BRIDGER PUSHED THE military Humvee to its limit, silently hoping that the 6.2 liter Detroit diesel didn’t blow up as he maxed out the tachometer. He slowed the truck for the turn that he knew was just ahead. He cranked the steering wheel and the oversized 4X4 squelched in the loose gravel as it threatened to slide into the ditch.
Once the truck was pointed in the same direction as the road, he pushed the accelerator to the floor again and listened to the old truck groan as it threw gravel. Rocks pinged off of the bottom skid plates and Bridger craned his neck to peer into the sky. He knew he wouldn’t see it coming, but he hoped for some sign… a reflection against the shiny skin of the aircraft or drone headed toward him.
He prayed that Roger made it to town before the airstrike. He also silently hoped that they misread the signs of the strike team backing off. He knew what it meant, but there was still that minute chance that they all had read the signals wrong.
He actually chuckled to himself as he realized he was grasping at straws. He knew exactly what a strategic withdrawal meant. No strike team worth their salt would back off after suffering the losses that they had suffered.
Hell, at this point, he’d consider himself fortunate if they didn’t use a nuke on him.
He glanced to the sky once more then tightened the grip on his steering wheel. He only had a few more miles to go…
Somewhere South of Dallas, TX
ROGER FELT THE Humvee shudder as the oversized tires bit onto the pavement. He only had two miles left before he hit the closest town. He could park the Humvee and walk to a bus stop if he had to. There was no way in hell that the government would put this many civilians at risk to kill a handful of men.
Would they?
He found himself scanning the sky ahead, looking for some sign of the incoming threat. He slammed on the brakes when a dog trotted out in front of him and the Humvee slid slightly sideways. For the briefest of moments he wished he had just run over the mangy stray.
He goosed the accelerator and as he crested the next hill and could see the beginnings of buildings in the distance. The road sign stated that he was about to enter Yantis. Roger’s mind raced. He knew that the tiny town wasn’t far from Quitman, and if he could cross the water, he could make it to Bridger’s place. It may not be the safest place in the world, but it could be fortified.
Well…against people. He had no idea what might be headed toward him. Worst case scenario, he could stay to the woods surrounding Bridger’s house. He knew there were enough spider holes out there that he could stay hidden for days if need be.
He just had to survive long enough to get there.
Camp Deric, South of Dallas, TX
“IS THAT IT?” Chesterfield looked to the men expectantly. “Do you think maybe I can clean myself up a bit before—”
“It’s over when I say it’s over.” Jay paced, glancing out the windows and staring at his watch. “Slippy, how’s it look out there?”
Gregg shrugged. “I have no heat signatures showing but we have at least one camera down. Assuming they don’t know where to hide, I’d say bets are good we’re safe.”
Steve squinted at the front windows, his face still red from the gas. “I say we make a break for it.”
Jay laid a hand on Deric’s shoulder. “You still have that old Suburban?”
Deric nodded, his skin still burning. “We may need to jump it, but the tires were up on it the last time I looked.”
Jay snapped his fingers. “We got three men injured, a runaway arms dealer and a shit covered CIA agent.”
Slippy leaned back in his chair. “Not to mention that Viktor is in custody.”
Jay snatched Chesterfield by the collar. “Then I suppose we work a trade.” He fished his cuff key from his pocket and unlocked the man. “The head is that way. You come back smelling like this and your ass is strapped to the hood.”
Darren stiffened. “I might need some clothes.”
Jay nodded to Slippy. “Get him something to wear.”
“Pink and frilly, coming right up.” Gregg hopped from the chair and led Chesterfield away.
“Are you boys up to traveling?” Jay asked. Jim continued to stare out the window, not hearing him. Steve and Deric both gave a thumbs up. “Get Jim to the transport. I’ll be there shortly to get it started.”
He watched the men walk out and stared at all of the computer gear that Slippy had brought. He went to the head and motioned to Gregg. “Gather only what you need. I’ll watch shithead. See if the Suburban will start and if not, we’ll put a power pack on it.”
“On it.”
Jay took a deep breath and blew it out hard. He pushed the door to the bathroom open and stepped in. “Just so you know, if anything happens to those guys, I’m holding you responsible.”
Chesterfield swallowed hard. “I can try to contact the situation room…let them know to stand down.”
Jay raised a brow. “They’re sending death here knowing you’re inside. Do you really think they’d listen?”
Darren shook his head, his face paling. “No.”
“Get dressed.” Jay shut the door behind him and swirled the handcuffs around his finger while he waited.
Once the door opened Chesterfield found himself pushed to the wall. Hard.
“What the…”
“You may have spilled your guts, but I don’t trust you.” He pushed the cuffs closed with a loud series of clicks then pulled the man off the wall. “You’re lucky you get to ride in the back.”
Langley, VA
“WE’VE GOT THEM, sir.” The tech pointed to the two trucks speeding along a dirt road. “The rear vehicle is our tac-team.”
“You don’t say,” Nelson replied flatly. “Tell them to drop back and bring the Reaper in
