Page 39 of Rush

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

After trying to track down Grigoryan all day, the men were hot, tired, and dirty. They removed the traditional robes and put on their own clothing to head out for food. The dogs were with them, Sniff holding Lucy’s leash, Rush with Beast, Noah with Ranger, and Tailor with Monster. Pedestrians moved to the other side of the road, trying to avoid the dogs but also the big men.

“I thought we were trying to stay out of sight,” said Rush.

“We are,” said Trak. “But we’re also sending a message that we’re not going anywhere. I’ve found a place for us to eat and get a good view of the waterfront and the building we saw Ari in on the first day. They’ve given us a private, screened room.”

Obediently following their friend, the men were happy to see food already out on the table, ready for them. At first, the restaurant wanted them to leave the dogs outside, but somehow, Trak convinced them it wouldn’t be safe. For others.

“We haven’t seen him since the first day,” said Trak. “But today, as we were in the plaza once again, we overheard the men that were recruiting the boys speaking about something big coming up. I phoned home and asked for some help with the manufacturers.”

From the tablet, they had a dozen split screens showing the major manufacturing sites for all of the players. The first one showed Antoine, Ryan, Keith, and Jak. Antoine flipped his brothers the middle finger and then waved as they took off running toward a nearby lake. Jumping into the small inflatable, they sped off just as the camera shook with force, and the factory disappeared.

In the next photo were Miller, Gibbie, Angel, Luke, and Phoenix. In a similar scenario, they flipped their teammates off and then ducked for cover as the entire plant exploded. Titus, Max, Stone, Eli, and RJ took the next one, saluting their friends as the plant was shredded to pieces.

Tristan, King, Rory, Stone, and Jazz weren’t in front of the plant. Instead, they were on the side of a mountain. On the opposite side was the plant. With five rocket launchers pointed directly at the side of the mountain, they let the rockets release and then waited as the entire mountainside came crumbling down around the factory.

Gibbie, Griff, Axel, and Blade. Then Tango, Razor, Eagle, Hawk, and Garrett. Griff, Bryce, Hunter, Jax, and Jean. Dex, Cam, Luc, Jean, and Eric. And finally, in what could only have been described as the prettiest explosion in history, Piper, Addie, May, Paige, Lucia, Tori, Evie, and Savannah. But no one gave a middle finger. Instead, May smiled into the camera along with Paige.

“What the hell?” muttered Alec.

Watching the video, the top of the building suddenly imploded inward to the factory, with massive vats of pink paint spilling on the designer leather goods. Cranes operated by remote control dropped industrial bladders of pink paint all over the factory, destroying anything inside or outside.

“That’s how it’s done,” smirked Paige. “Girl Squad wins the award for style.” She blew a kiss to the camera, and they signed off.

“That was fucking cool,” laughed Nine.

“Now, Grigoryan will be angry,” said Trak. “Angrier than just his men being released from their prison. Sly, Code, Pigsty, and Ace are searching for the locations of his other troops. Once we have that, we can go in and destroy their training grounds. By air, by sea, or by land. Much to my disappointment.”

The SEALs in the room laughed, knowing he was taking a stab at the SEAL acronym. In actuality, Trak was probably as good as any SEAL, Ranger, or other Special Forces. He was in a league by himself, even at his age.

“Nicely done, brother,” smirked Nine. “Had I known you had all these skills, I could have stepped down years ago.” Trak stared at the man, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“I never wished to be the leader. You did that well enough,” he said. “But this is different. I have history with Grigoryan, and so do all of you.”

“We’ll get him, brother.”

The men ate, enjoying the Mediterranean food. Fresh slices of cucumber and tomato were sprinkled with a delicious seasoning, as different types of olives, dates, dolma, lamb, chicken, and other delicacies were laid before them.

There was a soft knock on the door, and a little boy of about nine walked in with an older boy, perhaps in his late teens, both smiling at Trak. He waved them over, and the older boy whispered in his ear.

“Trak, what’s up?” asked Alec. The little boys smiled at the men.

“The nice man bought food for everyone at the camp,” said the little boy. “He said we shouldn’t go to work for anyone if they ask. He would send food, and he did.”

The men all looked at Trak, wondering how much that must have cost him. He only stared at them as if to say, ‘what?’.

“The ships have arrived to get us to safety, just as you said. My parents wish to make a gift to you,” said the older boy. “They were able to save this from their home. It belonged to our great-grandfather.” He opened the cloth, and there was an ancient medal on a tattered ribbon. Trak smiled at the young man, touching his cheek.

“This medal is worthy of a warrior,” said Trak, pushing it back into the boy’s hand. “It is a medal of honor, and your great-grandfather must have been a heroic man. You will follow in his footsteps by getting your families on the ships. They will take you to safety until you can return.”

“At least take this,” said the boy. “It’s sweets that our mother made.”

“Oooh,” said Tailor with big eyes.

The little boys laughed, smiling at the big scary men. Although they didn’t seem so scary. The older boy took the younger one’s hand and started to leave, then turned and hugged Trak.

“I hope I am as brave as you when I am older.” Trak just smiled at the young man, looking down into his sweet eyes.

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