“I’ll do what I can. But again, I’m not in control with Chaos. Nightshade is a champion and should be able to perform like one. But I guess we’ll have to leave it up to the horses, won’t we?” She looked out at the crowd. “Your guests are getting impatient. Are we ever going to start this race?”
“By all means, now that I know whatever happens I’m going to be the big winner.” He signaled to Reardon to send Nightshade to the gates. “And now that you’re finally going to get all the punishment you’ve deserved since I found you that day at St. Eldon’s.” He strode toward the gates. “It’s going to be a great race.”
“Masenak seems to be in great spirits,” Reardon said sarcastically as he came to stand beside Chaos. “He’s already counting the money he’s going to win from me.” He was silent. “I hate losing. I might be easier on you if you didn’t put me through that humiliation. I just heard from the helicopter pilot who is going to pick up those horses that he’s about to land and will be waiting for me after the race. I could tell him to be sure not to let the stable help and guards on duty hurt them.”
“I wouldn’t trust you.”
“Of course you wouldn’t. But you might make the attempt. The offer naturally doesn’t extend to you. I’ll be taking you in my own copter, and I’ve been anticipating having you to myself since Masenak stopped me last night. But you sacrificed yourself for Nightshade once, why not again?” He turned and strolled toward where Masenak was standing. “Think about it.”
Clever. He’d attempted to freeze her with fear and intimidate her on any level he could before the race. She gave Chaos a nudge forward.
Chaos didn’t go four steps before he made his feelings known. I was angry, but as I promised I did nothing. You should not have asked that of me. They hurt you. Since you’re too weak, I have to protect you.
No, you don’t. You just have to do exactly as I tell you for this little time. You have to be my friend and trust me. I’ve explained that to you. She was guiding him into the gate. Will you do it?
I’m king. I should choose what I do. What if I believe you’re being foolish, and I don’t like it?
You’ll like it. She looked at Reardon, who had joined Masenak after the jockey had positioned Nightshade in her gate. They were smiling at each other as they waited for the bell and the gates to spring open. Enjoying themselves, yet responsible for so much evil and cruelty committed against all the innocents of the world. I know you will.
How?
She leaned forward, tensing, getting ready.
Because I’m going to stomp them…
* * *
Helicopter Canyon
10 Minutes to Race Time
“Could you have cut it any closer?” Korgan murmured as he checked his watch. “I told you to move fast, Gilroy.”
“Always complaining.” Gilroy slid down behind the ammunition crate beside Korgan. “You sent me to take down both of those sentries guarding that north canyon. And I had to use a knife, not a gun. If you’d wanted speed, you should have gone with me. I could only give you perfection.”
“I was a little occupied myself,” Korgan said dryly. “I managed to take out these two guards in the ammunition warehouse. Plus I had a few last things on the checklist I had to go over with the rest of the team here before I called Vogel. I had to discuss his agenda, which I’m sure you wouldn’t have regarded as important.”
“Vogel is a good guy but seldom interesting. And if he’d been here, he would have spoiled your fun. I have to admit you did very well. It was like old times.” He loaded his gun but then replaced it in his holster. “Only three more of Masenak’s scumbags to send to hell. Want to flip for them? Tell me you’re not enjoying it.”
“I’m not enjoying it,” he said flatly. “Because I heard from Vogel that Reardon’s transport helicopter is only minutes away and it should be here anytime now. And it’s almost five and you know what that means.”
“Hell, yes.” His smile faded. “It means you’re worried and scared, that I’m an ass, and I should have been quicker.”
Korgan nodded as he turned and crawled toward the door. “Exactly. Now let’s clean up the rest of this mess.”
* * *
Jubaldar Racetrack
One Minute to Race Time
The starting gates were going to open any second.
Sasha took a last look around. Memorize everything. The grandstand, the guards. The gates leading from the track to the outside road. Imprint it. Absorb it. She might not be able to remember it during what was to follow.
The bell sounded!
The gates opened!
The crowd roared!
Chaos leaped forward!
Wind.
Lightning.
Speed. Speed. Speed.
No breath.
First time around the track.
A mile and a half like the Belmont distance. But Reardon and Masenak had agreed the distance be extended another full mile and a half to complete the race.
Chaos started the next lap!
She took a glance behind her. Nightshade was making a valiant effort, but she was already falling behind.
Almost there.
Over the finish line.
Second time around the track!
There was no doubt that Chaos had won the race. Nothing could be clearer. Lee Chan, Nightshade’s jockey, was already pulling her to a walk as she reached the grandstand.
But Sasha didn’t stop.
She could sense Chaos’s question as he realized he was running alone. Joy?
Yes, this is just for us. Bring it on. Let the lightning flash. She leaned forward. Joy!
Speed!
Together!
Let them see what you can do!
Show them what a king you are!
Joy.
Joy.
Joy.
The grandstand again.
Already?
Stop. I know it’s hard. But just for a little while. I’ll let you go again soon.
Chaos was fighting her, but he finally allowed her to pull him to a stop.
She was breathing hard with excitement herself as she turned to face Masenak and Reardon. She suddenly realized the crowd in the grandstand was silent. She had not expected that reaction. She had wanted to humiliate Reardon, to throw him into a complete rage; Alisa had said it was important. But even this crowd of idiots had recognized that the defeat was overpowering. And that last lap she had taken to rub salt in the wound had been a slap in the face of a man they knew was deadly. When she saw Reardon’s expression, it was frightening, almost demonic. Even Masenak was silent, his expression wary.
Ignore it. Don’t waste the effect. Take advantage of what she’d done. Alisa said she’d not only have to win the race but do it in such a way that Reardon wouldn’t be able to think of anything but following her to the canyon. That’s what she’d said, but Sasha knew what she’d meant was that the anger had to be so strong, he’d follow her to the gates of hell to punish her for that humiliation. Well, she’d done it. Now she only had to finish what she’d started. “I couldn’t resist letting him loose.” She lifted her chin. “You’re a complete loser, Reardon. He not only won, he wiped the floor with you. I don’t know how you’d dare come back and face any of these people.”
“You fucking bitch.” He could barely get the words out. “I’m going to cut your throat.”
“Nightshade ran a great race, but she was outclassed.” She was edging Chaos closer to the fence gate. Alisa had told her that Gilroy would make sure it was left slightly ajar so that a push would send it flying open. “She didn’t mind. She enjoys running with Chaos. Only people like you are vicious enough to punish for excellence.”
He was taking a step toward her. The anger was almost out of bounds. But he had to lose it completely. Time to take him the rest of the way.
“Neither of you deserves having fine horses.” She was almost at the fence gate. “So I believe I’ll have to take them away from you.”
She nudged Chaos, and his shoulder pushed the gate open wide. “Burn in hell, you asshole!”
Then they were through the gate and on the road outside! She heard Reardon shout behind her as she kicked Chaos into a run.
Follow me, bastards. If she could get them down that canyon road and trap them, it could well be the gates of hell for them.
Nightshade?
She’ll be here. Chaos was impatient. She didn’t like the idea of bucking him off, but she must be taught.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw Nightshade ramming over the people trying to get through the gate and then streaking after them down the road. She learns faster than you’d think. Then she saw Masenak and Reardon tear through the gate and run toward the BMW 3 parked beside the front entrance of Jubaldar and forgot everything but urging every bit of speed she could get from Chaos. A mile to the turnoff, Alisa had said. A mile and they might be safer. A mile was nothing to Chaos or Nightshade.
You wanted the joy, Chaos. Now is the time to take it.
But Masenak’s BMW was very fast, too. And Sasha heard a screech as he tore out of the drive and raced after them.
* * *
“She’s got to be crazy,” Reardon said. “Why would the stupid bitch think she could get away? I’ll kill her. This is your fault, Masenak. I told you that you were too soft on her.”
“Stop raving,” Masenak said between his teeth. “This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t taken that quirt to her last night. If she’s crazy, then it’s because you scared her shitless. I told you to leave her alone until after the race. And now she’s riding my Chaos and I’ll be lucky if she doesn’t break his leg on these son-of-a-bitch roads.”
“Then catch her, dammit. Step on it.” He took his gun out of his jacket. “Or I’ll put a bullet in both of you.”
* * *
The turnoff should be right ahead, Sasha thought. But it might not be in time. Not only were they being chased by Masenak and Reardon, but there was another vehicle behind them. Davidow? She couldn’t tell. It was a blur. Then it wasn’t a blur, it was a truck filled with Masenak’s soldiers!
There was the turnoff!
Only seconds later Chaos was making the turn, closely followed by Nightshade. They were both running full speed down the rocky shale road toward the complex of warehouses, garages, and helicopter pad below when Sasha saw the huge orange transport chopper hovering in the center of the canyon over the pad. It was about to land.
Not good.
There was no doubt the pilot and any other of Reardon’s men on board would be armed and lethal. And that meant there might be no safety for her or any of the other people down there that Alisa had sent to help them. Reardon and Masenak were so close, and they must have seen the helicopter, too. All Reardon would have to do was make a call to order that firepower turned loose on them.
A bullet whistled by her head, burying itself into the shale rocks of the road ahead!
And it came not from the helicopter but from Masenak’s car, which had just made the turn onto the canyon road.
* * *
“What are you doing?” Masenak reached out to grab Reardon’s gun. “She’s valuable. We’ve got to catch her, not kill her.”
“She made a fool of me.” Reardon knocked his hand aside. “Do you think I’ll tolerate that? I’ve watched you indulge her and let her treat you as if you were nothing. Well, she won’t treat me like that. It’s the horse that’s important, not the girl. I’ll get another jockey. That was a warning shot. Then next one won’t be.”
“She’s valuable,” Masenak repeated. “And she’d be much more entertaining if you kept her alive. You have that helicopter sitting down there on the pad. Call the pilot and order him to send out the crew, grab the other sentries on duty, and go after her. We’ll trap her between us.”
Reardon swore savagely. But the next instant he reached for his phone.
* * *
The shot hadn’t been that close, Sasha thought desperately. Maybe they’d only wanted to frighten her into stopping. But though the bullet had obviously been aimed at her, the horses were also in danger. She had to get them all off this access road and then take them to somewhere down below where she could find cover or protection. Alisa had said they might only have to hide for a short time before she could get to them. The road exit wasn’t far now. Only a short distance…
* * *
“I’m going to take the shot,” Gilroy said as he sighted his Remington carefully. “They’re getting too close to her.”
“Don’t do it,” Korgan said sharply. “We need them closer. From up here on these cliffs, that’s a trick shot even for you. There was only the one bullet, and it was probably a warning. Either they’re arguing about what to do or they’ve made a decision not to take her out yet. I told you that might happen. But there’s a truckload of Masenak’s soldiers on their heels. If we start firing, they’re liable to let loose a barrage of bullets that will hit Sasha.”
Gilroy was cursing. “That’s a hell of a judgment call. You could get her killed. Alisa would never do this.”
“No, she wouldn’t.” His lips tightened. “Neither would you. So you can both heap the blame on me if I’m wrong. I’m used to it. But the percentages say I’m right. So just don’t take that shot.” He suddenly tensed as he noticed the activity in the back of that truck. “Son of a bitch!” He took out his phone. “I believe it’s time we called in a little help.”
* * *
She was off the road! Sasha glanced up to see the other two vehicles still barreling down the canyon road. Not even minutes away—more like seconds. And that orange transport helicopter was on the ground now. Uncertainty and threats all around her.
All she could do was make certain that Chaos and Nightshade were safe and rely on Alisa. She’d promised to get to Sasha as soon as she could after reaching the heliport area. Until then Sasha’s job was to hide and protect.
But where to hide? She took out the gun she’d hidden in Chaos’s saddle and turned him quickly toward the maze of buildings she could see a short distance away.
We can go after them now?
Not yet, Chaos. Just take care of Nightshade.
It wasn’t the answer he’d wanted to hear. She has to learn that lesson, too. Soon?
Very soon. She put the gun it into her jacket pocket and urged him to go faster.
Make it be the truth, she prayed. Please make it be the truth.
Because Masenak was pulling off the access road behind her right now.
* * *
“She’s headed toward that warehouse area,” Reardon said. “We’ve got the bitch.” He jumped out of the car and signaled to the pilot of the helicopter, pointing to the warehouse. “I’ll hunt her down like the vicious little whore she is. I’ll make her scream when I—” He stopped. “Where the hell are your security guards. Masenak?” He was suddenly looking around warily. “I don’t like—”
The helicopter door was opening! A woman jumped out and dropped to her knees, lifting a portable missile launcher and aiming it.
“Down!” Masenak shouted and hit the ground. Reardon had already dived clear of the car to one side of the road.
An explosion shook the ground!
Blam!
Fire.
Screams.
Heavy smoke.
The missile had not been aimed at them but at the truck behind them carrying the soldiers!
Masenak didn’t have to give the vehicle more than a glance to realize it was almost entirely destroyed.
And now the other doors of the transport helicopter were opening, and armed fatigue-clad soldiers were pouring out. “Trap,” Reardon said in disbelief, jumping to his feet. “It has to be a trap. She hijacked my helicopter!” He was cursing as he ran toward the warehouse where he’d last glimpsed Sasha. “We have to get hold of that bitch. We can use her to get out of here.”
There was nothing else to do. They were lucky the smoke from the explosion was so heavy that
it would be hard to see them. Masenak was following him at a dead run as he pulled out his phone and tried to call Davidow to send help. He couldn’t get through. “Dead. No power.”
“All carefully thought out,” Reardon said. “They’ve blocked the signal from the canyon. Technology at its best. And damn familiar. Do I have to guess who the woman was who fired that missile?”
“Alisa Flynn.” Masenak could feel the same hatred sear through him that he’d known when he’d recognized her with that missile in her hands. How could this happen to him? “But you’re right, get Sasha and we’ll stop Alisa Flynn and Korgan and anyone else we need to.” He pulled out his gun. “If we don’t, I’ll fight you to be the one putting a bullet in her heart.”
Chapter
18
Where is she?” Alisa demanded when Korgan ran up to her a few minutes later. “Masenak and Reardon have disappeared in all this smoke and now I can’t find Sasha. You said she was okay when you called me to take out that truck.”
“And she was. She was off the access road a few minutes after I called you and heading east. Gilroy and I have been searching for her, too. Look, one of your instructions to her was to hide once she managed to get off the access road. That must be what she’s doing. She couldn’t get too far with Chaos and Nightshade in tow.”
“You don’t know her. She’s here, isn’t she? But I won’t know if she’s in trouble with Masenak and Reardon still out there.”
She was straining desperately to see through the smoke. The entire canyon complex was now swarming with people. She got a brief glimpse of Gilroy giving orders to his team, which had taken over the heliport.
Then when the smoke cleared again, she saw Cal Harris securing the hijacked helicopter. No Sasha. “She went east from the road?” She was already heading in that direction. “We have to find her, Korgan.”
“I know,” he said quietly as he took her arm. “I told Gilroy to keep on searching. I just came to get you so you wouldn’t be alone. You were a target, too, the minute they knew you were the one who set off that missile. That was necessary, but very showy, Alisa.”
Chaos Page 39
