“Why?” Mack asked. The president had been sincere when he’d promised Mack his men would question Mankel before killing him.
Hunter’s face fell flat and he crossed his arms. “Because while you were out, our government imposed new sanctions against the Democratic Republic of Congo intent on curbing the flow of cash for insurgents to purchase weapons. The sanctions halted all US imports and exports for a period of no less than six months. President Ali is not happy.”
It took Mack a moment before he could wrap his sluggish mind around the news. “So, by killing Mankel, we’ve severed any hope of getting Caroline’s location.”
Dammit. Anger ripped through him, but he was too sluggish to do anything other than lay there helplessly.
“We didn’t have a choice. Ali had us surrounded. He would have taken Mankel no matter what,” Hunter said. “We aren’t giving up on her, commander. As soon as you’re better, we’ll resupply and find her.”
“Mankel’s hurting people even in death.” The words rang hollow, lacking the satisfaction he thought he’d feel. He was so tired of the hate. The entire past two years had been focused on finding and killing Mankel, he’d had nothing else to look forward to. Nothing except Marley.
Merc stood from his position leaning against the wall. “He doesn’t have to. Reaper’s team can help us locate her.”
“Where is Reaper's team?” He couldn’t rely on them until he figured out just exactly what they were. Mack tried to remember the details of their fight in Mankel’s facility, but the pain meds were pulling him under, making his mind slow.
Hunter moved past Riser to stand at Mack’s side. “We've got them locked up. A couple of the guys are watching them now.”
“Good, I want at least two of you on them all times. Where is Reaper?”
Riser answered, “Waiting to talk to you.”
“Send him in.” Mack fisted the sheet, willing himself to stay awake. His IV dripped steadily, saturating him with meds.
Hunter nodded and turned to leave. “We’ll give you some space.”
“No, stay. You all need to hear this,” Mack said.
Merc stuck his head through the door. A second later Reaper entered, his deadpan expression in place. “I need to see my men.”
“Why?” Mack watched Reaperfor any subterfuge. He wanted his team safe, but was that all? Was he planning on freeing them to escape?
“They’re my men. My responsibility. I need to know they are all okay.”
“Merc, come here.” Mack waited on Merc to comply before continuing, “Give me a full report on his team.”
Merc clasped his hands behind his back and squared his shoulders. “They are contained in a safe location. They are free to move about the room, and we are supplying them with food and water.”
“They need more than that, dammit, and not from your government.” Reapers cool composure slipped.
Mack tried to focus on him, but his vision was blurring. Dammit, he couldn’t stay conscious much longer. Reaper wanted a reassurance that Mack wouldn’t turn his men over to the government, but Mack didn’t know what the hell else to do with them. They’d basically short circuited in the lab, but that was only after nearly killing Mack’s entire unit with an inhuman deadly skill.
But Reaper was right. If Mack turned them over to the government, they’d be locked up and experimented on for the rest of their lives. The CIA wouldn’t just draw their blood and let them go. Not men like Reaper.
Merc cleared his throat. “I have a suggestion.”
“Go ahead,” Mack said. He was willing to take anything right now.
“Nightshade’s father left her the mansion. It’s got a full underground bunker stocked for an attack. We could house his team there until we figure out how to help them.”
“I’d be willing to consider that,” Mack hedged. Those men were beyond helping, but he didn’t say that out loud. He needed Reaper compliant for now, at least until Mack was able to think clearly. “They stay contained for now.”
“Agreed, but only if I can see them,” Reaper said.
“Fine. Merc, you and Hunter, take him. Keep an eye on him.” His vision blurred again and Mack closed his eyes, unable to fight the pull of sleep any longer. He was so tired.
He just needed to recover and get to Marley.
