CHAPTER XXXVII
1336 Words
David and Jonas had succeeded in getting in touch with his old friend Peterson. He was a retired army officer and David’s trainer at the army camp. He trained David among others back in the day. He was also a medical doctor in the army. Jean was at a very ruinous state. Her survival was not certain had she to stay longer without a doctor. She needed the bullet removed from her chest as well as blood to replace amounts she had lost.
As a start for the treatment procedure, he needed to check her blood group. It was rule that every service man had to have such critical info imprinted on their badges for such reasons. She was of one of the most common blood groups, O-positive. Lucky for them, Peterson claimed to be of the same blood group and always prepared himself upon encounter with such situations. He had stored some blood at his house for a rainy day.
After setting the transfusion, he managed to get out the bullet and stitch close the wound. Upon completion, all they had to do was wait and pray that she recovered. Meanwhile, the soldiers, or, should it be ex-soldiers, had some catching up to do. His friend, Peterson could not fail to mention his surprise when he saw them saving Jean. From what he had seen on the news, David had shot her himself and addressed the public after the fact claiming she was a traitor and behind the murders. As they tried to figure out their next step, this friend of his came to his rescue.
“I am glad you believe me my friend. I never thought you could be on my side after all that in the news about me,” David continued.
“What do you take me for kid? An old retired soldier waiting for his death? You need to remember that, I trained you myself. Of all those I have trained before, you were my best. I knew you could never do such things as they said. You loved and still love saving lives. It is what got you out of the army in the first place. I also know you hate the publicity stuff,” Peterson said.
“I never thought you for that my friend; a retired soldier waiting for his death, no. You trained me remember? I cannot thank you enough. And by the way, how do you know about my discharge from the army?”
“I know a lot of things kid. I may be retired but I am still a soldier. You do not have to thank me for anything. It’s what we signed up to do; save lives.”
“I just wish I knew as much. I would have figured out my next move. These people have us cornered.”
“I tend to disagree with you on that soldier. You have everything for your mission and an advantage they don’t have.”
“What are you talking about Peterson? They just accused me of killing my friend and had me on television taking credit for it. I am screwed. We… are screwed.”
“I trained you better than that soldier. You do not stop until you are dead. As long as you breathe, you still have a chance.”
“In case you have not noticed, this is not the jungle or some peace keeping mission. We are talking about blackmail by my own government.”
“My point exactly soldier. This is not either of those and therefore… you are more than equipped to handle a simple blackmail.”
“What do you mean by that and what would you have me do? Where do I even start?”
“Well, you did not come here to have me train you for a second time. You cannot afford the cost… but, if I were you, I would start there.”
Peterson said to David pointing at the TV.
“That is where I would start.” Peterson added.
“The TV? How do I start with the TV? You mean going to the media or what exactly do you mean by that?”
“Oh David, I see they got into your head and you forgot everything I ever taught you. Was that you in there taking credit for shooting Jean?”
“Of course not. Why could I be here if I was the one on the news?”
“Good. That is your way of getting these people. Take advantage of being a hero and find out what you can about that other David on TV,”
“Just go on. I think I like where you are going with this.”
“There is only one person that can get to tell you who your doppelganger is.”
“Who could this be? I may be a hero but I do not have people who could have such knowledge.”
“You have more than you think David and it hurts me to be the one telling you this after everything I taught you. Pick up from where she left.”
Peterson said pointing at Jean.
“Which is where exactly?”
“Use her partner. The man she sent to prison for being a mole. He is your key to unlocking the whole truth about it all.”
“I thought I heard you just call him a mole and prison. How is he to help if he is all those? And even if he was to help, how do I get to him in prison. He is the last person I would be expected to visit.”
“You have gone on so many missions to know that people change. How many times have we had terrorists turn on each other just by enough persuasion?”
“I get your point but… how do I even get to do that. He is in prison, remember?”
“I think I have helped you enough. You should get going. Your time here is over. Don’t worry about her… she is safe with me. I will keep an eye on her and call you as soon as she wakes up.”
“Actually, I think I just found the right person for that job.”
“What job and which right person?”
David maintained silence looking at Peterson in a manner suggesting him.
“Oh no David. I know that look and I don’t think I like it. I am not getting into your mess. It is yours to clean. I am retired and old for that kind of shit.”
“That is what makes you the right person for this job. It’s not like you have to shoot someone or hold a gun.”
“Honestly… I prefer killing and holding guns than doing what you ask of me.”
“If you will not do it for me, just do it for her. Her sacrifice should not be for nothing.”
“Oh David, what are you doing? Say I agree… what would you have me do?”
“Thank you sir. I knew I could count on you.”
“I am doing this one time only. You have no reason to thank me. And I tend to think this was your plan all along. I knew things would get complicated the minute I picked your call and welcomed you into my quiet home.”
“Once a soldier… always a soldier. Are you not the one that taught me that?”
“There he goes... (turning to David) you win. At least… let me get your boy something to eat. This seems to be nowhere near being over.”
Immediately David had Peterson to help, he knew he had a chance to continue what Jean had started. Indeed, Peterson was right. John was the right person to use for the answers.
- Writer
