Murray nodded. “And the only rookies left.”
Number Five laughed, pointing over his shoulder. “Because they were fucking pussies.”
Number Two fist bumped Five.
Murray looked at Haskel. “And you're worried that Larry will run people off?”
Haskel smirked. “I'm worried that you'll run people off.”
Larry blew smoke over their heads. “Is this some kind of pansy ass therapy circle?”
Murray shrugged. “Sounds like we're all assholes and bitches.” She looked at Two and Five. “So, what are your names?”
“Bentley,” Number Five said.
“Shawn,” Number Two said.
“Good enough. Give me your pins for the next round of meat.” Haskel pointed at the bodies in the floor of the van. “And theirs.”
Shawn grimaced. “Really?”
Haskel shrugged. “Last step to not being a newbie. The recovery team will take them for disposal.”
Bentley nodded. “Right. I hope that I don't get disposed of one day.”
Murray laughed. “We ALL get disposed of one day.”
“Wow, what a bitch,” Bentley said.
Haskel clapped his hands. “Well, it seems we all understand each other. Load up. We'll wait for the retrieval team at the chopper.”
***
A few minutes later, they sat on the side of the highway. A State Trooper had responded to the scene, but left after Haskel showed him his ID. They watched curious people crane their necks at the helicopter and nondescript vans for another 30 minutes before the retrieval team finally arrived and put the bodies in a vault-like tractor trailer. They loaded the helicopter onto the team's flatbed.
It took them most of the night to pack up their temporary Command Post. Dawn was only a couple hours away when they started the six hour drive to HQ so they could be debriefed before the next mission.
Chapter 24
Roek kept the accelerator as close to the floor, sliding around the sharper turns. A glint of light reflected off shiny, black paint that was the other bike parked on the side of the road. The man had been pissing into the trees, but fumbled with his pants at the sound of Roek's van. He didn't have a chance to shoot.
Roek arrived at a 'T' junction after a little more than four kilometers. He stopped and took the time to adjust the route on the map. Papsukkal had sent several emails, but he pulled away without looking at them. He kept watch for the other bike, van, or helicopter, but nothing appeared on the dark country road behind him or in the sky above.
He relaxed after an hour had passed without sign of pursuit, and a 24 hour restaurant gave him a place to stop and regroup.
His blood stained and holed clothing went into a bag, and he felt better in a clean set. Forest grime covered his boots, but he wiped them off with a rag and threw it into the bag with his clothing. He could pass for normal once he finished.
Roek glanced around the parking lot. Only two cars sat close to the front door. No one was outside. He checked his email.
The changeling got loose and messed them up. They've retreated to regroup. You're in the clear.
Roek looked at the words for a few seconds before he sent a reply.
On my way.
He located a place on the map to stop before dawn and pulled out of the parking lot. Only rat squeaks and road noise kept him company. Like always.
The end. For now.
The Hunt Page 7
