Soldier On: Book Two: Emily's Story

By J.L. O'Dell

The war is over, but now, Emily is facing new challenges. A conspiracy, among three senior officers, has been concocted to discredit her testimony against Major Talbot, her former boss, who is on trial for sexual misconduct and rape. As a victim/witness, that conspiracy puts her firmly in their crosshairs. Proving her innocence in a sham court-martial is the duty of her attorney, Captain Gaetz. Things spiral until finally Emily is proven innocent. She testifies in the court-martial of her former boss and returns to her unit, the Second Infantry Division. Soon, Emily is given orders to return to the United States, her tour of duty over, but the way home is bumpy and fraught with danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885054584

Book preview

Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Foreword

This is a continuation of my first novel, An Army Between Us. In the first novel, we meet Logan Cord and Emily Storm Fitzsimmons. Logan, a noncommissioned officer from a rural town in Vermont, and Emily, a West Point graduate from a solid family living in an upscale area outside Alexandra, Virginia.

As soon as they met, sparks flew, but not in a good way. To understand this second novel, Soldier On: Book 2: Emily’s Story, you must read the first novel. If not, you will not understand the direction I have chosen to take in this continuation of the series. A great deal is explained in the first novel about their relationship, the army and how things work, and the Second Korean War.

Without giving the story away, Soldier On tells the story of Lieutenant Fitzsimmons and her struggle to maintain her reputation and career despite the obstacles thrown in her path. As she enlists help to solve this problem and continue her military career, another problem presents itself. Can Emily overcome the difficulties that lay ahead, or will she fail in the face of adversity?

This is an excerpt from An Army Between Us.

Division G-2, Private First Class Morgan speaking, sir.

Morgan, this is Joker. Do you remember me?

Of course. How are you guys? She searched the room for Emily and motioned for her boss to come.

Okay. Is your LT around? I need to talk to her.

Private First Class (PFC) Morgan handed the phone to Emily. This is Lieutenant Fitzsimmons.

Ma’am, Emily, this is Joker. Look, Logan’s been wounded. He’s hurt bad, but the doctor says the next forty-eight hours are critical. After that, he should be fine. You know Logan. He’s a tough SOB. But if you can get down here, I think he would like to see you before they ship him and Bulldog stateside.

You’re sure he’s going to be okay? I’ll get down to Seoul. How’s Bulldog? Emily needed to know more, but all her questions could wait until she arrived.

Bulldog took almost a direct hit from mortar fire. One of his legs is pretty chewed up.

I’ll see you guys soon. Emily handed the phone set back to PFC Morgan and headed for the briefing tent. She needed to let her boss know she was leaving for corps HQ with the photos and tapes that needed to be hand carried to the intel section in Seoul.

Chapter 1

Lt. Emily Fitzsimmons stood under the camo netting of the military police (MP) guard shack at the entrance to the Second Infantry Division’s main headquarters. With her, she carried aerial photos, sketches, and several thumb drives containing information that I Corps C2 intelligence requested. The war was over, but this intel still needed to be evaluated and moved up the chain of command until it made it to the Pentagon. More would come as North Korean soldiers surrendered or just discard items as they hurried back to the other side of the border. Strange, Emily thought to herself, What I’m holding will ultimately make it to my father’s desk. Her father was the chief intelligence officer at the Pentagon.

She heard the familiar whoosh, whoosh of the Black Hawk’s blades as the chopper made its approach from the southeast. As the massive torque of the turbines turning those blades stirred up what loose snow and debris there was, Emily headed to the aircraft. The side door slid open as the crew chief jumped out to meet her. He motioned her forward and assisted Emily as she climbed inside with her gear. Emily got settled in her seat and strapped in. Her M4 rifle cleared and on safe. She placed her feet over her rucksack to secure it and stared out the side window as the aircraft began its ascent and quickly left the division main behind.

Joker told her Logan was wounded and in critical condition, but he also told her the doctor said he should be fine if he makes through the next few hours. Besides, like Joker said, Logan was a tough SOB. Emily worried that the worst could happen. She was worried about both men’s wounds. How severe the man’s wounds were, she did not know yet. What she did know was Yongsan Army Hospital was her second stop as soon as she delivered her package to corps headquarters and secured her gear. Emily wasn’t a deeply religious person, but she found herself murmuring a little prayer for both men as the chopper began its descent to the small landing pad adjacent to corps headquarters.

The aircraft touched down with a slight dull thud. Emily began to unbuckle as the crew chief prepared to open the side door. The sound of the turbines lowered their whine as the blades slowed and prepared to come to a full stop. With package and gear in hand, Emily climbed out the open door of the Black Hawk.

Thanks for the ride, Chief! she yelled as she made her way to the waiting soldier standing at the edge of the landing zone (LZ). As she approached, she could see the soldier stiffen to prepare to salute. She smiled at the slender young man and motioned for him to relax.

We don’t salute officers in a combat zone, Emily stated as she threw her gear into the rear door of the Humvee.

But, ma’am, we’re in the rear, and the war is over, the soldier tried to explain.

The war isn’t over until a declaration of surrender is signed. You need to remember this all started almost seventy years ago. And you never know how many NK spies there are in the south. Now take me to C2 and then I need a ride to the base hospital.

The ride to corps headquarters barely took three minutes, and Emily knew she could have easily walked the short distance. But she enjoyed the ride and was relieved that she didn’t need to carry her ruck and weapon that distance. Her driver parked in front of the heavily guarded building and jumped out and around the vehicle. He opened Emily’s door.

Ma’am, just leave your gear in the vehicle. The MPs will secure your weapons for you at the entrance, and you can leave them here for the night. Besides, the hospital security won’t let you take them into the facility with you. I’ll stay with the vehicle and drive you over to the hospital when you’re ready.

Emily approached the two MPs at the entrance. The short female, Private First Class (PFC) Henderson watched Emily closely as she came to the entrance.

Lieutenant Fitzsimmons, we’re expecting you. I need your sidearm and M4. You’ll get a receipt for both along with the ammo and mags. Just can’t let you in armed. The young woman, perhaps about Emily’s age, looked tired.

After Emily’s weapons were secured and receipted, she was led down a series of hallways to the main operations area. The open room was spacious, but with so much equipment and people stuffed in there, it seemed smaller than it was. The level of noise caused her to wince as her ears slowly adjusted to the din of radio traffic, computers, and conversations happening at every workstation. Her eyes adjusted to the harsh light of the fluorescent lamps suspended in the high ceiling.

Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of all ranks were moving about the workstations, exchanging information and coordinating efforts. Some were just plain relaxing and talking. Now that the shooting was over, the real work lay ahead.

Emily made her way toward the front of the room where she saw the I Corps commander and his staff around a table being briefed by an aide. As she approached, the briefing officer stopped in midsentence, unsure of who she was. Colonel Shipmen, assistant to the corps commander, looked over his shoulder, saw her, and jumped up to greet her.

You must be Lieutenant Fitzsimmons. Nice to meet you. What did you bring us? He extended his hand to shake Emily’s. His grip was firm, and his smile warm and friendly.

Emily handed over the intel packet she carried to him. Most of this is gathered from frontline observations, items found by the forward units, and from the team we had deployed. All of that is audio when communications were possible. There will be a great deal more, I’m sure. At last count, Second Infantry had around one thousand prisoners of war. Once we debrief them, we will have a tremendous amount of intel to sift through.

Great. The corps commander turned to look at her. I understand you need to get to the hospital. Some of the members of this team that was attached to 2ID were injured, the corps commander stated. He stood up as he spoke. Emily was impressed by the concern she saw in his eyes. I understand they’ve been stabilized.

For now, sir. I hope for good. He was very tall, Emily noticed. She sized him up at around six feet six inches easy. He was well muscled and in excellent shape for a man close to his sixties. While he showed fairness to his troops, he was certainly no pushover. He had a reputation for being stern and expected only the best from the soldiers he commanded.

I need you here for the 0600 hours briefing before you head back to 2ID. Any problems with that?

No, sir. I’ll be back in time. Meanwhile, if I’m needed for anything, I’ll be at the hospital. Thank you for giving me the time to talk to the team and visit the wounded.

Her driver waited alongside his vehicle, smoking a cigarette. When he saw her approach, he took his last drag of smoke down his lungs, field stripped the butt, and placed it in his pocket. He would dispose of it later.

The drive to the hospital was a short and quiet one. Emily had nothing to say as she was lost in her thoughts. As they approached the hospital, there was a checkpoint manned by two soldiers. They gave the vehicle a quick look and waved them through. The Humvee pulled up to the emergency room door. The area was well lit and vacant. No vehicles, and no people around. Emily hoped that was a good sign. At the least, it might mean no more wounded coming in from the field.

Ma’am, what time do you need a pickup? His face was the soft, smooth texture of a man still too young to need to shave. He smiled easily, but Emily could tell he was uneasy around officers.

I need you back here at 0530 hours, she informed him as she climbed out of the vehicle, grabbed her gear, then headed for the emergency room doors. The double doors opened with a whoosh as she entered. Two military policemen were standing near the reception desk, speaking with an attractive woman dressed in hospital blues.

Ma’am—the shorter of the two MPs moved forward—can I help you? He was businesslike in his demeanor and attitude. He gave Emily a once-over, looking for weapons. No weapons, ma’am?

Emily looked past him at the woman behind the desk. She was a light-skinned woman in her late twenties, Emily guessed, and attractive. I’m looking for Sergeant First Class [SFC] Logan Cord’s room. Can you help me? The MP stepped aside as Emily went straight to the desk. And I checked my weapons with the MPs at corps HQ, soldier.

The woman checked her computer. Sure thing. Go down this corridor to the elevators. Take one to the fourth floor. When you get off, check in at the nurses’ station. He is in recovery, room 412. She pointed down the corridor. Elevators are on the left.

Thanks. Lieutenant Fitzsimmons hefted her rucksack over her right shoulder and headed down the corridor. The wait for the elevator doors to open seemed like a lifetime, and she was ready to take the stairs when the doors finally did open with a ding. It seemed the ride to the fourth floor was painfully long and planned to be slow and annoying. But the doors finally dinged again as they opened. The nurses’ station was directly across from the elevator.

I’m looking for SFC Cord’s room. Emily was all business as the medic behind the desk stood up.

I’ll show you, ma’am. His people are with him. Doc’s there too. You can stow your gear here, and I’ll walk you down. He motioned for Emily to place her gear behind the desk. It’ll be safe here, ma’am.

He walked with her down the long dimly lit corridor until they arrived at the nurses’ station of the recovery wing. Emily saw the guys speaking to a short slender woman. She wondered if this might be Logan’s doctor. The medic turned to leave as Emily hurried her step toward Joker, Jake, and Zeno.

Joker saw movement from his left side and turned to see a stern-faced Lieutenant Fitzsimmons approach. Zeno was next to see her, then Jake. The doctor was last to turn and see who was approaching.

What’s the situation? How is Logan? Bulldog? Emily asked no one in particular.

Doctor Steinburg answered, Cord is stable and resting. We’ve removed the bullets from his shoulder and abdomen, and we are hopeful that he does recover. The soldier you call Bulldog nearly lost his leg, but the surgeons believe he will also recover. Maybe with a limp. He will walk again, but it will take months of physical therapy.

Joker smiled that kindly how-are-you smile. Glad you could get down here, LT. Logan will be happier than shit to see you. Thanks, Doc. LT, can we talk?

Of course. Great to see you three in one piece. She reached out and touched each man’s shoulder in turn. I was so worried. And then you called, and I didn’t know what to think. What happened out there?

Emily—Joker took her elbow—that’s what I’m going to tell you. Let’s walk. Guys, keep an eye on our two loafers.

Joker pulled Emily toward him and headed down the same dimly lit corridor she had come up moments ago. Damn fool nearly got killed trying to save some NK kid. It’s a long story, Emily. Let’s see if we can find a quiet corner and some coffee. There’s a coffeepot at the nurses’ station on the east wing.

Emily walked alongside Joker, holding back the tears she needed to shed but refused to. He’s going to be fine, she told herself. The doctor said so. He’s going to be fine.

Toward the back corner of the room was a table with a coffeepot. Joker poured her a cup. Still take it black, Emily?

Yes, unless you have some Irish cream, her voice near a whisper as she sat on the small couch near the window. The room needed a new coat of paint. How did this happen? I mean, you guys are so careful.

Joker sat on the hard black plastic and metal chair across from her. Shit happens. The North Koreans [NK] tracked us. I don’t know if they just got lucky and figured out where we were headed, or if, like Zeno believes, that the AK-47 the kid took off a dead soldier might have had a tracking device installed. Could be. The NK’s top ranks don’t like it when their troops try to defect. I don’t know.

And Logan? She blew on her coffee and sipped carefully.

He got hit the first time while we were scouting the area. Then we all moved into the tree line. Mortar fire came in, and the first round impacted near Bulldog. Logan ran to him and dragged him to cover. The kid grabbed the AK from where Zeno placed it. I thought he was going to open fire on us, but the little shit ran out, firing toward the enemy. I don’t know why. Logan saw the kid take a few rounds and ran out. He was trying to drag the kid back to us when he was hit several times. When we got to Logan, he was breathing, but the kid was dead. I got the team on the chopper, and we came straight here. That’s pretty much it.

Emily saw that Joker was shaken up by recounting the story. Why did he go after the kid? Did he think he was still alive?

Must be. First, he pulls Bulldog to cover and then goes after the kid. He has a serious hero complex, and when Logan is up and around, I’m going to kick his ass for putting all of us through this. You’ll see.

Joker! someone yelled from down the corridor. Joker looked back and saw Jake waving his arms. Boss is awake.

Emily took off at a trot with Joker not far behind her. Jake waited for the pair at Logan’s door. Doc is with him now. She said we can see him in a minute.

Zeno came up to join the group. Bulldog’s resting. He needs his sleep. We can tell him in the morning the boss is okay. The group waited quietly with their own thoughts. They waited for the doctor to come out and reassure them everything was fine.

The team and Emily were gathered around the door when it opened, and the doctor and nurse stepped out.

Doctor Steinburg answered their first question before it was asked. Yes, you can see him. Don’t tire him out. I believe if the situation doesn’t change, he will recover. My main concern is to stabilize him for the flight to Walter Reed. If everything goes right, I intend to medivac both men in two days. That’s the next flight out with the critically wounded.

Thanks, Doc. Joker turned to Emily. You want some time alone first?

No, he’s waiting to see us all. I’ll hang around after you three beat up on him. Emily smiled and turned to enter the room.

Beat up on him? Who said we were going to do that to the dumbass? The smile was almost as wide as Zeno’s face.

Emily entered first, and Logan’s deep brown eyes lit up as she approached the hospital bed. Hey, you’re here. His voice raspy. He took her hand.

Of course, I’m here. I heard you got hurt. She bent over him and kissed his forehead. I love you.

I love you more. Hey, guys. How’s Bulldog? Logan tried to raise his head, but the effort was too much.

Bulldog’s fine. They managed to put him back together without the need for spare parts. His leg will be fine, but he may not get back to us for a while. Let’s talk about you, dumbass. Zeno couldn’t help himself. You got us worried for nothing.

Boss, why did you go after the kid? Jake needed to know why Logan would put himself in jeopardy for an enemy kid.

I thought he was alive. Couldn’t leave him there. No man left behind, right? Besides, the kid was trying to help us.

Emily looked at the guys as if to say knock it off. All three saw and reacted to the look. Emily turned back to Logan, teary-eyed. Sooner or later, she knew she would need a good cry but not now. Not in front of the guys.

Can we get you anything, boss? Joker asked.

Yeah, a cheeseburger and a six-pack. Logan attempted a laugh, but it came out as a hoarse, raspy sound. He swallowed hard.

We’ll work on that tomorrow after we get back from 2ID main. We need to go retrieve our equipment. Look, boss, they’re sending you and Bulldog out in two days, doc says. We’ll be around here for another day or two, writing reports and debriefing. As soon as we get back, we’ll head for Walter Reed. Emily, you have our word on that. We’ll be with him.

Thanks, guys. Emily looked at Logan’s team. All of them were connected like family, brothers. She felt a part of that family. Perhaps like a little sister to them. She knew they would see to Logan as much as they could. She also knew they had duties when they got back.

Guys, can we have some time? I need to talk with Emily. The guys straightened up and said their good nights.

We understand. She is better looking than we are. Besides, I’m tired of looking at your sorry ass. If you need us, we’ll be out here. Emily, don’t let him get too frisky. He needs his strength. Joker headed for the door, following Jake and Zeno.

Chapter 2

Emily and Logan were finally alone. She brushed his thick dark hair back from his face. It was matted, and he needed a shave badly. The noise made by the machines he was hooked up to were the only sound in the room. The sights, sounds, and smells weighed heavily on her. Up to this point, she only saw Logan as a strong, vibrant man. Now lying in this hospital bed, he seemed so vulnerable, and she felt protective.

He looked up at her. You know I love you, right? Logan tightened his grip on her hand.

Of course, I do. And you know that I love you. Emily squeezed his hand a little tighter.

Emily, will you marry me? He coughed, and she saw him wince in pain.

What hurts? Should I call for the nurse? Emily couldn’t disguise the concern on her face or in her voice.

No, I’m fine. I think they sewed me up too tight. I cough like that again, I’ll pop a stitch. Logan thought he might cheer her up with a little joking, but it didn’t work. The tears in her eyes would have come flooding out sooner or later. Right now, all he saw was love, concern, worry, and perhaps fear.

Well, will you? Marry me, that is?

Yes, of course I will as soon as we get back stateside and you’re on your feet soldier. We will need to do some planning.

Emily, I don’t want to wait that long. Let’s do it now. At least have a ceremony and then a bigger wedding later. The guys can witness. The hospital chaplain can perform the ceremony. What do you think?

Emily smiled tenderly as she kissed his lips gently. Her smile said it all. Yes, she would marry Logan now. A big beautiful wedding for family and friends would come later. Her mother would take over the planning and be so happy to do so. What would be her parents’ reaction to her marrying an enlisted man would have to be sorted out later. They would accept her decision or not. Emily knew at some point, the army would need to get involved, but that would work itself out later. Right now…

Yes, now. Right here while I have you right where I want you. Emily opened the room door and called out to Joker.

He stuck his head in the room. Problem? You okay, boss? All three of the guys came in the