“I envy you.” I’d thought about going to Italy anyway and surprising Pia, but after the disastrous way that turned out the last time, I decided against it.
I’d been at Fort Monckton for three weeks when I finally received a letter back from Pia. While she didn’t elaborate, she told me there were problems at Valentini and she wasn’t certain she’d be able to continue attending university.
I sneaked off and rang her number a couple of times, but wasn’t successful in reaching her. Not knowing when I’d have access to my mobile again, I left a message, saying I’d try again as soon as I could.
“Is everything okay?” Edge asked when I rejoined him in the dining hall.
“I fear not.” I couldn’t explain why, but I had a feeling there was something very wrong in Tuscany. I reached into my pocket and touched Pia’s heart-shaped stone, praying I wasn’t right.
Six months sped by, and before I knew it, Edge and I were getting ready to graduate from SIS training. While we didn’t have our initial assignments yet, we were informed we’d have a minimum of fourteen days’ leave before we’d have to report to wherever the British Army chose to send us.
“Gentlemen, a word,” said our commanding officer as we were headed to pack up and check out. He led us into a conference room and closed the door.
“I’m sorry to do this now, but I have your orders.”
I looked at Edge, who had the same worried expression I did.
“There’s a situation in Central Iraq, in the city of Najaf. We’ve received intelligence indicating that certain members of the Iraqi military, supposedly our allies, have been systematically taking out coalition service members. Given your ages and recent military training, sending you both in on this mission makes a great deal of sense.”
“What is the mission exactly?” asked Edge.
“It’ll be your job to find and eliminate them.”
I hated asking, but I had to know. “When do we report?”
He scrubbed his face with his hand. “You ship out to Baghdad in five days. Again, I’m sorry about the timing of this.”
Once dismissed, I raced out of the main office and to my room. I’d told Edge he could ride back to London with my dad and me, but I was in no mood to wait. Somehow, I had to see Pia. Had to. I didn’t care if it was only for a few hours.
“Listen, I know we talked about riding back to London together,” I began when Edge walked in and sat on the bed.
He held up his hand. “Do what you need to do, Grind. I’ll get a lift back with one of the other guys.”
“Sorry, mate.”
“Don’t be. I’ll see you in five days.”
I rang Pia, hoping against all odds she’d answer, and she did.
“I’m sorry to be abrupt, but where are you?”
“I’m at Valentini. How are you, Mylos?”
“I’m deploying on a secret mission in five days.” I heard her gasp. “Sweetheart, I need you to tell me whether or not I should come to Italy.”
“Can you? Do you have time?”
“I can be on the next flight out to Florence.”
“I’ll be at the airport, waiting.”
“Pia…”
“Whatever it is, say it, Mylos.”
“I need you.”
“I need you, too.”