Page 169 of New Storm Rising
***
Once we had set up camp for the night, Mr Rikkard Ambrose listened to my explanation. It took a while for me to finish. Then, silence finally descended over the land.
And more silence.
And more silence.
“Mrs Ambrose?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Pardon me, but my ears must have misled me.Whatdid you just say you had Karim do?”
“Err…execute my brilliant plan?”
“I see. Well, from what you have told me of your brilliant plan, I venture that, when he returns, he would like to do some executing himself. Preferably with a double-bladed axe.”
“Oh, come now! You’re exaggerating! I’m sure he wouldn’t go so far as to—”
“You!Saukina!”[35]
The roar echoed between the walls of the canyon. Moments later, a slightly familiar, mountainous figure approached out of the shadows and stomped into the camp. As to why the figure was onlyslightlyfamiliar?
Well, because normally, it wasn’t soaking wet and covered in algae.
“New look?” I enquired, inspecting the bodyguard’s hulking figure and beard (from which several bits of algae were dangling). “Don’t take this the wrong way, but…I think you need some fashion advice.”
“I. Hate. You.”
“Don’t worry.” Beaming, I patted his algae-covered shoulder. “I’ve got a feeling you’re not alone.”
***
“I hate her!” Brass growled clutching his stomach. “I hate her, and I’m. Gonna. Kill. That.Bitch!”
Resurfacing from behind the rock he’d been hiding behind, a green-faced Diego glanced over at his fellow desperado. “What did you say?”
“I said I’m gonna—aaagh! Bluurgh! Blaawrk!”
“Si, that’s what I thought you said.”
And Diego dived behind the rock again. Moments later, sounds of retching rose into the fresh morning air.
Well…actually not quite so fresh now, anymore.
“Well, look on the bright side,” Diego wheezed. “At least it can’t get any worse than this.”
Just then, a chill seemed to descend over the desert. Turning around, the two caught sight of Ellard Simeon Creed, who somehow managed to look more menacing than the grim reaper himself, even with a greenish face and vomit spatters on his shirt.
“You…!” Creed breathed, his deadly gaze boring into them. “I believe the two of you were on guard duty tonight?”
Brass turned his gaze on Diego. “You were saying?”
During the next few minutes, that night’s guards experienced the most terrifying ordeal of their entire lives. By the time Creed was done, he had successfully vented his anger.
Well, about five percent of it.
Now he only had to figure out what to do with the remaining ninety-five percent before he exploded with rage! And he had a target in mind.
