The Oracle (Fargo Adventures #11) - Clive Cussler Page 0,64
down the trail, their flashlight beams swinging across the path and into the trees. The sound of distant gunshots brought them to a halt. “What was that?” Jimi asked.
“The farm,” Makao said. “Find out what happened.”
Jimi made the call while Pili and Den continued down the serpentine trail carved into the thick forest.
It didn’t make sense that seven women and girls could disappear so quickly—which made him wonder how well his men had checked the bed of that truck.
He walked over, lifted the canvas, the beams from his headlights shooting in. At first, he saw nothing but his own shadow cast across the cargo area. As he started to turn away, he realized something was in the back of the truck. He reached in, pulled a thick post up and over the tailgate, cursing when he saw the large Forest Service sign bolted to its top reading Upper Trail.
“Pili, Den,” he shouted. “Change of plans. Get in the back of the truck with the others.”
“They’re not answering,” Jimi said as the two men jogged back up the trail.
Den glanced at the sign hanging out of the back of the Fargos’ truck. “Where are we going?”
“We’re getting our hostages back.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Ears that do not listen to advice accompany the head when it is chopped off.
– AFRICAN PROVERB –
Sam stepped over the slain guard, planting the barrel of his gun in the back of his new hostage. “Anyone tell you that smoking’s hazardous to your health?”
Lazlo eyed the dead guard with distaste. “What happened to killing him quietly?”
“This seemed more expedient.” The guards had been surprisingly uninspired to carry out their duties, lighting up their third cigarettes instead of patrolling the grounds. Sam decided to hurry matters along. The disadvantage, unfortunately, was that with the gunshots they’d announced their presence. Sam forced his hostage toward the bungalow-style farmhouse, saying, “Let’s hope one of your friends comes out to see what happened.” He leaned in close, adding, “I need one of you alive. I don’t much care which of you it is.”
The man said nothing.
Lazlo glanced into the window. “What if they don’t come out?”
“I go in after them.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.”
“Good news is, you get to stay here.”
“What if something happens to you?”
“Find Remi and the girls, make sure they’re all safe.” Sam watched the front door of the house, wondering what was taking so long. Those gunshots should have brought them out by now. He gripped the guard’s collar. “What’s your name?”
“Deric.”
“Deric, tell them you need help.”
“They won’t come.”
“You better hope they do or it’ll be the last time you walk. Now call them out.” Sam jammed the barrel against his spine. “And make it convincing.”
“Urhie,” he shouted. “Joe. I need you both. Hurry.”
Sam glanced over at Lazlo, who stood by the window, watching the room with the hostages. Lazlo gave the OK sign and pointed toward the door.
Good. They were coming.
Sam sidestepped, making sure Deric was between him and the door.
“Fargo,” Lazlo said. “Only one’s leaving. He took a hostage.”
“You know what to do.”
Lazlo took a deep breath, steeling himself.
Sam dragged his prisoner back, whispering into his ear. “Save a hostage, save your life.”
“It’ll never work. He’ll kill you first.”
“You better hope otherwise because I’m not the one who’s going to die tonight.”
The knob turned, the door opened inward, silhouetting the man holding a gun on Okoro.
“Easy,” Sam said. “I don’t want to hurt anyone. Just want to exchange hostages, then find my wife and the missing kids.”
“Good luck. You have one, I have one. My friend Urhie has three more.” Which told Sam that the missing girls weren’t there. “Gun. Down. Now,” Joe ordered, pressing the barrel of his semiauto into Okoro’s temple.
Sam slipped his finger into the trigger guard, letting the weapon swing down, dangling it from his index finger. Slowly he held it out, proving he was no longer a threat. “Here you go,” he said. “Where do you want it?”
“Give it to Deric.”
“How about I give you Deric.” Sam drove his foot into the back of Deric’s knee, shoving him forward. As expected, Joe forgot about his hostage, aiming for Sam, who by this time had swung his Smith & Wesson upright. The butt landed against Sam’s palm, he gripped it, and fired. Joe stumbled back, letting go of Okoro, falling to the ground. Deric scrambled for Joe’s gun. He grabbed it and aimed.