Page 78 of Fighting for Family

“What do you think I can do for you, you stupid fool?” Maryam shot back as Shadow shoved her to the ground and attached the cuffs tightly. Black masks covered their faces, and Sparky’s identity was hidden beneath the Afghan clothing.

Sparky signaled for Apollo to intimidate. The K-9 growled and snapped close to their feet, making Maryam scream in terror.

“You’ve made a mistake. I’ve done nothing,” she claimed.

“They won’t listen,” Sparky informed her. “They’re searching for a woman who’s selling military missions. They want medical supplies. The men come from the east village. They won’t stop until they get what they want.”

“How do you know?” Maryam shrieked as Apollo crowded her.

“They killed my husband. We came to attend the market. They believe we shared information with the other villages,” Sparky cried. “I know nothing.”

“They don’t know anything. I control the village in the east. If they don’t let me go, they will attack the other villages, searching for me. I protect them,” Maryam said angrily. “Stay quiet, and I’ll get you freed when my men come.”

“Will they come soon? They’re planning on moving camp in the morning. It doesn’t sound like they’re taking us,” Sparky said, sounding frightened.

Shadow knelt by the fire and stoked it with a metal rod.

“What’s he doing?” Sparky asked, shaking.

“Nothing. He’s attempting to intimidate you,” Maryam said in disgust. “Stop acting like a frightened rabbit.”

Saint entered. He stood over Sparky and almost laughed as she cowered in fear. “Please don’t hurt me,” she begged.

Shadow rose from his spot. Knowing the language, he made the threat. “Tell us what we want to know, and you’ll die an honorable death.”

“I told you I know nothing,” she cried. “We trade at the market. We don’t have anything else. I gave you my goats and chickens. Please let me go bury my husband.”

Saint blocked Maryam’s view as Shadow held the red-hot poker to the dead goat they bought from a farmer earlier. The rod sizzled on the skin, Sparky cried out as if in pain. Apollo barked nonstop, snapping and growling.

When Shadow removed the rod, Sparky slumped against the wall and wailed, speaking gibberish.

Saint moved aside, letting her see Sparky’s condition. He pointed to the fire and then at Maryam. Shadow rose, stoked the flames, and set the rod in the hottest part of the pit.

Shadow approached her slowly. “Save yourself the same agony as this woman. We know a female will be passing through these parts tonight, trading information. We want to know the next attack. We want medical supplies and medicine.”

“I do not know. Your men have me confused with someone else,” she explained. “My driver can vouch for me. We only drove through the village. I have a husband and children.”

Saint pointed at her and nodded. Shadow walked slowly toward the rod and picked it up. He saw her watching the orange-and-red tip as he brought it close to her face, letting the heat intimidate her.

“Where will the attack take place?” he asked calmly. “Your driver’s dead. He tried to run. We will find out no matter how long it takes.”

He moved the iron downward, as she tracked every move.

“I have money. You can use it to purchase supplies,” she blurted out. Shadow glanced at Saint, who shook his head. Shadow lifted the leg of her pants and moved the poker closer. “I can give you a name. There’s a Sergeant on the K-9 base. He knows the routes.”

“When will they attack?” he asked, bringing the poker even closer.

“They’ll strike the village the day after tomorrow.”

“You think me a fool? The village has nothing but goats, sheep, and a couple of cows,” Shadow said angrily.

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “They pay for the medical supplies with American money. They have a doctor. She treats the villagers.”

“I know of no woman doctor there,” he said, tired of her lies.

“I swear to you,” Maryam cried. “She’s underground. They keep her hidden. Why do you think the villages plan to attack? They all want a healer.”

“How do you know this?” he asked.