“You should have called him first.”
“That’s like calling your insurance company when your house is on fire, then calling the fire department.” He reminded her, “We needed to get that Otter airborne.”
“I have some concerns about that extraction, Scott.”
“Worley may be devious, but he’s not reckless. He knows we’re calling Dombroski.”
“Nevertheless, an accident might happen at the airstrip.”
“You can only cover up so many crimes. This is not one Worley can cover up.”
“If he thinks his freedom depends on it, he’ll find a way.”
Which was true. But Brodie assured her, “Have I ever misjudged a situation?”
“Every day, Scott. Almost hourly.”
“Okay. Have I ever gotten us into a situation that I can’t get us out of?”
“We’re about to find out.”
They continued along the river, and Brodie sensed that the current was getting stronger, and the boat was not making good progress. They could pick up some speed if they chucked Mercer to the piranhas. Brodie had no idea how long it would take to make the trek from the river to the airstrip. Should be less than two hours, but the terrain could be impassable, and the prisoner could be dragging his ass, and Brodie had lost his shoes. How long would the Otter stay on station? Depended on his fuel reserve. And at some point, Brodie had to waste battery again by keeping the sat phone on to receive the pilot’s call, because asshole Worley wouldn’t give him the pilot’s number. Brodie checked their fuel again. Low, but maybe not critical. Just urgent. And rowing against the current was not really an option in their condition. Which reminded him that he was dehydrated, hungry, and getting sunstroke.
He looked at Mercer, who wasn’t moving much. “He okay?”
Taylor felt his cheek, then his pulse. “He may be overheating.”
“Not so tough after all.”
“Show a little compassion, Scott.”
“Yeah, like he did.” Brodie said, “He’s playing possum so he doesn’t have to make that trek through the jungle.” He yelled at Mercer, “Won’t work, Kyle. If you can’t keep up, we leave you tied in the jungle for the panthers to eat.”
Mercer remained motionless.
Taylor said, “I’m glad you didn’t become a medic.”
“I can spot a malingerer a mile away.”
“We need to cool off. Head to shore.”
Brodie checked his watch, then looked at the sat phone and got their coordinates. “We’re still two miles from the point where we need to head inland. And almost an hour has gone by since we started. We need to push on.”
Taylor nodded, then pulled off her boots and used them to scoop waterfrom the river, which she poured over Mercer, then over Brodie’s head, then herself. She kept at her task until everyone was cooled off, but the water in the boat’s bottom didn’t do much for its speed.
Brodie looked at Mercer again, and he seemed to be stirring. Taylor took her Swiss Army knife out, then pulled down Mercer’s pants and cut off his boxer shorts, which she draped over his head, then pulled his pants back up over his bare ass.
Brodie inquired, “You learn that in survival training? Or someplace else?”
She didn’t reply and pulled off her T-shirt and put it over her head, saying, “You should do the same.”
“I’ll keep my shorts and T-shirt where they belong.”
They continued upriver, and Brodie checked the sat phone’s grid coordinates and battery life. If the battery died, he wouldn’t have the coordinates for beaching the boat or for finding the airstrip. Then they would die. As for the fuel, it would run out when it ran out. Truly they were up shit’s creek.
Taylor suggested, “Try Dombroski again.”
Also known as the Hail Mary call. “Okay.” He dialed Dombroski again, but there was no answer, and Brodie left a longer message: “Mission accomplished, but I’m hiding in the closet and the husband is home.” He glanced at Taylor, who must think he had heatstroke. “This call may be being monitored for damage control. Okay, we’re on our way to a rendezvous for an air extraction. Call Colonel Worley for details. Or call me, ASAP. Battery is low. Taylor and I are fine, but don’t feel much like dancing.” He added, “Worley has assured us this extraction will be safe and successful. Please speak to him about his assurances.” He also added, “Taylor has done an exceptional job. She should be officially commended.” And no, I didn’t sleep with her. “Call soonest.”
