Page 81 of Bonded

Digby turns, looking at them both, and cocks his eyebrow. “You got that Zak, right? You’re coverin’ Kat’s six.”

“Hell yeah! We got this down pat now, right partner?” He smiles as he and Kat high-five.

“Damn right we sure have partner.”

“Okay, well, just make sure you stick together. This guy might seem like a pussy, but trust me, he’s one to watch. I’d rather we were shoot-to-kill cos the thought we might have to bring him out alive makes my skin crawl. There’s something about that guy I just don’t like.”

“Well, that’s cos he’s one that got away? He slipped us Diggs and we don’t forget it.”

“That Intel was out. If we’d known he was a night-shifter and not a wolf… I just wanna make sure this time we know everything we need to know.”

“Yeah, I’m still runnin’ some checks, but my sources down there have gone pretty quiet, so somethin’s definitely going on. Like I say… stay alert. Anything smells off, you call it in. The CIA would prefer him alive, but… let’s just say that’s not my priority. They may want to talk to him, but that D.E.A team deserves payback. Still, it’s our call.”

“Okay, so then perhaps it’s time for this fucker to meet his maker?” Zak grins.

“Well, no-one’s going to be investigating if he does.”

“We got any idea what he’s doing there? I mean him hittin’ a spec ops team like that… he’s gotta know that’s gonna rain hell down on him. So we sure he’s still there? I mean, wouldn’t he just get outta town?”

“Yeah, that’s what’s ringing my alarm bells too,” Oz frowns. “I suppose it depends on what kind of operation he’s runnin’ though. I mean, if he took out an entire team, then he’s assuming it’s gonna take time for them to reset the operation? Maybe it’s enough time for whatever he’s doing? Like you say, maybe he doesn’t know we’re coming?”

“Let’s hope not. Anyway, Edwards is arranging a helo infill… here. This route along the ridgeline is pretty dense, so should give us plenty of ground cover for the trek in. We’ve got a long hump through this part, then follow up the river line to the village. There’s a dirt road here but we need to keep off it at all costs. If they’re making regular runs, then it will be the only way they can go. We’ll use that for our exfil.” He looks up and stares at each one of the team individually. “Anyone got questions?” He pauses and everyone shakes their heads. “All right then…. Kat, you’re up. Listen up, cos she’s gonna go over some stuff you need to remember… So listen and take notice! This place has a lot of dangers… even for us.”

“All right…” Kat stands up and looks at the guys, arranging a folder in front of her with some notes handwritten on the paper. “As you well know, jungle territory is not all that great and we gotta long trek—the foliage is pretty dense in parts. So what you need to watch out for… The biggest problem is heat and humidity—so keep your water intake up. Don’t eat anything you haven’t brought with you.” She looks directly at Bud and smiles. “And don’t drink anything unless you clear it with me first. Monitor your water rations, there won’t be many opportunities for fresh drinking supplies, so let me know as soon as you think you have a problem. And watch the plants. The main one to watch out for is…Aconitum.” she pauses and hears them all groan. “Yup…. You know it already—bright violet color flower, grows in patch clusters but just so we’re all clear…” she lays two colored photographs of some pretty looking flowers on the table, watching as they all sneer. “She’s pretty but as we know… can be fatal to us. Even if you don’t eat it, a small amount of pollen on the skin can cause a severe allergic reaction. So let me know if you think you’ve touched it as I have something to counter the reaction. Bugs are a big problem—bites, stings… yadda-yadda allergic reaction so again let me know straight away cos some of them suckers are really poisonous… so please be aware, and I can’t stress enough to use some fuckin’ insect repellant. Okay, that’s about it. Just watch for blisters, cuts, scratches they can all get infected quickly out there. But other than that, enjoy the surroundings!” she laughs, watching as they all stare at the pictures of the flowers. “Oh, and if anyone needs me to check something before we go, then speak up now. And no… Diggs, that doesn’t mean will I look at your dick, before you ask.” She and the others laugh; Digby snarls. “If you want me to look at that, then get it out now and we’ll get it over and done with… I take that as a no then?” She grins, teasing him.

“All right…” Darius sighs, “all joking apart, if that’s everything covered, then you’re all up to speed. So, let’s get geared up, showered, and yes Bud… something to eat! We’ll meet up on the tarmac in about three hours. Remember, this fuckin’ asshole shifter is not getting away from us again. Is that clear?”

“Roger that.”

“Yup, sounds good to me. I uh, I need food first. I’ll shower after, I’m uh, starvin’.” Bud eases himself from his seat.

“Bud, I’ll come with you.” Oz agrees as he, Zak, and QT get up from their seats.

Digby smiles hovering around the table waiting for Kat. “So, you wanna get somethin’ to eat first or… somethin’ else?”

“Um… no. No, I’m good. I’m gonna pack up my kit and sort some supplies. I thought I’d take a shower first. I’ll text when I’m done and then come meet you. Go get something to eat with the boys.”

“Oh okay, sure.” He hushes his voice and smiles. “But I could come wash your back in the shower?”

“Um, as much as I would love that… No! Diggs, we agreed, when we’re at work we won’t do this. We said we would keep everything separate and you agreed, yeah?”

“Yeah, I know what we said but… it’s hard. I mean, I’m not gonna be able to bewith youfor a few days now.”

“Well, that might be a good thing? It’ll make you keener when we get back.” She smirks and drops a kiss on his lips. “Now go with the guys and get something to eat. I’ll catch up with you in a while.”

Darius grins, watching as Digby pouts at the rejection and joins the others waiting to leave.

Kat looks at her notes, calling out before they go. “Hey, guys… just remember what I said about keeping fluids up. It might rain and be wet, but you’re going to sweat a lot. Oh, and insect repellant, again I can’t stress that enough. I know what you lot are like.”

“Guys…” Darius commands their attention again. “Make sure you listen to what the lady says, all right? She’s tryin’ to keep you safe.”

“Lady? What fuckin’ lady? I don’t see any lady.” Zak laughs teasing. “Oh… oh, you mean Kat right. Yeah, definitely no lady!”

“Yeah, I love you too… Asshole!” She blows a kiss and sticks her middle finger up. “Oh and Zak… kiss my fuckin’ ass!”

“See… see, I told ya, she’s no lady.” He returns the kiss across the table and they both laugh.

“All right… let’s keep it together. Just stay fuckin’ alert. This asshole took out a whole D.E.A team. Keep that in mind. Oh, one last thing… scoop up any tech—laptops, phones, give them to Zak. The drugs, money, we ignore all that stuff, leave it for the clean-up teams after. We just need our target. In, out, and home by lunch. You understand me?”

---