Chapter 24
The team landed, and the men went on alert. They unloaded their supplies while Shadow and Taco searched the vehicles. Until they discovered the traitor, who killed Cole’s friend and countless others, they needed to stay vigilant.
“Keep your heads on a swivel,” Leo warned them as Shadow gave the all clear.
They walked to the nondescript vehicles and drove to the base. Leo pulled out his private contractor ID.
“Leo Armstrong for Colonel Rutherford,” he said, showing the guard his ID while another checked under the vehicles for bombs.
“I don’t miss this shit,” Saint muttered under his breath.
“If you’ll pull forward, Mr. Armstrong. Sergeant Taylor will update you from there,” the guard instructed.
“The other three vehicles hold my employees. Do you mind if we wait for them on the side?” Leo asked.
“We’ll clear your team, but Sergeant Taylor has requested to speak with you specifically,” the guard explained.
“Understood,” Leo responded.
“I’m not liking the sound of this,” Shadow said from the backseat.
“We still go by our story,” Leo answered, waiting for the others.
Once all three vehicles passed the gate, Leo moved to where the guard pointed.
The other men gathered together, each guarding the other’s back.
They wore the new vests, which Kassie bought for the team.
It didn’t make them feel at ease as they scanned the base.
Leo followed his escort to Sergeant Taylor’s office, where she sat at a large desk, waiting for him.
“Mr. Armstrong,” she said, coming from around the desk, shook hands with him, and gestured toward the chairs.
“I regret to inform you Colonel Rutherford passed away in his sleep,” she informed him, subtly gesturing toward the bookcase. Someone listened to their conversation.
Leo’s brow arched, and he nodded. “I’m sorry for your loss. I only spoke to the colonel a few times while he prepared the contract. He seemed like a good man. Will this jeopardize our business? I hope they plan to pay me for the cost of our flights and time.”
“I’m working in Colonel Rutherford’s stead until his replacement arrives, since I’m familiar with his correspondence.
The weapons still need repairing. I don’t see any issue with the contract.
You can still fulfill your end. If you’ll have your men report to security, we’ll issue them badges.
I have assigned you quarters on the east side.
Keep your men away from working personnel.
You’re free to use the public domains, such as the showers and cafeteria. ”
“When can we start repairs?” he asked, watching her.
“You’re in luck. We have convoys leaving tomorrow to relieve the units. Colonel Rutherford left you a folder with instructions on how he wanted the job done. He listed which units use the weapons most frequently. I suggest you start there first.”
“I appreciate your help. If you can point me toward security, we’ll get our IDs made and get settled,” Leo said, taking the file from her. He opened it and flipped through the pages. On the last one, he saw the sticky note.
They’re watching you. I will find you in your bunk at 0000 hours.
Leo glanced at her and closed the folder. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss,” he said, shaking her hand.
Leaving the office, he walked the hallway and out of the building, considering the suspects. He’d give his left nut if Rutherford actually died in his sleep.
Signaling his team, he approached them and pointed at the security office while he said, “They’ve got eyes on us. Lie low and do the job we came for. Expecting company around midnight.”
The men got back into the vehicles and played their parts.
When they pulled up to their temporary quarters, Leo noticed their location at the end of the row.
The light above them lay shattered on the ground, making the unit darker than the others.
Giving silent signals, he commanded his team.
Three men secured the unit and guarded the sides while the rest unloaded everything.
Each man’s bag carried multiple weapons, not including the ones on their persons and their K-bars.
The tension grew around them as they settled.
At dinner time, Taco and Shadow headed toward the dining facility. Acting like his usual self, Taco walked up to one of the men.
“Can you tell me where I can get a pack of smokes. Dumbass here, forgot to pack any extra.”
“Down the hall and to the right,” the man said, not even bothering to glance up from his meal. “Damn, private contractors come here and act like we’re a superstore.”
The men dining with him laughed at his joke.
Taco nodded. “Assholes,” he said under his breath as they turned to leave.
“Easy, Taco. You’re supposed to act likable, not like them,” Shadow snickered.
“Fine. You’re an asshole, too. I hate the fucking desert. It’ll take me weeks to get this fucking sand out of my pores,” Taco muttered.
“There you are,” Shadow said, with amusement in his voice. “If we’re lucky, they’ll carry your facial cream there, too.”
“I don’t use anything except Samantha’s natural spa line. It’s incredible. One day, you’ll glance in the mirror and say, “Gee, I wish I used those products when Taco told me about them. I look like an old man, and he’s still rocking it.”
“Yeah, right,” Shadow said sarcastically. “I already put you to shame.”
Taco grunted as he approached a group of servicemen. “Where can I get a cold beer? I knew this place would be hot, but this feels like Hades.”
One of the men separated himself from the group. “My name’s Conrad. Welcome to hell. Are you one of the new contractors?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. Hopefully, it won’t take us long. How long have you sweated it out here?” Taco said, walking with him. Shadow lagged behind, guarding his six.
“Almost four years. I’ve done my penance. Three more months and I’m headed home,” he said, ducking into a tent and pulling out three bottles of beer. “Stay with your group. Some don’t appreciate you coming here, telling us how to do things.”
“We’re here to repair a few weapons. We’ll leave the fighting to you,” Shadow said, scanning the area.
Conrad twisted the top of his bottle. “Keep your heads up,” he advised as he left them.
“Interesting,” Taco said quietly as they watched the man return to his group. From the outside, he seemed to stand apart from the others.
They returned to their quarters, and Leo gave instructions.
“We’ll head to the mess hall,” he said. “Patch will keep watch. My visitor may try to use this as an opportunity to visit us.”
The men walked together to get some chow. They took their time eating and made small talk, keeping their ears open for any intel.
When they returned, Patch left to get some food while Leo sat on his cot. He ached to call Catherine and check on the kids, but they agreed to limit their calls.
He lay back and held his stomach, letting out a long-winded fart. Serenity Mountain spoiled him. Between Ty’s cooking, Tess’ tacos, Bryanna’s desserts, and the grans’ cooking, mess hall food tasted like crap. Even his stomach disagreed as it rumbled, and he passed more gas.
Saint entered and immediately backed out. “Geeeez, Leo. What the hell did you eat?”
“I don’t know, but my stomach’s upset. Did Patch bring anything?”
“He’s still at the mess hall. I doubt he’ll have anything for that. You need a surgeon,” Saint said, shaking his head. “When do we leave?”
“We’ll follow them at zero eight hundred. You and I will take the first shift in case our visitor arrives. Then Knight and Hollywood can take the second half. Taco’s already bitching about his pores. I may give him the entire night shift tomorrow. Then, he’ll be too tired to complain.”
Saint chuckled. “How long do you plan to stay on base?”
“After the first convoy, we’ll be in Cole’s territory. He’ll pay a friendly visit to the training facility,” Leo said. “From there, we’ll accompany the convoys, but we won’t stay with them.” He held his stomach and made a face as he let one rip.
Saint backed up and held his shirt over his nose. A second later, he drew his gun.
Leo jumped up and aimed his weapon.
“Come out, slowly,” Saint growled.
“Don’t shoot. It’s only me,” Sergeant Taylor whispered. “It’s bad enough I’ve suffered the gassing. You really need to have that checked.”
“Do you have a death wish?” Leo exclaimed. “How long have you stayed under my bed?”
“Long enough to know you have a serious medical condition. I snuck in when Patch stopped to investigate something,” she replied.
Leo narrowed his eyes. “Maybe we need to take you to the higher-ups and ask them if they always plant sergeants under private contractor beds.”
“If you give me time to explain, I’ll tell you why I came. I told you I planned to visit you,” she replied, standing up and showing no fear as she faced the men. She barely made it to their chests.
“Colonel Rutherford knew someone caught on to him. They assigned me to him eight months ago to finish out my time. I’ve seen things, heard things. He gave you the leads. No one thinks twice about a woman sitting at the bar when they get drunk.”
Saint peered at Leo, letting him take the lead.
“Why don’t you go to your command if you suspect something?” Leo asked. “What makes you think we’re doing anything other than fixing the weapons?”
“Because the last few days, Colonel Rutherford has made several calls to you. I stole his personal phone before they took his body. I know how to use a computer,” she said defensively.
“Wait a minute,” Leo said, sitting back on the bed. “Do you have it with you now?”
“Do I appear stupid? It’s hidden in a safe place. I don’t have much time. Do you want my help or not?” she demanded.
Saint gave her a menacing stare, and Sergeant Taylor stubbornly crossed her arms and met his gaze. Leo rubbed his forehead.
“Let me see the phone,” Leo said, his tone turning into a command.
“I want reassurances, or you can kiss my ass,” she responded.
Leo glanced at Saint, who leaned against the door.