Page 30 of Zero Visibility

Everett managed to answer, “No, we’re both okay.”

Ben headed to the front of the plane where everyone appeared in shock.

“Is anyone hurt?” Each man slowly shook their heads.

“Tegan?” Ben knelt in front of his injured friend.

“I’m okay,” Tegan assured him. “A bit banged around, but other than that, I’m okay. How’s Jen?” He glanced her way.

“I’m fine.” She slowly raised herself up to a sitting position. The gunshot wound to her side reminded her of how close to death she’d come.

“Where are we and how far from the place where we’re supposed to land?” Ben asked Lincoln.

“About ten miles away according to GPS. We can’t walk out of here with two injured people.”

“No.” He glanced back at Jen. “I’ll call Cole and have his people come get us.”

Ben went back to her to make the call. Taking her in his arms, he held her close while he explained to Cole what happened. “We need an immediate extraction. It won’t be long before Legion has boots on the ground.” Ben listened, then closed his eyes and breathed out a huge sigh. “Great. Thanks, Cole.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket. “Cole’s already alerted the ranch owners. They’ll be here soon. We’ll leave as soon as they arrive.” He glanced down at Jen. “It will take Legion some time to get to us and the ranch is close. We’ll be okay.”

He made it sound so simple. Would it work out like that?

The jet flew over them again.

“He’s trying to determine if anyone survived,” Ben told her.

The jet disappeared into the distance and silence returned to the area.

“Let’s get that hatch open.” Ben kissed her cheek and let her go. “We need to be ready for when our rescue team arrives.” With Will’s and Peter’s help, they forced the damaged door open.

“I hear something,” Jen murmured to Everett.

“I do, too.” Everett stood and went over to the window where the sound came. “There’s someone approaching to our left.”

Ben hurried over. The vehicle didn’t have its headlight on. “Everyone stay out of sight. Let’s check it out.” He stepped out of the hatch with Peter and Will.

Outside, the engine noise grew louder. Was it their extraction team or Legion? The vehicle stopped. No one spoke inside the cabin. Every sound outside was magnified.

Car doors opened.

“Stop right there.” Ben commanded. Jen picked out the tension in his voice.

“My name is Isaac Ottoman. Cole Hernandez sent me to help you. This is my wife, Doris.”

Seconds ticked by before Ben responded. “Nice to meet you both. Sorry to meet you with weapons, but after what happened, we’re all on edge.”

“I understand. We brought as many supplies as we could pack into the Suburban on short notice. Cole told us that we should come with you. It’s no longer safe for us to stay here.”

“He’s probably right. We have two injured. We’ll bring them out first. The sooner we’re on the road, the better.”

“Let us help.”

Ben reentered the plane and introduced the older couple. “This is Isaac and Doris Ottoman. They’re here to get us out of here.” Ben turned to Peter beside him. “Can you help Tegan out?”

“You got it.” Peter headed to his friend while Ben knelt beside Jen.

“We don’t have much time. Every second we remain here we risk being caught. It will be tight, but I think we can fit everyone in the SUV.”

---