Page 35 of The Search

“What?”

“You said Galen was taking care of a few things. What’s he planning on doing? Or aren’t I supposed to know?”

“You want details? I thought you weren’t interested in anything but your and Monty’s involvement.”

“This does involve us. If you manage to get yourselves killed, I want a decent chance of getting out of this jungle. What’s Galen doing?”

“Attacking the decoy camp.”

Her eyes widened. “By himself?”

“No, Galen’s good, but he’s not Superman. When he’s ready, he’ll radio for his team to come in by helicopter.”

“How many are in his team?”

“Twelve.”

“Against how many of Rudzak’s men?”

“Our informant, Sanchez, said at least twenty. That leaves eight at the real camp, where Bassett should be.”

“And the plan?”

“Galen’s unit hits the decoy camp and makes Rudzak think we’ve fallen into the trap. Galen pretends to get out by the skin of his teeth and proceeds to the main camp to rendezvous with us. We get Bassett out, hop on the helicopter, and head for home.”

Her lips twisted. “Very simple.”

“Not simple at all. If Galen’s not convincing enough, Rudzak will head back to the base immediately and we’ll be in deep shit.”

“Why even go after the decoy?”

“Rudzak will be getting suspicious that he hasn’t heard from Sanchez or his man in Santo Camaro. If an attack on the decoy doesn’t occur by tonight, then he’ll think we’re onto him and we’ll lose the element of surprise.” He glanced at Monty. “That’s why Monty has to find this base by nightfall.”

“I can’t promise that. What do we do if we don’t find it? What if Rudzak isn’t fooled by Galen’s attack?”

“Then we try to get out of the jungle before Rudzak tracks us down.”

There were too many things that could go wrong. She didn’t like it.

“I don’t like it either.” He was reading her expression. “But it’s our best shot.” He got to his feet. “Monty’s had his fifteen minutes. Let’s go.”

She slowly stood up and looked at the sun. Seven, maybe eight hours until nightfall.

“Ready?”

“Yes.” She didn’t look at Logan as she picked up the utility belt and fastened it around her middle.

Monty froze, his gaze on the belt. Then he jumped to his feet.

“Time to go to work.” She took Bassett’s hat and let him sniff it. “Find.”

He whirled and took off running.

“Won’t we lose him?” Logan asked.

“No, he’ll keep coming back. When he catches the scent, I’ll put on his leash and run with him.”

“You’re afraid he’ll get excited and not come back?”