust for Eastern Daylight time zone.