Strike Force Zulu - Chapter 2: 03:00 March 31st

The cellphone’s blaring ringtone shattered the peaceful night. Amid his wife’s sleepy complaints, Richard quickly grabbed the phone from the bedside table and answered the call. “Hello?”

“Richard! Thank goodness. I’m sorry to wake you, but we really need you here down at the NOC*. Natalie just got really sick and had to leave. Without her here, we do not have enough coverage…” the excited person on the other side of the line spilled out in a rush.

“Huh?” Trying to jog his tired brain into wakefulness, Richard continued, “I’m sorry… who in the Hell is this? I mean its Three o’clock in the morning for God’s sake and I just got to sleep a couple of hours ago.”

“Ah jeez… Sorry Richard, this is Tony Colman, the manager of the NOC for Ortega Industries in Lakewood. I know you are just a consultant, and are not on the actual rotation, but we do not have anyone else available to cover. Our SLA** says we have to provide continuous twenty-four hour manning here and I am not a tech guy. I have no idea what is happening. I mean I see charts and red flashing lights, and there is some kind of horrid beeping…”

Sighing Richard replied, “Got it… Got it… Shit, give me a couple of hours. I live up in the mountains and it is going to take me some time to get down to you Tony.”

“Thanks Richard! You are the best! I will…” Tony began.

“Look Tony, I don’t mean to be rude, but my wife is sleeping right next to me… Let me get dressed and get on the road. Like I said, I am a couple of hours out…” Richard interrupted.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Richard. I’ll see you here in a couple of hours. Be careful, the roads are still snow covered from yesterday’s storm.”

“Understood. See you soon.” Richard disconnected the call and looked at his beautiful wife. “Honey, I’m sorry babe. I need to run down to town and cover a shift at the NOC. Apparently someone got sick and they don’t have anyone.”

Richard’s wife, Catherine rolled over sleepily and said, “Uh-huh… be safe sweetie.” before falling right back asleep.

Sighing, Richard swung his legs out of bed and went to their small walk in closet. He went inside and closed the door before turning the light on, so as to not disturb Catherine’s sleep anymore than it already had been. Glancing over his clothes as he decided what to wear, Richard’s eyes flicked over his Class A Officer’s Uniform briefly before he grabbed a nice new pair of civilian tactical grade cargo pants, a thick long sleeved sweater, undershirt, underwear, and socks before he flicked the light off and went into the bathroom to get showered, shaved, and such.

A few minutes later, Richard was clean, dressed, and next to the bed. He reached under the pillow and retrieved his Glock 17 and placed it in its holster on his back right hip. Making sure the mag and tactical light sleeves on his left side were seated and occupied, he leaned over and kissed his wife on top of her head. “Love you sweetie. I’ll be home in the afternoon most likely. Not sure how long I am going to need to sit down there.” he whispered into her hair.

Looking around one final time, Richard grabbed his coat, watch cap, car keys, and a bottle of water before stepping outside into the night.