Page 19 of Firestorm

“We need to get out of sight before that happens.” James hit the mic again. “Dustin, we’ll never make it back to the plane like this. We need a place to hide out.”

“Copy that. I have an idea. I see you coming. Follow me.”

In front of them, the van pulled onto the road. James punched the accelerator to close the space.

“I count at least six vehicles,” Ben warned. “How are we going to hide with them not seeing us.”

James radioed Dustin again. “They’re coming up fast. What do you suggest?”

“This makes it a bit trickier, but there’s a hill coming up. Once we top the hill and start down, there’s a place where we can leave the road. It won’t be easy in the van. I have the rest of my people here in an SUV. Stay close.”

“Don’t worry about me.” James spotted a SUV emerging from the woods to the right as they begin to ascend the hill in question.

“How’s our six o’clock?” James asked.

“They’re still coming, but they don’t appear to be gaining yet,” Ben told him.

That would work in their favor.

“Turn’s coming up soon. Follow my lead,” Dustin announced. A handful of seconds later, the SUV slipped from the road and into thick woods. The branches scraped the side of the vehicle. Dustin’s van followed. James braked the Humvee enough to make the turn and entered the woods after the two vehicles.

The SUV didn’t slow as it continued through the thick foliage breaking branches, bouncing over downed trees. The van struggled down the path. Once, Dustin had to stop and take a different route.

“Anything?” James asked as he kept his full attention on the path ahead.

Peter jerked his head around. “So far, nothing.”

“Turn off the cell phone jammer in case we have to reach out to base camp for help,” he said in answer to Kaid’s surprised look.

James kept the Humvee’s speed as fast as he could possibly go. It wouldn’t be long before the men hunting them down realized they’d left the road. They’d retrace their path. Focus hard and find the place where James’ team veered off the road. If felt as if a clock was ticking in his head and every tick seemed to seal their fate.

???

Dustin stopped the van beside the SUV. The Humvee pulled up behind them. Sarah climbed out and ran toward the military vehicle.

The occupants of the Humvee piled out. She spotted Blake and hurried for him. As she neared, she saw the bruises on his face. The split lip with dried blood, and she clamped her hand over her mouth.

He pulled her into his arms. “I’m okay. It’s only a few bumps and bruises.”

Sarah couldn’t stop crying. “If I’d lost you—”

“But you didn’t, and I’m okay.” Still holding her close, he faced the men who had rescued him. “Thank you all. I owe you my life. I’m guessing we can’t stay here for long, though.”

James smiled with a nod. “You’d be right. What’s the plan, Dustin?”

“There’s a road up ahead. It will be a long way, but if we take the backroads, we should be able to reach the airstrip. There should be enough room for everyone between the van and the SUV. I suggest leaving the Humvee here. They’re looking for it. They don’t know about the other vehicles.”

“You heard the man. Let’s move,” James ordered. Working quickly, the team gathered the weapons they’d brought along and stowed them in the SUV.

Sarah reached for Blake’s hand and didn’t let go as they climbed into the van followed by James.

Once they were rolling again, James leaned over to speak to his friend. “I’m so glad you’re okay. What did they want to know?”

“Where you and the rest of Strike Force were hiding out.” Blake shook his head. “I still can’t believe they broke into the house and grabbed me. We drove for hours. Once they reached that building back there, the interrogation started.” His jaw tightened. “Every question was related to you and Strike Force.” He looked at his Sarah. “I’m grateful you found James, sis. It wouldn’t have taken them long to realize they couldn’t beat an answer out of me. When that happened, I wouldn’t be of any use to them.”

James’ intense gaze focused on Sarah’s face. “She risked her life to reach us under the worst circumstances.” James told her brother about the nuclear attack meant to wipe out Strike Force.

Blake’s expression flashed his surprise. “Brother, this guy, Pamphili, is dangerous. If he is who you and your people think he is, we’re coming into some very bad times.”

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