Long Shot | 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Chapter 5

"So between what we see happening in Egypt with Morsi and the current destabilization of Syria, yes, it's easy to imagine any number of scenarios playing out here." the Ambassador spoke to the room full of CIA and GRS people in front of him.

I stood at the back with the other GRS members and tried my best to keep my eyes open, just like a bunch of other guys were as well. We had been up a lot of the night for various reasons, spent all day in the sun, and all any of us really wanted was a shower and a nap.

Beside me, sitting on the table with his elbow resting on the coffee dispenser, Tanto's head was drooped into his hand and his eyes were very noticeably shut. Looking across the room, I could see Bob glaring at Tanto, anger rising in his veins that this man had the audacity to sleep when the Ambassador was talking.

Shifting closer to the table, I bumped Tanto with my own elbow just hard enough to get his attention. His head shot up when I did and he turned to look at me, so I checked to make sure Bob was otherwise distracted before daring to say a word. "Chief's been glaring." I whispered. "I know you're tired, but just hold on a little longer."

"Thanks." he grumbled as he fought to stay awake for the remaining of the speech.

"However, in my mind, our biggest mistake would be to not view this moment as an opportunity." the Ambassador continued. "Relationships between governments are important, yes, but relationships between people are the real foundation of diplomacy. And I believe that it is our mission as Americans to help Benghazans form a free, democratic and prosperous Libya."

After the Ambassador had finished, the room erupted with applause and I watched as Bob stood up and stalked over in our direction. Pushing past me, he placed a hand on Tanto's shoulder and dropped his voice so low that only the three of us could hear him. "In my office, now."

As the chief stormed off, obviously very angry about what, to me, seemed like a very minor thing, Tanto got up and started to follow him, but I trailed along behind as well. I just didn't think it was fair to demand so much from us and then act like a fucking asshole when we were a little tired from all of it.

"Don't bother apologizing." Bob started as he pulled Tanto outside instead of into his office. "I'll do it."

Tanto took a bite out of an apple that he had collected from somewhere and shrugged. "Well, I won't. 'Cause I've heard the rah-rah speech about politics and progress a hundred goddamn times before."

"Well, then I'll write you up."

"Sweet."

Just then, as if he was Tanto's guardian angel, Rone popped out from god-knows-where. "Chief. Chief, the guy's going on two hours sleep. He had a late scout last night and an early buyback this morning."

"Yeah, buying up all of Gaddafi's arms." Tanto nodded as he chucked his apple somewhere into the yard. "Let's count the fucking sand particles on the beach while we're at it."

"Those thirty Grails that you took off the black market, that's thirty airplanes that don't go down." Bob reasoned. "I'm so sick of your shit, Tanto. If you can't figure out how to act like a professional, there are ten guys waiting to take your spot. And I'm sure that you'll be happy at home being an insurance adjuster."

With that, Tanto turned and walked off without another word. "That's the last chance, Tyrone." Bob warned.

Making eye contact with Rone, the two of us had the same look of worry on our faces. Letting out a sigh, Rone gestured for me to catch up to Tanto and make sure he wasn't gonna do anything stupid. Rone had said to me once that Tanto sometimes needed a little babysitting, but the thing was, he hated being told what to do.