Hammer of God

CHAPTER 11

Alex laughed as he stood in the doorway of the Joz Veloz restaurant. He remembered Casey’s face when he told her of their plan, and what she would need to wear. She had at first rebelled, but then realized she’d be able to conceal a lot more weaponry under the abaya than he and Sam combined. She relented, but still looked like she wanted to break something.

Even though Adira had given him a cotton shirt, blue chambrays, and a pair of lofas — casual garb — he still stuck out like a banged thumb, as he near filled the narrow doorway.

He waited impatiently. Adira had gone to speak to the owner, an old friend she had said, and he craned his neck to see into the dining area. It was a small, candlelit décor of flea market finds, with what looked like red wine served in small tumblers. He would have called it cramped; she would have called it cozy. More couples sat at a small bar talking softly or in high backed booths. He liked the place. It was private, and the smell or roasting lamb made his mouth water.

Adira reappeared from the back of the restaurant clicking her fingers to get his attention. He watched her approach and realized he hadn’t seen her out of army fatigues in years. He’d forgotten what a figure she had. She wore a light dress to just above her knees, showing off long, brown legs. She had perfect honey-olive skin, and a hint of makeup made her dark eyes glow.

He stepped inside and she took his arm. A young man nodded to him, and introduced himself as Lev. He led them through to the back, where a single table sat against the wall, with extra space between them and any others.

“Private; our best,” he said.

“The best,” Adira repeated, with a smile and raised eyebrows. She leaned close. “I saved Lev’s father from a bomb attack.”

Adira turned and thanked Lev, and he went to hand her some menus, but she waved them away and spoke rapidly in Hebrew.

“Excellent.” He spun and disappeared.

“I hope you don’t mind; I ordered for us. The house specials.”

Lev silently returned with a bottle of red wine — Yatir Forest, which he showed to Adira, who nodded. He poured, she sipped, and then closed her eyes momentarily.

“Yatir Forest is an oasis in a dry and dangerous land. And this is its finest gift.” She nodded to Lev, who poured them both a tumbler full.

She lifted her glass. “To us.” Alex paused, raising a brow. She smiled. “And to our success.”

He clinked glasses, smiled and sipped. She was right; it was a gift. Alex felt her eyes on him, and lowered the glass.

“So, Alex, you found your way home… to Jack Hammerson at least. That is good, I think.” She sipped again, watching him, her gaze intense. “He will forgive me, or at least forget me, yes?”

Alex shrugged. “Hammerson forgets nothing. Maybe he’ll tolerate you. He knew you were in America, and did nothing. And you know he could have.”

“I paid my debt,” she said, lowering her glass. “After the Black Mountain, even my own country wanted me gone.” She sat back. “Like I said, I paid my debt. I always pay my debt.”

“I know you did. We all have to atone for our sins at some time. Perhaps that’s why we do this… us type of people,” Alex said, toasting her.

“You found your way home.” She fiddled with her glass. “Found your way back to Angie, or was it Aimee?” She looked up with a twinkle in her eye. “Everything is good now, huh?”

“Aimee.” Alex nodded. “I found her, but haven’t spoken to her yet. It’s not easy. Things are still… complicated.” He scoffed and sat back. “And look, here I am, nearly eight thousand miles away. Like I said, not easy.”

“I know it’s not easy.” She held his gaze. “That’s because us type of people are the only ones that understand us type of people.” She slid forward, placing fingers on the back of his hand. She rubbed his knuckles. “And perhaps that’s why I am still a wandering soul.” She turned his hand over, palm to palm. “I missed you. I can say that, even if you don’t remember us, together. But I do.” She smiled sadly. “If I had a wish, it would be to have that time again, just you and me on that beach.”

“Another life,” Alex said.

Lev brought the first platter of food, and their hands separated as he laid it down with a flourish. “Flame seared, peppered lamb on a bed of cous cous.” He bowed and departed.

Alex inhaled the aromas of the spices and roasted meat. “Looks magnificent.”

Adira continued to stare at him with liquid brown eyes. “Yes, magnificent.”