The New Enemy Page 11

  Pearce didn’t reply; there was no need.

  Liam helped Cordner lever Biggs gently over onto his side, then onto his back. A hefty bruise was visible on his forehead between the lip of his helmet and his left eyebrow.

  ‘Where the hell did he get that?’ Liam asked.

  ‘Only thing I can think of,’ said Cordner, ‘is that one of the rounds ricocheted a stone up off the ground and it twatted him on the bonce. He’s breathing fine, just unconscious.’

  ‘Is he OK to be moved?’ Liam asked. ‘Not that I want to, the heavy bastard.’

  Cordner said, ‘Yes. We’ll just have to take it in turns. Fireman’s lift.’

  ‘I’ll go first then,’ said Liam. ‘Pearce, can you take my bergen? Cordner, Biggsy’s?’

  Cordner checked the map. ‘We’ve no choice but to just keep making our way back down the way we came out. And we need to get as far as we can before day breaks. The more distance we put between this balls-up and ourselves the better.’

  Small arms fire followed immediately after Cordner had stopped speaking.

  ‘Then let’s get moving,’ said Liam, and slid off his bergen, handing it to Pearce as Cordner helped him with the sergeant.

  ‘Got him?’

  Liam nodded as the weight of Biggs on his back seemed to push him down into the ground.

  ‘We can’t afford to over-fatigue ourselves,’ said Cordner. ‘We’ve only got so much water. So let’s be sensible with this. We rush, we’ll end up with even more injuries, and then we really will be screwed.’

  Liam was immediately conscious of his ankles. If he went down with Biggs on him, they wouldn’t just twist – they’d probably snap right off.

  ‘If you take point,’ he said to Cordner, ‘I can follow, with Pearce behind.’

  As they set off, Liam remembered his escape and evasion training back during the LRCC. The adrenaline he’d felt as he’d done his best to not get caught, the fear that had coursed through him when he’d finally been cornered, and the horror of the interrogation. As he fell in behind Cordner, he tried not to think of what would happen to them if Al Shabaab managed to cut them off. One thing was for certain, though: it would make the training seem like child’s play.

  13

  ‘He’s awake.’

  The lads were so fired up with adrenaline that they’d barely noticed it was approaching first light. With little time to get to cover, they’d managed against the odds to find a fallen tree to use as shelter. With a bit of work they’d been able to sort the space underneath into a passable hideaway, with Pearce heading back up their trail to rub out their tracks with a broken branch.

  Liam looked over to where Biggs was laying. ‘How is he?’

  ‘Grumpy,’ said Cordner.

  ‘Fuck off,’ said Biggs, trying to sit up. ‘What happened? My head feels like it’s been kicked by a bull.’

  ‘Stay where you are,’ ordered Cordner. ‘You’ll be suffering from concussion. Last thing we need now is you standing up and falling over to twat yourself again.’

  ‘I’m fine,’ said Biggs.

  ‘I don’t care if you think you can swing through the trees like a fucking baboon, you’re not fecking moving.’

  Biggs made a poor attempt at an ape impression, then relented and rested his head back on the ground. ‘I remember a contact,’ he said. ‘Now I’m here. Wherever here is . . .’ He looked around at where they were now encamped. ‘Not bad, not bad. Is there hot running water?’

  ‘Sorry, Sarge,’ said Liam. ‘As to where we are: safe, we hope. You were knocked out by a ricochet,’ he explained. ‘We’ve been carrying you since the contact. And when we get back, you need to lose some – you’re a fat bastard.’

  ‘Bet that was fun,’ said Biggs.

  ‘Start to finish.’

  Liam’s body was aching all over and he had no doubt that the other two were in just the same condition. He, Cordner and Pearce had taken it in turns to be either point man, Sherpa with the sergeant’s kit, or the one unlucky enough to have him on their shoulders. And Biggsy wasn’t exactly light.

  ‘What about the enemy?’

  ‘We’ve managed to stay out of sight so far,’ Liam said. ‘Heard them, but that’s all. Now we have to hide here until it falls dark again. Don’t fancy our chances if we have to run in daylight.’

  Pearce pushed his way back into the hide. ‘Tracks covered,’ he said, breathing deeply. ‘Only way they’ll find us here is by luck – theirs, not ours, of course. And if they do . . .’ He patted his rifle.

  Liam pulled out the map and spread it on the ground before them. They all leaned in, Biggs slowly easing himself over to rest on a bent arm.

  ‘You know how to use these things now?’ asked Pearce.

  ‘This is where we are,’ said Liam, ignoring him and marking a point on the map with a finger. ‘We move as soon as it’s dark. We should make it to the extraction point before the next day breaks. It’s only about seven miles away, but we’ll be going quiet and careful. Last thing we need is to get pinged by Al Shabaab.’

  Pearce leaned in for a closer look. ‘Nicely done,’ he said, then added, ‘If you’re not careful, you’ll end up a proper soldier. How fucking terrifying.’

  ‘I know,’ said Liam. ‘But then I’ve been watching you and making sure I do the exact opposite.’

  ‘You mentioned an extraction point,’ said Biggs. ‘Someone going to be there to meet us?’

  Cordner nodded. ‘I’ve already radioed it in. We’ll be the last ones back in.’

  ‘You mean the rest of our section are still out as well?’

  Pearce nodded. ‘Waterman got caught in a firefight. Delayed them a bit. No casualties on their side, but I don’t think the terrorists exactly got away unharmed. They’ll be meeting us there. It’ll be emotional.’

  ‘So no casualties at all then?’ asked Biggs.

  ‘From Recce?’ answered Liam. ‘You’re the closest. As for the KDF . . .’ His voice trailed off.

  ‘What about the KDF?’ asked Biggs, serious now, eyes drilling into Liam for an answer.

  Liam didn’t want to give one, but had to. His words came out broken. ‘Numbers aren’t confirmed yet,’ he said. ‘But from what we’ve been told so far, there’s over twenty KIA and numerous others injured. The rest are still being picked up and taken back to the FOB.’

  ‘Twenty?’ said Biggs, face grave. ‘That’s fucking horrific. That can’t be right.’

  ‘I’m afraid it is,’ said Liam. ‘And the number could still go up.’

  ‘We should have gone in to help,’ said Pearce.

  ‘No, we shouldn’t have,’ said Biggs. ‘It’s a terrible loss of life. Adding ours to the list of casualties would be of no use to anyone.’

  For a moment everyone was quiet. Being a soldier was inherently dangerous, but for the KDF to lose ten per cent of its men in one night was devastating.

  ‘We’d best get some shuteye then,’ said Biggs. ‘And before anyone asks, yes, I will be able to walk when we shift it later. And I’ll be taking no arguments on that.’

  ‘You won’t get any either,’ said Pearce. ‘Carrying you hasn’t exactly been a highlight.’

  Liam was first to take watch, allowing the others to collapse quickly into a deep, much needed sleep. The view wasn’t ideal, but at least they were out of sight, and he got himself into a position that kept him hidden but still allowed him to survey the land around them. About half an hour into his watch, a herd of impala came to graze in the distance, eventually moving off. Liam was almost sorry to see them go, their absence somehow making his and the rest of the lads’ situation even more acute. The sky, a bright sheet of blue hanging above them, was broken only by occasional flocks of birds and far-off clouds. He focused in on the sounds around him, trying to filter through for anything out of the ordinary. He was relieved when it came to his turn to get some shuteye, with Cordner taking his place.

  ‘We still alone, then?’

  ‘Haven’t heard
a thing,’ said Liam, lying down.

  ‘Then let’s hope I don’t either,’ replied Cordner.

  Liam was snatched roughly from his sleep by a shake of his shoulder. Pearce was staring at him, finger to his lips. Cordner and Biggs were awake, both with their automatic rifles at the ready.

  For a moment Liam couldn’t work out what had got Pearce and the others so spooked. Then his head cleared and he heard it. Not just the rustle of movement, but voices.

  It was still daylight. Cordner had obviously done his stint on watch, followed by Pearce, who’d woken him.

  Biggs caught his attention and signalled to where the noises were coming from. Liam quietly reached for his own weapon. He was fully alert now, forcing his mind to control the fear that wanted him to run for his life.

  The voices were moving closer. Listening in, concentrating all his attention on what he could hear, Liam was able to make out at least five individuals. He then watched as Cordner slid silently forward to see if he could get eyes on who was out there. He was back inside the hide sharpish as a single voice shouted out from what was patently just a few metres away.

  Shit, thought Liam, they’re right on top of us!

  Biggs hastily signalled what was to happen next if it kicked off, pointing to Cordner and Pearce to provide cover as he and Liam bugged out from the other side of where they were hiding. Liam knew that he and the sergeant would then quickly find somewhere from where to provide covering fire for the others as they followed behind.

  The voice just outside their hideaway shouted out once more. Liam held his breath, steadied himself. His heart was racing, his palms sweaty. He wasn’t sure what was worse, the waiting, or knowing that he could soon be fighting for his life.

  They all heard movement as the other voices came closer. And none of them sounded happy in the slightest as what began as raised voices quickly deteriorated into a full-blown argument. Liam guessed they were probably just pissed off to be wandering around trying to find him and the others.

  The argument subsided and Liam started to think that perhaps they were going to move away. But then, without warning, it kicked off again, only this time with renewed violence as the telltale sounds of a fist fight broke out. The branches of the fallen tree shook violently as whatever was going on quickly got out of hand. Then, after a sharp yell, a section of the branches gave way and Liam and the others came face to face with one of the pursuers.

  At the sight of four armed soldiers in front of him, he yelled and disappeared back out of the branches in a shot. Then Pearce and Cordner went into action and opened fire.

  Liam was up and racing out of the other side of the fallen tree, Biggs at his side. The sound of automatic rifles echoed all around them as they both dropped down behind a small clump of bushes. They offered little protection, but Liam ignored that and had his rifle up in the shoulder. He opened up with short three-round bursts, the sergeant alongside him doing the same, as from under the tree came Cordner and Pearce. They kept on with the covering fire as they shot past. When they were clear, Biggs lobbed a phosphorous grenade which exploded into life a couple of seconds later, covering the area in front of them in thick white smoke. Liam then chucked in one of his own. The smoke wouldn’t stop the terrorists giving chase, but it would at least confuse them a little as to which direction to follow.

  With another burst of fire, Liam made to stand up and go when out of the smoke came two terrorists. Their weapons, both AK47s, were held at their hips, and they were spraying rounds wildly in front of them. Liam took aim and dropped them both. Biggs was up then, and Liam followed as covering fire came in from Cordner and Pearce.

  As they skidded in next to them, Pearce said, ‘Waterman’s just come on the PPR. Wants to know if we need any help.’

  ‘Where are they?’ asked Biggs.

  Liam was down on his knee, staring out ahead, waiting to see if the terrorists were still going to advance.

  ‘South of here,’ said Pearce. ‘Not close enough to be of any use, though.’

  ‘Get their position. Tell them we’ll rendezvous with them ASAP.’

  Pearce nodded, sent the message.

  ‘Everyone up for a nice afternoon stroll?’ Biggs asked. ‘Pearce, you’re on point. Cordner, you’re with him. We’ll cover and follow. Move!’

  Sometime later, Liam was sucking breath in hard and fast when, with Biggs just in front of him, he dropped in over the lip of a small dip in the ground ahead and found himself with the rest of the section.

  ‘Still alive then, RB?’ Waterman was looking at him with a grin on his face.

  ‘Best way to be, I reckon,’ said Liam. ‘Certainly better than the alternative.’

  Three soldiers were up at the lip of the rise, weapons at the ready. Two of them he knew, Airey and Bale. The other was the soldier the sergeant had selected to replace Fish, Sam Carter, who had to fight a constant battle with his bright red hair to try and keep it camouflaged.

  ‘We’ve seen no movement, other than you lot tramping through the place like pissheads out on a Friday night,’ said Waterman.

  ‘Scott dropped two,’ said Biggs. ‘No idea about the rest.’

  Liam hadn’t had a chance to think about the two men he’d opened fire on. He’d had no choice, as they’d been running at them, weapons firing. And now wasn’t the time to dwell on it either. It had been a split-second decision, and the right one.

  ‘So what now?’ asked Airey, without taking his eye from where his weapon was aimed.

  ‘It may still be daylight, but I reckon our best bet is to make our way to the extraction point,’ said Biggs. ‘We’ll get there quicker in the light with less risk of tripping up and risking injury, set up a perimeter, and wait it out.’ He paused, then said, ‘Unless anyone has any more pressing business, that is.’

  ‘I’m all out of jokes,’ said Pearce. ‘So I reckon we go with your suggestion and get the fuck out of here good and proper.’

  The rest of the section muttered their agreement.

  ‘We’ll walk this as a patrol,’ continued Biggs. ‘Nice and steady, no running, no fucking this up so close to getting out. Everyone get their ground sight together, and we’ll be fine.’

  Liam momentarily zoned out of what the sergeant was saying. He was listening in for any sound of movement from the direction they’d just come from. So far, nothing. But that didn’t mean the terrorists weren’t out there, and getting closer.

  ‘Let’s shift it then,’ he said. ‘Who’s on point?’

  Carter slipped down from his viewpoint. ‘I’ll head it up,’ he said. ‘Spent most of my last tour doing it with a metal detector, so why change the habit?’

  Liam remembered a lad who’d done the same back during his last tour. Point man was supposed to be done on rotation, everyone taking their turn, but he’d been so good everyone was happy just to let him crack on.

  And with that, the section headed off, Liam fifth in line.

  As they walked, everyone was scanning left and right, hardly a word spoken. The ground was easy going, but acacia trees seemed to reach out to grab them and the long grass snatched at their boots. Every now and again, someone would stop the patrol and they’d drop to their knees, rifles at the ready, barrels aimed left and right. Then they’d carry on, carefully making their way on towards where, soon, a helicopter would come to fetch them.

  It was as the day was starting to yawn, the sun slipping away from the land, that the section was halted once again, this time by Waterman.

  ‘What is it?’ Liam asked.

  Waterman shushed him with a raised hand.

  Liam couldn’t hear anything, but Waterman continued to hold the section still. Then Liam heard it too. ‘What is that?’

  ‘Sounds like someone in pain,’ said Waterman. ‘Anyone else getting that?’

  The rest of the section focused hard on the noise Waterman had stopped them for.

  ‘Where’s it coming from?’ asked Parker.

  ‘Nine o’clock from our
direction of travel,’ said Waterman.

  ‘Definitely sounds human,’ said Biggs, and he called the section together. ‘Suggestions?’

  ‘Haven’t got much choice, have we?’ said Waterman. ‘If it’s one of the terrorists, we bag ourselves a prisoner. If it’s one of the KDF, we’ll be saving one of the good guys.’

  ‘Agreed,’ said Biggs. ‘Waterman? You heard it, you take point. You’ve probably the best bearing on it, OK?’

  Waterman nodded and moved out with the rest falling in behind. This time, though, Liam was at the front rather than in the middle, and the sense of being more exposed was tangible. If there was something bad ahead, he and Waterman would face it first.

  As they walked on, the noise grew louder and became clearly human. Approximately fifteen minutes later, they found the cause.

  ‘Christ, he looks fucked up,’ said Cordner, who was a few steps behind Liam.

  The man was in KDF uniform, and even though they were still at a distance, they could tell he was in a bad state. From the way he was lying, one leg was definitely broken; it was twisted the wrong way and buckled like a tree trunk snapped by a storm. He was propped up against a stump, head lolling from side to side as he moaned. The rest of him was covered in a mush of blood and mud and his head looked battered and bruised.

  ‘I don’t like it,’ said Liam.

  ‘How do you mean?’ said Waterman.

  ‘What’s he doing here?’ Liam said. ‘How did he get here? We’re nowhere near where it kicked off between the KDF and Al Shabaab. It doesn’t feel right.’ His sixth sense was on overdrive.

  Biggs walked up from the rear. ‘What’s wrong?’

  The man was still moaning, but seemed to Liam to be swinging in and out of consciousness.

  ‘Doesn’t smell right,’ he said.

  ‘Waterman?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ said Waterman. ‘Scott’s right – what the fuck is this dude doing out here like this?’

  ‘You think it’s a trap?’

  ‘We need to be seriously fucking cagey about it, is what I think,’ said Waterman.

  Biggs signalled down the line for everyone to get eyes on to the land around them. ‘I’ll go in,’ he said. ‘Carter, you’re with me. Scott, cover us. Understood?’