“You have our word. We will not come for you or your men. Please tell them to give us clear pathway.”
“They will be told immediately. Be careful gentlemen. Humans are not the most dangerous things in the Bolivian jungle.” As Inre walked away the men just stared at him. Looking at one another, they shook their heads, realizing he was right.
Danger would not only be walking, but it would also be slithering, crawling, and hanging in their way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Are you certain you trust him?” asked Tobias.
“As much as I trust anyone in this damn country,” said Ham. “He was honest, very honest. I also think he’s concerned about Rita and her intentions as well. Hawk? Can you do a circle around us, or can you find a bird and do a circle around us? Just want to be sure we’re clear.”
Hawk smiled at him, nodding. He searched the trees for the right bird, finding a large Andean condor. It appeared to be nearly thirty pounds, with the largest wing span he’d ever seen.
Closing his eyes, he telepathically asked the bird for permission and was granted the ability to see through its eyes. As the bird took off, it was the first time Hawk had ever felt slightly dizzy. The power and speed the bird possessed was unlike anything he’d ever experienced before.
The team watched as his eyes seemed to turn solid black, his head moving gently from side to side. After several long moments, he closed his eyes then looked at everyone.
“We’re good and this place is amazing. There’s no one within fifty miles looking for us.”
“Fifty miles? That’s a long way in a short time,” frowned Jak.
“He’s a big fucking bird and magnificent,” smirked Hawk. “He promised to stay close.”
“Well, alrighty then,” nodded Brooks. “Do we know where the Marquez family is?”
“Yes,” said Trak walking back into camp. He was followed by Alvin, moving quickly behind him. On Alvin’s back was the largest jaguar any of them had ever seen.
“Holy fuck,” jumped Rush. “What the hell is that?”
“Heis a jaguar,” said Trak. “And he’s beautiful. He and Alvin instantly made friends with one another. I’m calling him Oscar. He likes that name.”
“Dude, you’re creeping the shit out of me,” said Brooks. Trak frowned at the younger man, petting Oscar’s head, then Alvin’s.
“The Marquez camp is about sixty miles north across the border. Oscar said they are not moving any time soon, as they’re expecting a large drop of drugs into their territory.” The entire camp stared at Trak and he shrugged. “He hears things.”
“We’re basing our entire lives on a jaguar that hears things,” said Gator. “I need for him to be certain of what he’s hearing.”
Oscar let out a low growl, emanating from deep in his body. Gator stood still, staring at him.
“Don’t insult him. He knows what he’s hearing. Gaspar is up ahead with several anacondas. They are slightly less agreeable, but they are hungry and willing to go into the camp for us.”
“Great. Anacondas who are hungry and a jaguar that hears everything. We’re in great hands,” frowned Ham.
“You are in excellent hands,” said Trak. “The condor is open to Hawk using him again as well. He says the Marquez family is destroying the jungle.”
“Well, then. Let’s see if we can save part of the jungle for them.”
A trek that long could not be done in one day. In fact, it couldn’t be done in two. But this team was prepared for what it would take to make their way through the jungle.
Splitting into three groups, Gator took one group around the western side of the jungle, Ham took another through the center, and Jak took the third around the eastern side. They were close enough to help one another should it be needed but also far enough apart to not be seen together.
Each night they made sure the animals gave the all-clear to light a fire, cooked their meals and took turns sleeping. They were assured by their animal friends that other predators would not approach them.
In fact, they all found it remarkable that they saw no other snakes, no bears, no jaguars, or other predators. Lucy had been right. The animal connection was as strong in South America as it was in Louisiana.
On the second night, Ham woke Brooks, Fitch, or Sor.
“What’s wrong?” whispered Brooks.
