Part 1: Chapter 8: Romance was not for old colonel’s. Never.

Thursday afternoon, Iraqi desert, 25 April 2019.

"Sir, it's time to go."

"Why?" Curt asked without looking at his aid. Doug smiled. The man had forgotten about the getaway.

"The chopper will take you to Bagdad at 22h00," he informed him undisturbed.

"You delivered the file?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. I will get my stuff ready."

"Here is the itinerary and your tickets."

"Thanks, Doug. It has been a while since I have been this excited about a getaway."

"Enjoy, Sir."

***

Curt had checked the website. If it resembled the pictures, he should enjoy the stay.

At 20h00 he rushed to his quarters and changed into civvies. From the shelf he grabbed an overnight bag, throwing in the necessities. At the last moment, he packed a dress shirt and pants. Maybe …

The mirror showed a person of confidence - a faint grin enhanced the attractive face. He still had it and stretched. The broad shoulders looked great under the shirt and the denim gloved his narrow hips sporting well-toned legs underneath.

The moment he sat in the chopper he relaxed.

All the worries would be Monday's problem.

The younger man was kind enough to offer it to him, and he will not disappoint him.

He laid back and listened as the pilot went through the checklist, and then lifted. The swooping blades overpowered every other sound. God, he loved it; shutting his eyes with appreciation.

Once in the air his thoughts drifted to the children. Guilt: a strong emotion he had to deal with. Vivian's lover left emotional scars on his boy. Mark did not know where he belonged. He always believed his children should find their own path, but he will let go of that resolution if he had too. The military a good straightener.

Jillian also struggled, and with the added pressures of her studies she barely held on. There was more to the story. Nevertheless, she did not confide in him. His children needed him.

Rattled, he prayed - something he neglected for years. The weight of parenting lay heavy on his heart. He could only speak to One Person.

***

21h00 Bentiu, Thursday evening.

Back in her room, a knock disturbed the quietness. In no mood to receive visitors, Sonia opened the door. Haleema greeted her with a soft smile. She opened the door wider. "Come in, Matron."

"Thank you, Sonia." The door closed with a soft click.

"Please sit." She watched as the matron examined her living space and followed her gaze. Except for a table which sported an empty vase, a handmade frame, a gift from the matron's daughter and a wired beaded rose, there were no other memorabilia. A decorated lamp in the room's corner removed the sombreness.

When a yawn escaped, she covered her mouth.

"I do apologies for my late intrusion. I know how tired you must be. It was a long week."

Haleema lifted her hand before Sonia could respond. "I have wonderful news I had to share with you. I know this is unexpected, but I took the liberty to book a holiday," she said, her soft voice filled with care.

"You can't go on like this. You need a break."

"But …"

"No buts. You will leave early tomorrow morning to Khartoum. There my uncle will meet you and fly you to Cairo. An Alitalia flight will take you to Valetta, on the island of Malta. I have a nephew who works at the Excelsior Grand Hotel. He arranged everything. Your visit includes a stay of two nights and three days."

When Sonia finally understood the meaning, she embraced the woman. Shock made way for surprise but raised her spirit tremendously.

"This is a wonderful surprise, thank you."

"You deserve this holiday, dear."

"I didn't expect this, though."

"The best part is that the spas are inside the hotel." She handed her a white envelope. Tugged inside gift vouchers waited.

"The island is small enough to stroll or to rent a scooter to the places they recommend and maybe have a romance." Warmth spread over her as her friend chuckled.

"Move on, Sonia; find someone to love and cherish. You have so much love to give." She stared at her friend.

Was her loneliness that obvious? She could not even remember the last time she had a relationship. Romance, the last thing on her mind.

"This is such a surprise. I never thought you would actually do this. Thank you."

"You are welcome." About to leave, Haleema stopped and turned. "The weather is sunny, pack your bikini."

"Yes, Ma'am." She giggled, the sound so unfamiliar to her. Her insides flipped with the unexpected adventure and she fell on her bed. The idea revitalising and she did an air-dance. This is something she had not done in a long time, but the act so free that a smile erupted on her lovely face.

Fascinated with the island, she searched the web. The rich history and baroque landmarks inspired her.

Tucked away at the southernmost part of Europe, it promised to be the perfect place to test the waters for romance.

The opportunity to change a good possibility and opened the door to the cupboard with renewed energy.

"Thank you, Lord."

***

04h00 Bentiu 26 April 2019.

"You sure you heard correctly?" Jabu asked.

Abasi looked around, terrified of the danger. Die-hards roamed the empty streets, women of the night advertised their goods. The youth stood close to burning konkas, sipping liquor they confiscated from drunkards.

Jabu had asked him to meet at the hospital. A fierce expression marked his face that demanded obedience even if you knew it was wrong.

"She leaves tonight and will be back Sunday night."

"I can grab her at the airport. It will be the best place while it is quiet," he mumbled.

Abasi regarded him with trepidation. If not for the money he owed, he would have never done it. He admired nurse Sonia. His mother would kill him when she learned about his deceit. He knew he mixed with the wrong crowd when he lost SSP20 (South Sudanese pound) during gambling. He did not know how to repay him, but Jabu said he should not worry. It sounded good at first … information for a clean slate. He never thought Sonia's name would be the one when he agreed to it.

Jabu leaned on an old run-down jeep parked in the shadows of the dilapidated building. Talking with a person inside the jeep shielded in the shadows.

The moment nurse Main left the living quarters, Abasi stepped deeper into the shadows as she got in the taxi.

"I want you to let me know if her plans changed … and Abasi, not a word to anyone."

"Yes, Jabu." Abasi received a slap.

"Fool! You never say my name in public," he hissed while he skimmed the area.

"Punten." (Sorry) Tears pricked his eyes, his lip quivering.

"Run, baby!" Jabu chuckled. "Not a word to Mommy."

Abasi ran as fast as his twelve-year-old legs could carry him the five blocks before he reached his home.

***

Jabu scrutinised the boy as he hurried away. Jabu had a name amongst the children. Enforcing fear, a game he played with anyone who dared to challenge him.

"Well?" The leader's voice trembled with impatience, a trail of smoke the only sign of his existence.

"Is everything in order?"

"Yes, Haji." He swallowed the fear that wanted to stop him. He only had one chance to do this.

"I set it for Monday morning. The kid will collaborate with us?"

"Yes, all set, Haji. The kid's scared; he will not talk," he replied, his face a blank mask. One wrong word would alarm the leader of his deception.

"Good! I have great plans for you, Jabu."

"Thank you, Haji." He feigned humbleness and shielded the grin.