“Dr. LaRue gave it to me and told me to keep a close eye on you Dr. Carpenter.” She stepped closer as his eyes glazed over. She reached out and lifted one of his eyelids, staring deeply into them.
He groaned as his grip loosened and he crumpled to the floor. He wasn’t positive in his altered state of mind, but it sounded like she ordered somebody to strap him down. He tried to form the word no, but only a gurgling sound escaped his throat as the world went black.
Roger awoke with a start as the sentry shook his foot. “You wanted us to let you know if we spotted any of them again…one has returned to the ambush sight.”
Roger sat up and wiped at his eyes. “What did he look like? Did he have red hair?”
“Negative. Big fella. Black hair, black beard.”
Roger nodded and pulled his boots on. “That’s Savage.” He shot the man a crooked smile. “Fuel an ATV for me, would ya?”
“They’re already on it.” He turned and walked out while Roger pulled the flannel shirt on. He stood and quickly tucked it into his pants, then turned for the door.
“Were you going to check with me before you took off?”
He shot her another impressive smile. “I was just headed to your office.”
“I don’t sleep in my office.” She planted her hands on her hips and narrowed her gaze.
“Then I would have found where you do sleep.” He placed a hand on each of her shoulders and stared deeply at her. “This can still work if I can reach him.”
She shook her head slowly. “And if it doesn’t?”
“Then I lead them away from here.” He gave her a solemn stare. “If there’s any way possible, I’d make my way back to you.”
She raised a brow at him. “To me?”
He sighed and gave her a crooked smile. “I like you, okay?”
She opened her mouth to say something, but he pulled her close and kissed her fully on the mouth. She stiffened at first, but soon melted in his hands, her own hands wrapping around his waist and pulling him closer.
When Roger pulled away, her eyes were still closed. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first laid eyes on you.” He leaned in and kissed her more lightly on the corner of the mouth. “Please don’t be angry.”
She leaned back and slowly fluttered her eyes open. “Oh, yeah…I’m totally pissed at you.” She pulled him to her and kissed him back.
When the two broke apart, she gave him a mischievous smile. “Take that, you bastard.” Her voice was a husky whisper.
He groaned low in his throat and took a deep breath. “I have to go…especially if he’s alone.”
“Go. Be safe.” She swatted at his butt as he stepped around her.
Roger thought of Candy the entire way across town to the ambush site. He parked the ATV a couple of blocks away and walked to the trap. He wasn’t sure what was more frightening…the possibility of running into Zulus or running into Savage.
He watched the man as he picked around the kill zone. He worked his way closer as the large man appeared distracted by one thing or another.
He had to swallow his trepidation and make his move. He watched as Savage tossed the pipe he was carrying and mounted his bike. As soon as he heard the engine come to life, he stepped out from the bushes and worked his way around the end of the dead cars.
He stood in the road, directly in front of Savage’s path. He tried to give the man his award-winning smile as the big guy’s eyes focused on him.
“You son of a…”
Chapter 12
Hatcher held on to the Oh, shit handle as the Humvee bounced along the dusty trail. He clenched his jaw tight to keep from breaking his molars. He glanced to Buck who seemed to be faring much better. The boy still clutched his knife and Hatcher had a momentary vision of the young man accidentally stabbing himself.
He knew the generator calmed the monsters, but what if they had a wounded member bleeding profusely? Would the smell of blood overtake the effects of the machine?
He shook the idea from his head as the front of the truck went airborne. He instinctively tightened up in preparation for the concussive end and was surprised when the vehicle landed smoothly on the following rise. He glanced at Buck again, who was smiling. He half-expected him to let loose a Whoop! as the truck bounced again.
“We’ve got them, sir!” The driver pointed through the flat windshield and all eyes focused on where he indicated.
A large Seahawk-style helicopter circled slowly as it descended toward the ground. Hollis’ coms sparked and the radio operator reported the area clear. “They’re landing now. Nothing reported in the area, but I want all hands double-timing to that bird.” He leaned forward and glanced at the dirt and debris kicked up by the rotors. “I’m not risking another ride on these bastards.”
The driver accelerated the Humvee down a slight slope and slid to a stop just forty yards from the craft as the wheels touched down. “Let’s move people!” Hollis threw open the door and was on the ground waving his people forward.
“Should we grab the food?” Buck asked, sheathing his knife.
“Just go!” Hatcher pushed him toward the aircraft and reached for the aluminum case. “We’ll find more if we have to.”
Buck ducked low as he approached the chopper. Hatcher noted the height of the blades and realized they were all safely clear of the danger, but found himself ducking as well. He followed Buck into the craft and moved them to the far seats to allow room for Hollis’ men.
A woman in blue coveralls and a headset handed him what appeared to be a set of headphones with a microphone attachment. She tapped her own and motioned with her hands. Hatcher slipped them on and could hear her speaking.
“You’re
