“Not an option.” I won’t risk their lives. There must be another way.
“Understood.” In the background, Special Agent Johnson’s fingers fly over his keyboard. “Well, it says here that Penn State fired Dr. Lewis for being too radical. His dossier suggests he’s unhinged to the point of clinical paranoia. Also, the FBI’s beentrying to place someone inside his organization for over a year. Considering all this, I’m surprised he let your ladies attend the day spa.”
“I’m not.” Finally, the missing neighbor, along with everything else, makes sense. “Thanks, I’ll explain later. I owe you one.” Shoestrings knotted, I stretch until I’m ready for the mile run back.
Sensing the conversation has ended, my friend ups his pace. “Be careful, Wulf. These guys have enough weaponry, money, and power to stage a revolution.”
His warning strengthens my resolve. “Copy that. Tell Deputy Director Kemp my status, but no more than necessary. We don’t want him storming the facility. Over.”
Once I return to the spouses, I elaborate on what I’ve learned.
Wheels, who lost half of his right leg in Afghanistan, lets out a string of curses. “Why does the FBI allow them to operate in our country?”
“They haven’t done anything illegal, mate.” While the Australian shares a worried glance with Hands and Suds, Slate holds up his arms, palms out.
“Assume nothing.” The security company boss turns to me, studies my face, and deepens his frown.
“Out with it.” The man’s a damn mind reader.
No point in holding back. We’re all in this together. “I think they took my neighbor to get to me.” My supposition sounds a lot crazier than it did a minute ago.
“Ego much?” Lucky knows me best, so I cut him some slack as I pace the muddy path outside of the fenced-in area.
“I could be wrong, but what if I’m not? Think about it. Patten Securities and I made headlines last summer when we rescuedGwen from Belarus. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to surmise I’d call you again if she got into more trouble.”
Jack’s brows raise. “Surely, they couldn’t’ve foreseen the baby shower.”
Suds scowls while he kicks the dirt. “I’m not sure any of this data helps. The women saw a dead body. There is no way Lewis and friends can release them.”
Having come full circle, I smile. “I couldn’t agree more. Now, listen up.”
Chapter 13
“A strong woman is like a she-wolf: tough, fearless, and unyielding.” — unknown
Gwen
Bear made it out of the compound! The first step of my plan accomplished, I pray Axel will follow my instructions on my note. In the meantime, we need to stay alive.
“Everyone, get down.” Worried more bullets may fly, I lay flat on the cold, muddy ground and squeeze Lilac’s hand.
In the dark, Sam continues to struggle to gain control of the teenager’s rifle. Soon, boots crunch outside. As they grow louder, I raise my chin. Then, my heart sinks into my stomach—guns raised, six militiamen approach from the east.
When the one in front fires into the ground, I slap my palm to my cheek, surprised at how it comes back bloody. “Ow.”
“Hands where I can see them.” The booming bass voice sends chills down my spine.
Samantha, still fighting the jerk who tried to shoot my dog, curses, puts her hands up, and walks backward.
Weapon lowered, index finger on his rifle’s trigger, a square-chinned man with military hair and a silver eagle on his shoulder glares at our idiot young guard. “Join the others at the periphery.”
Colonel Buzz Cut points his AR-15 toward the top of the knoll. “Form a line. Walk single file. I’ll tell you when to stop.”
The darkness, together with the slippery rocks, make it easy to pretend to stumble. Taking my time, I brush myself off, stand,and glance down at the gate.Where are you, Axel?My plan depends on him arriving soon. Until then, I must do everything I can to slow us down.
I turn to the fierce soldier holding us at gunpoint. “Why are you doing this?”
“Saving your stupid asses? I have no idea. Keep moving.” As he digs the tip of his rifle barrel into my abs, I bite down on my lower lip.
