Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,82

safety was off my weapon. While it didn’t appear that our vehicle had been noticed, there were already plain-clothed soldiers combing the streets. I’d be able to recognize their actions anywhere.

Within five minutes, Diego had rolled out of town, flying past every other vehicle in an effort to get as far away as possible.

“How long until we reach Lima?” I finally asked.

“Less than two hours. Dante had better come through.”

Yeah, the man was right. We would have almost no recourse if he didn’t.

“Why would Michael do that? Why? Why track me? I don’t understand,” Lindsey moaned, although she continued to remain hidden behind the seats.

“It’s obvious he wanted to make certain you didn’t get away from the Serpent. The question is why.” I couldn’t wait to have a chance to spend time with Michael. I was certain one of us would find it enlightening.

“I will kill him,” she offered.

Only then did Diego react, looking me directly in the eyes. We all had our reasons to be pissed, seeking methods of revenge.

There was nothing from Dante for the next hour. When he finally did communicate, the coordinates came first. “We have our location.”

“Then let’s fucking get there. I have a bad feeling we’re getting ready to have company.” Diego shifted into fifth as he moved away from the main road, constantly searching the rearview mirror.

“Private runway. Small charter jet, Gulfstream 650. The people are trustworthy but you’re only going to have one chance at this. My guess is that the arrival has been tracked,” Dante stated in his usual perfunctory manner.

“You’re sure about this, Dante?”

“There is no doubt. We’ll call them friends of friends.”

I snorted as I glanced into the side mirror. That meant they were drug runners. Hell, yes, they’d be on the radar and not just with the Serpent. The planes usually flew in the middle of the night, often able to mask their approach. “I’ll call you when we arrive in DC. Just make certain the plane is ready to go. We won’t have any additional time.”

“It’ll be ready and waiting,” Dante stated. “Safe travels, Jack. For what it’s worth, you’ve both done a damn good job.”

This time, he ended the communication, likely calling the powers that be regarding my demand to learn all the information.

Twenty minutes later, the first set of vehicles appeared in the distance. I no longer had to worry about the communications unit being the source of a tracking device. One of its other capabilities was the ability to predetermine the distance of various heat sources. According to the device, there were six heated blips.

“How long until we reach our destination?” I asked as I reloaded both rifles, prepared for whatever the assholes had to bring to the party.

“Thirteen minutes.” Diego’s answer was clipped as he glanced into the rearview mirror.

“Better make that ten. We got serious company and they’re headed our way fast.”

Pressing down on the gas pedal, he gunned the engine, swerving around a curve in the road. The screech of tires forced Lindsey to moan.

“Fuck,” he hissed, shooting around another curve, the Jeep skidding.

Two minutes passed.

Three.

“They’re gaining on us. I’ll do what I can to stop them.” I crawled into the back, unzipping the plastic rear window. “Whatever happens, Lindsey, just stay down.” Hunkering down, I positioned the M4 out the window.

“Are you certain it’s the Serpent’s soldiers?” she asked.

“Oh, I’m certain all right. By the size of the heat source, I’d say they are heavily armed.”

We didn’t have to wait long for confirmation, the sound of gunfire popping off in the distance. This time, patience was needed.

Only when I could finally hear the roar of their engines did I take aim and shoot, getting off several rounds.

“Three minutes,” Diego called, zigging and zagging the Jeep as he continued the drive. “Hold on. It could get rough.”

I fired again, this time connecting with the lead vehicle. As it swerved off the road, I continued firing. The massive SUV’s engine revved seconds before going airborne. The explosion was horrific, a plume of smoke rolling in our direction.

“Christ,” Diego huffed.

I knew within seconds I’d be able to see the vehicles again. As they sped through the flames, flanking out to try to cut us off, I leaned out the window, spraying the rifle from one side to the other. The second at least two shots hit our Jeep, I jumped back inside, taking several deep breaths. “How much further?”

“We’re almost there.” Diego tipped his head back and roared as the Jeep began to