The Colonel's Daughter by Lili Tufel Read Free Book Online Page A

connectivity that all Marines have with one another. We have our Latin motto, Sine Pari—without equal—because our Special Forces Teams are the ones called in the face of overwhelming odds. There’s a sense of family within the Special Forces that no one will ever understand. You tell me it’s not fair I stay alone. I want you to understand I’m not alone. I have a sense of belonging. But if the doctor was to tell me I’m out because of my injuries, I really don’t know what I would do.”
    Jasmine fidgeted with the blue geraniums still in her hands. “I’ve heard soldiers say there’s no such thing as a former Marine. Once a Marine always a Marine, I’m sure it’s the same for the Green Berets.”
    “So you know I’m a Green Beret?” Javi asked.
    “I read your file.” Jasmine smiled. Her eyes and nose were red from crying.
    “So now you know all this stuff about me. Tell me something about yourself. How did you get to have such a cute little girl? She’s like a miniature replica of you.”
    “Believe me, Samantha’s a handful.” Her eyes lit up then in an instant she grew somber again. “Her daddy was killed by an IED in Afghanistan. She was too young to really known him. She’s so strong and brave. You should see her play against all those boys in baseball. I know she definitely gets those qualities from her father.”
    “Don’t sell yourself so short. I mean…here you are working at this place even after your husband was killed in the war. You’re raising a kid on your own. It sounds like you’re pretty brave yourself.”
    She stared at his crooked smile and gave a timid grin before looking down at the geraniums. “I never knew my father. It breaks my heart to see Samantha have to go through something similar. My mom had me at a very young age and she never married. She told me they were just a couple of kids fooling around and then my father went off to be in the military. She never heard from him again. I know what it’s like to grow up not having a dad.”
    “Here you are trying to help me find my parents, how about I help you find your father? I’m serious, has anyone ever helped you try to find him?”
    “No, no one’s ever offered to help me find my father. That’s very sweet of you. I’m tired of asking my mom about it. She just refuses to have the subject brought up. She says she doesn’t know where my father could be.” She grew silent. Then said, “Never mind my father, I’m getting paid to find your immediate family members and if necessary, to help you in your transition to civilian life.”
    “Oh, I see, this is just a job for you.” Javi looked away.
    “No, I didn’t mean it that way.”
    “It’s alright, I understand.”
    “Javi, I’ve searched for my dad lots of times. Yeah, I still hold on to the possibility that maybe he’ll come through my office one day. Every once in a while I’ll come across a file for an old vet and the glimmer of hope ignites. Maybe I can find a clue in his contact list that perhaps will lead to finding my father. I don’t have very much to go on, just hope. My focus should be on you right now not on myself, job or no job.” Jasmine reached for his hand.
    Javi remained silent still enamored with the beauty of her face.
    “I know just how I’m going to make it up to you.” She placed both hands on the wheelchair.
    “Make what up to me? You didn’t do anything wrong?”
    After backing the wheelchair out of the elevator on the second floor, she stopped at her desk and opened the bottom drawer. Javi studied her every move. She pulled out a small rectangular box and slowly pushed the drawer shut with her knee.
    “You play chess?” Javi grinned.
    “Yes I do. And I’m a fierce competitor.” She gave a tight, glossy-lipped smile as she handed him the chessboard and pushed the wheelchair back to the hospital room.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Maurice and Faisal boarded the hundred-foot yacht moored at the Fisher Island marina while Dallas