Page 71 of Deadly Strain

“I didn’t know CIA agents had friends,” Hernandez said.

Jamal glanced at the body on the floor. “Well, I have one less.” He looked at Sharp. “Can we speak plainly now? What do you want?”

“Aviation fuel.”

“For your helicopter?” Jamal shook his head. “Impossible.”

Chapter Sixteen

Grace peeked over thetop of the backpack at Sharp’s unhappy expression. He was either going to argue with Cutter’s friend or he was going to force the issue. Neither was going to improve their situation.

She must have made a noise because both men turned to look at her, but before anyone could say anything the two teen boys came back in with a bucket full of water and a radio squawking with a man’s voice in Dari.

Everyone in the room besides her must speak the language because they all froze, then tensed.

Cutter’s friend glared at Sharp, then yelled at the two teens, gesturing with his hands at them.

They rushed out again.

“Thank you,” Sharp said to him.

“I’m not doing it for you,” Jamal said.

Doing what?Grace could only watch the faces of the men around her for a clue as to what was going on. None of it looked good.

“I’m doing it to save my own skin and the skin of the people living here.” Jamal glared at everyone, but seemed to stare a little longer at her. “What trouble have you brought with you?”

“Fuel us up and we’re out of here,” Sharp suggested softly. “The danger’s gone.”

“It’s not that easy,” Jamal said, pacing away. “Aviation fuel is hard to get. I don’t have a lot and what I do have is spoken for.” He turned and paced back toward Sharp. He stopped suddenly and pointed at her. “Who orwhatis that?”

“I already told you, a new team member.”

“I’ve never met a Green Beret who hid behind a bag.”

Yeah, hiding behind a backpack never was much of a plan. She sighed, leaned over, and put it on the floor.

---