“Cave in.” DJ appeared in front of him. “We have to take the other leg.”
“Let’s move. Double time it.” Bridger took off, leading the team as they raced back along the tunnel. When the Y appeared, they made a sharp turn and took off in the other direction.
“What do we do if it’s caved in down there, too?” Laughlin asked.
Lisa pointed to the ceiling. “Pray we can dig ourselves out before we run out of air.”
Laughlin slowed and stared at the back of her head. “Yeah, that’s comforting.”
Langley Virginia
Robert Ingram stared at the satellite feed and had to remember to breathe. “I think your asset…”
Jameson held a hand up to stop him. “Don’t, Robert.” He exhaled a hard, shaky breath and stared at the image being relayed in real time. “Can you search for heat signatures?”
The tech shook his head. “Not after a blast like that.” He gave the man a solemn look. “I doubt there would be pieces big enough to detect.”
Jameson felt his knees weaken and he braced himself as he stepped away. Ingram appeared by his side and offered assistance. “Here, let me help.”
“I’m not an invalid, Robert.” He stood taller and took a deep breath. “That was…”
“Horrific.”
“Unexpected.” He squared his shoulders and marched up the aisle towards the exit. “I suppose we’ll have to find another asset to groom.”
Ingram gave him a confused look. He trotted up the stairs to catch up to him. “Care to enlighten me on the need for this special ‘asset’ of yours?”
Near Chapala, Mexico
El Fantasma held a hand up to shield his eyes from the bright morning sun. Raul pushed the door open further and stood to the side while he exited and swiped at the dirt covering his once white linen suit. “This is unacceptable.”
“We shall find you an appropriate change of clothes, señor. In fact, I think there are bags already on the plane.” He gave him a sheepish look. “In case you needed to be redirected for an extended time.”
El jefe gave him a curious look. “Your doing, Raul?”
“Si, Jefe. Last year, after you were delayed in Miami for three days? I made it a point to ensure that you had at least an overnight bag prepared.”
He patted the man’s cheek and gave him a tight smile. “You’re…always thinking, aren’t you?”
He huffed as he trod up the short hill towards the flat landing strip. As the pair emerged from the heavy greenery, the red earth runway was more than a welcome sight.
He looked down the runway and saw the Learjet Liberty gleaming like a mirror in the early morning sun. “I am already beginning to sweat, Raul.” He paused at the edge of the runway and sighed. “Remind me next time, we get golf carts for the airstrip, si?”
Raul chuckled before he nervously glanced back towards what was left of their small valley. The rising plume of dark smoke tugged at his heart. The villa had been Don Murillo’s favorite home. Teresa had spent most of her time there as the valley was secluded and serene. “Do you think we’ll ever rebuild, señor?”
El Fantasma stared out over the ruins and shook his head. “Not unless we remove Esmerelda and the Sinaloa from the game board.” He turned for the jet and began to walk. “Come, Raul. We have to ensure that our assets are protected.”
Near Chapala, Mexico
Mauk packed the rifle into the case and handed it to Diego. “Where’s Slip?”
“He is trying to collect the drones.” He motioned over his shoulder.
Mauk stared up the ridge and saw Gregg standing at the crest, holding one of his computers aloft to boost the signal. “What’s the holdup?”
“Some of them are so low on battery that…” He groaned. “I’m gonna have to go down there and collect them while the cameras are still powered.” He sat down and began tapping at the keyboard. “If I can turn on their GPS beacons…” Mauk snatched the computer from his hands and spun his back to him. “Hey! What the hell?” Slippy stood and reached for the computer.
“Self-destruct them,” Mauk grumbled as he scrolled through the options.
“Fuck that!” Slippy grabbed the computer and snatched it from his grip. “Do you have any idea what those are worth?”
“Like the fedgov is gonna let you keep any.”
He glared at the taller man. “Like I’d tell them any survived.”
“You said they had GPS. If you can find them, so can they.”
“I will disable it.” He sat down again and tapped at the keyboard. “Aww great. They’re starting to die.”
Mauk groaned and planted his hands on his hips. “Then blow up the ones that are nearly dead and grab you one as a souvenir.”
Slippy gave him a hurt look. “But they’re so much fun. Can you imagine what I could do with a handful of these?”
“Grab one and reverse engineer the damned thing. Build your own.”
Slippy’s face fell. “Fine.” He scrolled through the options and self-destructed those that didn’t have enough power to return. “This hurts. It really does.”
“I feel your pain.” Mauk stared down into the valley as the tiny drones sent up mild concussion waves and clouds of dirt. “Kind of impressive, really.”
“I got two,” Slippy said as he came to his feet. “I think they’ll make it back.” He stood beside Mauk and watched as the little killing machines slowly flew back up the ridge. “Almost there…” Mauk watched one fell to the ground and Slippy went pale. “It’s close. I can go get it.”
He turned back and watched as the last one wavered and dipped, struggling to make it back to the launch site. “Name this one Chuck,” Mauk joked. “Little Chuck Norris because it’s a tough little—”
His statement was interrupted as ‘Chuck’ lurched one last time and landed at his feet. Mauk stared down at it then glanced to Slippy. “You didn’t arm the C4 on this one did you?”
Slippy shot him an evil grin. “Pick it up and find out.”
Mauk kicked it lightly
