The Jericho Files #5

Well, I continued on The Jericho Files #5 today, and was quite surprised to see that I had written quite a story. Too big in my opinion, so I'm splittling it into two parts. Here is Part #1 - Enjoy!


The Jericho Files #5.1

“CLEAR!”

The shock of electric paddles coursed through my body. I was quite aware of what I was going through, although I don't think the doctors were. There were 3 doctors and what seemed like 1500 nurses all working over me, trying to resuscitate what seemed to be a dead body. I was far from dead though. I guess you could have described me in a physical limbo. On the outside, I was dead. Cold to the touch. But on the inside.

I was very much alive.

It sounds pretty extraordinary, I know. But I guess it's more extraordinary how I got here.

Several weeks ago, I was with my outfit in an section of the Golan Heights. We had been deployed secretively to gather intelligence regarding an increase of Lebanese soldier presence in that area. The Golan Heights were still very much ours, we decided to send a small group there to check it out.

We had been held up in a run down hotel so as to not attract attention. Because of the sophistication of the Lebanese army, I also had to stay off my wires. My supply chains were not at my fingertips, so I had to be on the lookout for anything that could be of use to the army. Because we were trying to be discreet, we packed light.

This is what I would call a challenge for me. It's not everyday that I have my ties severed. But they are not what keep me going, either. I make sure to always have backup plans.

It was late at night, and we had been in that hotel for 4 days observing the area and the people looking for individuals who stood out. After 4 straight days of spying on people, it's hard to tell who is who anymore. The group was getting stir crazy. I decided, against my better judgment, to go on a small patrol to get a better scope of the area. I had hoped this would speed up our reconnaissance and get us home sooner

I left the building at 12:45am and began to walk the streets of the Golan Heights village named Majdal Shams. It wasn't the prettiest place in the world, I hold that distinction for my native Ireland. I have learned from traveling though, that every place has it's own beauty. Be it hidden or world renowned, it is everywhere.

I strolled street after street, taking mental notes and drawing a map in my brain of the town's layout. I made special note of awkward buildings or unusual markings for further navigation. Nobody stood out to me. I tried not to be too intrusive while I investigated back alleys for any odd personnel.

As I turned a corner, something bright caught my eye. It was just a flash, but it was enough to alert me.

Sniper.

I acted like I dropped something behind me and quickly ducked back around the corner and just held my breath. If someone was scoping me, that meant they knew who I was or they were just as suspicious as my team was. Snipers are very rarely alone too, this meant that if I drew attention to myself, I would be surrounded by his teammates within 30 seconds.

My only option was to casually walk around the corner again and continue walking. Never making eye contact with the sniper and trying to find some cover. Not walking around that corner would alert the sniper that I knew he was there and he would call his associates.

I was in a tight situation either way.

I adjusted my jacket and walked around that corner once again. I scoped my surroundings. I was on the sidewalk of a slightly narrow road. Straight ahead, the road dead ended and either turned left or right. Based on the glint, the sniper was in the tall, almost 3 story building several blocks down to my left. No matter which turn I took put me in the path of that sniper. I continued walking as if on a wire, pretending to be walking casually. I could that scope burning a hole in my ear. He had me zoned up and was ready to take me out.

It was at that point that the door of the building I was walking by swung open and 3 heavily arms guys jumped out and grabbed me. I began to resist and felt the butt of a gun hit me hard on the head.

Then everything went dark.......

To Be Continued