Page 39 of The Search

Faint.

Far away.

But coming closer every second.

She snapped the leash on Monty. “Come on, boy.”

He eagerly bounded down the path in front of her, dragging her forward through the brush. He knew exactly where he was going even if she didn’t.

Gunshots.

Explosions.

She caught sight of the camp and it looked like a war zone. Acrid smoke. Bodies. Blood. Fighting. She stopped on the path, staring in astonishment. What was going on here? When the helicopter came back, the battle was supposed to be over. It wasn’t over.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Logan was beside her. “Never mind. Just don’t come any closer.” He said over his shoulder, “Bassett, stay with her.”

The tall, lanky man behind him nodded. “I’m not moving a muscle until you come back for me. That’s a promise.”

Logan turned and ran back toward the camp.

5

“This is no time for introductions, but I’m Tom Bassett,” the man standing beside Sarah said. “And you are?”

“Sarah Patrick.” Her tone was abstracted, her gaze on Logan.

What the hell are you doing here? Logan had said.

“I’ve no idea why you’re here, but I’m very glad to see you. Hell, I’m glad to see anyone but those stooges of Rudzak’s.” Bassett shook his head. “I thought my goose was well and truly cooked. When I saw Logan burst into my tent, I wanted to kiss him.”

“I believe that would have upset him.”

If Logan had not expected her, then they had not radioed for the helicopter?

But the helicopter was coming. She had heard it.

Dear God.

“Stay here.” She ran toward the camp. She could still see Logan making his way through the smoke toward where Galen was standing. She and Monty dodged across the campsite to stand next to them.

Logan was not pleased to see her. “I told you to—”

“Shut up. Do you think I came here just because I wanted to see you kill and maim someone? Did you radio for the helicopter?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, I heard a helicopter, dammit. And if it wasn’t Galen’s pilot, who do you think it was?”

He stiffened. “Shit. Rudzak. You’re sure?”

“I’ve ridden in enough helicopters to know that sound in my sleep. Your red herring didn’t work.”

“How close?”

“Not close then, but they could be almost on top of us by now.”

Galen turned away. “I’ll radio for pickup.” He waved his arm and shouted to his men. “We’re pulling out.”