Toxic Game (GhostWalkers #15) - Christine Feehan Page 0,140
little paradise, but Draden could see that Shylah was getting a little restless as she began to feel better and better. She had a job to do and she wanted to get started. No one had found the three creators of the virus. She was insistent she go after them. She knew them better than anyone else and could ferret them out once set on their trail.
Both were declared virus-free by three separate U.S. military labs and a U.S. military helicopter picked them up. The entire crew surrounding them was American military, and Draden stayed on alert. The way they were acting, the crew expected an attack at any moment. They were grim, clearly on high alert, and there were no smiles and no talking.
Shylah glanced at him, but she didn’t say a word, nor did she take his hand when they entered the helicopter and chose their seats. She was the consummate professional. She’d brought along the tea set, but with that were numerous weapons, all concealed. She was as dangerous as any man there and Draden was grateful for her as a partner, not simply a lover and wife. The woman knew how to set herself up for the best possible angle. She could take both gunners and the pilot if need be.
Draden was madly in love with her and part of that was because of this, the way she accepted what was happening around her without fighting it or arguing. They would have been forced into the helicopter had they refused to go. Both went with their armed escort as if they had been expecting them—that and because Joe was with them. He was the only GhostWalker aboard, and he seated himself in a defensible position as well.
Are they with us to protect us and we’re expecting company, or are they the enemy? Draden didn’t consider any military personnel his enemy, but this was a fucked setup if he ever saw one.
Stay alert. This is about the two of you being extremely valuable. As long as they have you, they have a vaccine for the virus. Both of you carry serious antibodies. We’re getting you out of here, but I still don’t know what the intention is. I’m hoping it’s just a ride home.
Draden tried not to show how coiled and ready he was. He had cat in him and the feral predator came to the forefront when he was threatened. Now he had Shylah, and God help anyone who threatened her, because he wouldn’t stop until that threat was eliminated. He’d been afraid of this happening all along if they actually were able to beat the virus.
Why didn’t the GhostWalkers pick us up? Shylah asked. Her gaze flicked to Joe’s face. Clearly, Joe had bridged the path to Shylah as well and she was included in the silent conversation, but she hadn’t yet learned how to talk to someone without looking. That would come with time and practice.
Orders. We’ve got an escort. Our boys are very much in evidence, which pissed this crew off royally. There was a hint of laughter in Joe’s voice, but nothing changed the grim, remote expression on his face. They’re following us in a second military chopper.
We get any orders from Major General Tennessee Milton? Draden wanted to know exactly how high up they were going to have to go to be safe.
He wants you both safe. Out of harm’s way.
That was good news and the reason why his team members were so blatantly escorting the crew picking them up, their chopper running almost alongside.
Shylah and I have to pick up the trail of Whitney’s men. That means we go to Palembang. We’ll need transportation and backup.
We’re ready with that. You had indicated before that she was on their trail. If she’s an elite tracker, then we need her to find them before we have an outbreak somewhere else. These men created the virus, and that means, even on the run, they can set it loose anytime they want. Can you find them, Shylah? Are you able to do that?
Absolutely. The reply was stated with full confidence.
We’re going to resupply you. I want a list of everything you’ll need. While you talk to Trap and the others, I’ll be working to get your supplies and transportation. I’ll need a couple of hours depending on the list. Make certain you give that to me.
Shylah looked puzzled, throwing Draden a look that told him she’d nearly asked what Joe meant.