Chapter 88

Flashback – Ben – Sometime in the past

Where the hell was I? Wasn't I just in Russia? Now I was ... Wait I remembered this! Oh hell, I went through this once before and I sure as hell don't want to go through it again! It practically killed me the first time! I closed my eyes, wished for it to go away, opened my eyes but I was still there...

Flashback – Tatiana – At the hospital

Ben slipped into unconsciousness as Jack placed him on the bed after he foolishly stood for President Putin. Dr. Kaeoorov rushed up, checked Ben then ordered a whirlwind of tests. Yes, it was about time he started acting like Ben's doctor instead of a pampered playboy. I understood the change in behavior when a woman walked in! Dr. Kaeoorov turned and said, "Hello my lovely wife, I wish I had time to greet you right now but my patient has taken a turn for the worse."

What a dog! I had a good mind to tell his wife what he was doing just a few short hours ago!!! However, I decided now might be an appropriate time to address my partial lack of clothing so I excused myself and proceeded to the bathroom...

Flashback – Jack – Returning to the hospital with Major M

Masha joined us after she helped me get the Major released. True to his basic nature, the Major looked at her and rudely demanded, "Who the hell are you?"

I could tell his attitude upset the hell out of Masha (and it sure as hell upset me!) so I stopped, grabbed him by the arm, spun him around, got in his face and threatened, "Listen you pompous bastard, you just insulted the hell out of my soon to be wife! I suggest you apologize unless you want me to take to you back to the fucking holding cell."

He gave me an evil grin then made a hell of a mistake...

Flashback – Major M – Returning to the hospital with Jack

So Sgt. Reynolds thought he was going to marry this little Russian bitch! I guess he forgot that his commanding officer had to sign off for this to happen. I had waited for a break like this and planned on using it to my utmost advantage. I grinned at Sgt. Reynolds, yanked my arm out of his hand and stated, "Sgt. Reynolds, did you forget that as your commanding officer I need to approve any marriages."

Yeah, I finally had this bull by the horns but then the little Russian bitch decided to speak her mind.

Flashback – Masha – Returning to the hospital with Jack and Major M

There was no way I was going to allow this windbag Major to abuse my Jack. He did not know who he was dealing with! I pushed Jack to the side, positioned myself in front of the Major and he grinned like some stupid clown so I confronted him, "Major M, President Putin is approving our marriage so your approval is not required! Control your vile mouth before I control it for you!"

Jack tried to intercede, "Masha this is my fight..."

I reminded him, "Jack, if you strike the Major you will create problems. He insulted me so this is my fight and I am the one who will deliver punishment."

The Major continued his silly grin then he taunted me, "I normally don't fight women but you need to learn a lesson, so take your best shot - bitch!"

Flashback – Jack – Returning to the hospital with Major M and Masha

What the hell! Remind me to never call Masha a bitch (not that I ever would)! Masha just opened up a major can of whoop ass on Major M! The Major and I were both shocked when she jumped, spun and delivered a devastating roundhouse kick that connected with the side of his head. He crumpled to the sidewalk like the bag of shit he was. Then she added insult to injury (or perhaps injury to the insult) when she kicked him square in the balls. The Major turned about three shades of green, puked all over himself and passed out.

Masha grabbed my hand and ordered, "Jack, we will continue to the hospital."

I questioned, "What about the Major?"

She spat on the ground and replied, "What Major?"

Damn! And I thought I needed to protect her? That move was worthy of Banzai. But I did have a new problem to contend with since my wife-to-be just soundly kicked my commanding officer's ass? Not that he didn't deserve it, but this could cause problems later...

Flashback – Major M

I woke up and son-of-a-bitch! I had a hell of a headache and my crotch felt like it was on fire but the worst part was some damn Russian policeman was poking me with his nightstick. Shit, I remembered what happened Jack's little Russian bitch soundly kicked my ass! I quickly sat up and took his damn nightstick away. In hindsight, that might not have been the smartest thing to do.

The next instant I was surrounded by fucking Russian policemen and they started to beat the hell out of me with their nightsticks. Fuck this shit! I jumped up and began to kick some Russian ass!

Flashback – Ben – Sometime in the past

I shivered as I huddled around the small fire and tried to keep from freezing ... Great Grandfather had just died and dad went totally insane! The beatings weren't that bad since I was used to them, but then he started talking crazy about how it was my fault that Great Grandfather died. He raved on about how I was evil and he needed to purge the evil from me so Great Grandfather's spirit could rest in peace. I sure as heck didn't wait around to see what sort of craziness that meant so I grabbed a few little things and escaped into the mountains. But the mountains around Leadville were harsh in the middle of winter - but not as harsh as a crazy dad...