Once Bitten, Twice Dead - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,90
what the highest bidder does with my work as long as I’m immune and rich. They could kill off the whole damn species as far as I’m concerned. In fact, that might be for the best. Cleanse the planet and start over with just a few immune souls as seed stock. The more I think of it, the more I like that idea.”
“You’re nuts.”
“Compliments, my dear. You’ll turn my head.”
He shot her a sly smile that turned her stomach. Nothing seemed to bother this guy. He really was one for the record books. Sarah had never encountered such a strange but strong personality before. She’d have to work to find his Achilles’ heel. If he had one. Of course, it looked like she’d have nothing but time to work on her little project.
She knew Xavier and his guys would move heaven and earth trying to find her, but she also knew it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. While they searched for her she had to do what she could to both stay alive and try to escape.
Chapter Twelve
“What’s the plan, Captain?” Sam asked as they took to the air, Reno behind the controls of the big military helicopter.
Bred for speed and stealth, this chopper was a little quieter than its civilian counterparts and more maneuverable. Nothing could cancel the noise of the engines and blades entirely, of course.
“I’m going to rappel down and find Sarah. I want you three to be ready to evac us and provide air support if needed.”
Sam tried to offer assistance. “I’m more than willing to go in with you, Xav, to better your odds.”
But Xavier wouldn’t send his best friend into this kind of danger. “And worsen yours, my friend. Thanks, but the answer is still no. Even with the serum McCormick thinks might work on some people.” He emphasized the shakiness of the argument he knew would be coming. “Go dark,” he ordered Reno.
The chopper was black, and full night had fallen. Without lights they wouldn’t be seen, and there was enough ambient light in the area that they could easily see features of the land. Luckily, there was no fog on this part of the coastline.
They were on the famed North Shore of Long Island, where million-dollar mansions on the beach abounded. This particular neighborhood was one of the more expensive, boasting multimillion dollar houses on acres of land.
The address they sought was a beachfront property. To get to the beach from the house far above, it looked like one would have to use a set of wooden stairs that led from a small cove upward toward a wooded area. From above, they could see a large villa hidden among the trees. It was a perfect spot for zombies. A lot of cover and a lot of land. The nearest neighboring house was quite some distance away. Far enough away that Xavier didn’t worry about the neighbors getting involved.
“Hover by the edge of the cove. I’ll work my way up from the beach. Then I want you to go high and watch from above. Use the infrared to follow my progress and let me know over the com if there are any hot targets coming my way.” Xavier inserted a small tactical radio into his ear, adjusting the small mic that lay along his cheek. He’d have two-way communication with his team. The infrared would pick up live bodies, but it wouldn’t register the zombies well. The longer they were outside, the more their bodies acclimated to the temperature. They would be hard to distinguish from the trees and growth everywhere on the property. Still, it was something. Sellars might have some living accomplices with him.
Sam asked the question Xavier dreaded. “What if she’s not there?”
“She has to be.” All of Xavier’s instincts told him this was the place.
They’d gotten lucky with McCormick. She could have just as easily turned out to be playing for the wrong team. Xavier had looked into her eyes and his gut told him she was genuine. Her information was good, but would Sellars have taken Sarah to this location? He just didn’t know.
He prayed as he had never prayed before. Sarah had to be here. It was as simple as that. He didn’t have any other leads and he couldn’t stand the idea of her staying under Sellars’s control for one second longer than necessary.
“Son of a bitch,” Reno swore. “Captain, do you see what I see?”
Everyone looked out of the chopper