Page 74 of Lethal Game

Chapter Fifteen

“That is a questionI’d like answered as well,” Max said to Con. “We don’t know. We’ve done security checks on every contractor on base, as well as every person who comes on base. We found a couple of questionable people and threw them out, but tonight’s events make it clear that we have a bigger problem than we realized.”

“Sounds like you need to step up your investigation. I can’t keep her safe the way things are right now.”

“Agreed.” Max was silent for a long moment. “She has a lot of bruises, huh?”

“Yes, sir.”

“We have some platelets I can give her that will help short term.” It was several seconds before Max spoke again. “Did you lose any gear in the fire?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Eugene, get them emergency replacements for whatever they need. I want them ready to go in two hours.”

“Yes, sir.”

Max nodded at Con and walked down the hall toward the washrooms.

“How do you want to play this?” River asked Con.

“Very carefully, gentlemen. Sophia isn’t going to meekly follow instructions, especially if they’re for her own safety.”

“That could be a problem,” River said.

“I think it’s guaranteed.”

Smoke grunted. “Make it aboutoursafety.”

A grin relaxed Con’s face. “Now that is an excellent idea.”

With a plan in place to deal with Sophia’s resistance to being babysat, Con was able to focus on their preparations for this new mission. In addition to some replacement gear, they also picked up four Marines for additional security. A refugee camp could be a lawless place and the likelihood of needing a few extra people with firepower was almost guaranteed.

They’d also need help with moving the supplies, Sophia’s fancy lab tent, her lab-in-a-bag, and solar rechargeable batteries to power her analyzing equipment. Not to mention food, water, and additional medical supplies.

By the time he, Smoke, River, and their security team returned to the lab the sun was up. As they walked smoke hung in the air, clinging to their clothing and hair.

“Anyone know if there were casualties?” Con asked the Marines.

“Yes, sir,” their unit leader, Henry, said. “At least six, but several others are missing, so the count will probably go up.”

“Son of a bitch,” River said.

Max was on the phone again when they walked in, but Eugene and Jones were there, standing in the middle of a sea of duffel bags.

“You’re taking all this with you?” Con asked.

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