CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“We said nothing about all of you coming as well!” said Ham staring at Teddy, Sven, George, Matthew, Grip, Archie, Nathan, and Eagle Feather.
“It’s not like we’re gonna die,” chuckled George. “Ain’t nothing to worry about. We can go where we like, do what we like, cause havoc, or create calm. You’d think even a smart man like you would get that.”
“It’s not that I don’t get it, it’s – it’s,” he stammered.
“It’s what?” asked Matthew lifting a brow. “It’s done, Hamish. We’re here and we’ll help. You seem to forget that George, Teddy, Grip, and myself have been in more than a few jungles in our time. We can help and reduce the risk to all of you and to the animals.”
“I’m pretty sure I don’t have a damn choice at this point,” frowned Ham.
“Fine. While the others are handling the animals, we need to blow the manufacturing site, but not until everyone is in place at the coliseum. There are animals already being held there, as well, but the animal team has that covered.”
“We’ve got to be careful blowing that facility. If the drugs become airborne, we could kill everyone and everything in the area,” said Gator.
“That’s why we’re not going to explode it but implode it. Coop’s team discovered there were tunnels beneath to the river. We might have some high fish for a while, but it won’t get to the mass populations.”
The other men nodded looking down at the maps once again.
“The major focus will be the animals, that manufacturing site, and the coliseum. When all that is done, we blow Marco’s prized castle, crumbling his fairy tale to dust,” said Ham.
“CJ and Pax? Coop’s informant was a woman by the name of Bianca.
Rodriguez killed her entire family. She wants vengeance and he’s concerned that she’s going to stick her nose in at the wrong time. ”
“You want us to find her?” asked Pax.
“She should be easy to find. She runs a small souvenir shop in the nearby village. Coop just wants her safe until all this is over. I’ve sent her photo to your tablets,” he nodded. Pax raised a brow.
“And this is only because he’s worried she’ll get in the way?” he said with a sly grin. “I call bullshit.”
“Either way, we’ll do as he asked. If she was an informant for him, she is in grave danger,” said Gator.
“I’ll find her,” said Matthew. “If I need you, I’ll let you know.”
“Matthew,” started Ham.
“Why do you insist on arguing with me, Hamish? I know what I’m doing and I will find the girl for you.”
“Of course,” nodded Ham. “I’m sorry, Matthew. I do appreciate your help. We’re just not used to it.”
In the cockpit, April and Clark were flying their Osprey. Although April had been a flight attendant, for the last year she’d been working to achieve her pilots license in order to support the other pilots. She was a fast learner and highly skilled. Clark was happy to have her in the co-pilot seat.
“Everyone buckle in. There’s a storm in the region that’s going to be challenging.”
They felt the shift of the birds as the stealth technology was engaged blocking anyone with radar capabilities from seeing them. The sounds of the whisper rotors masked all noise, even to the jungle animals below.
The small clearing had been identified by AJ and the team a few days before, verifying that it had once been used by Rodriguez himself. Since it was too far for him to walk to his precious castle, he allowed it to grow over. Tanner had sent one of the drones in to clear the space once again.
When all three birds were on the ground, the teams filed out of them, securing the space around them.
“Go dark,” said Ham to the pilots. “Stay inside, locked, and ready to roll.”
No one questioned his orders as the others followed their group leaders to the destination. Rain pelted them, instantly soaking their clothing to their skin.
“Well, this is fun,” smirked Blake.
“It can be,” said Zane. “It can be exciting and terrifying and all the things. Just promise me that you’ll listen to the others. Don’t put yourself in danger and don’t risk your life, not for anyone or anything.”
“I promise,” she said looking up at him. “I love you, Zane. Promise me the same. Don’t risk your life.”
“Promise,” he smiled, kissing her good bye as his team made their way toward the manufacturing site.
“Don’t worry, honey,” said Tailor. “Alec and I are going to have ourselves some fun and clear the road for the team.”
“Let’s go,” said Luke. “We’ve got some animals to save.”