Hunting the Hunters

by Robert Boren

  “Let’s start leaking the need for the trip to Steely’s,” Clem said. “If we tell Willard and Elmer, it ought to be all over the town in about twenty minutes.”

  Everybody chuckled.

  “Good, I could use a snort anyway,” Garrett said. “Coming, honey?”

  “I need to pick Mia up from Susanne,” she said. “I’ll see you a little later.”

  “Okay, I won’t be long.”

  Everybody but Ed and Ji-Ho left the intel room.

  “This worry me,” Ji-Ho said. “Things happen fast, un-expected problems come up. We should have more than Malcolm and George at the leaked location.”

  Ed shrugged. “I’m worried too, but if I had to rely on anybody, it’d be those two. Malcolm’s crazy enough to turn the tables.”

  “You don’t think they just follow our people from Dodge City?”

  “They set up the hit in Wrightwood before Justin and Katie left,” Ed said.

  “How you so sure?”

  “Timing. I think they blew it. They tipped their hand.”

  “Hope that right,” Ji-Ho said.

  ***

  George and Malcolm sat in the intel room with Ivan, Sam, Erica, Agent Williams, and Ted Crowley. Jules walked in with Shelly a moment later. They’d just sent back their reply to the Dulzura team.

  “All set?” Jules asked.

  “Yep,” George said. “We should leave as soon as possible. I want to be there early enough to get set up.”

  “That’s a must,” Malcolm said. “I’ve got the GPS focused on Steely’s now. Take a look.”

  George came over, looking at it. “Is that a parking lot in the back, or just a vacant lot?”

  “Probably a vacant lot, because I don’t see good access to the front of the store,” Malcolm said. “This is a really small town.”

  “Yep, Dulzura tiny,” Jules said. “Wide spot in road. I surprised there’s electronics store in town.”

  “Look at the place across the street,” George said. “Is that a laundromat?”

  “Look like,” Jules said.

  “Hey, what kind of vehicle does Sid have?” Ted Crowley asked.

  “He’s got a yellow Jeep CJ,” Sam said. “Rag top. A little beat up. Even some bullet holes.”

  Erica snickered. “Yeah, it’s had a rough time. We’d better make sure that he takes that, if we’re gonna try to match it.”

  “I’ll send that through,” Agent Williams said, typing at his computer.

  “I’ll have my people locate one and have it ready for you at the airport,” Ivan said. “The plane is ready to go, and I just notified the pilot.”

  “We need to sneak you out of here, and get you to the Missoula airport,” Ted Crowley said.

  “We’ll set that up now,” Ivan said. “I just called Yuri in here.”

  { 7 }

  High Cliffs

  J ustin was driving the Jeep through the darkness, Katie in the passenger seat, Steve and Colleen in the back.

  “You’re looking in the rear-view mirror a lot,” Katie said.

  Justin shot her a glance. “Of course. Two of those enemy vehicles split, remember?”

  “I’ll be glad when we get off Angeles Crest Highway,” Steve said. “Maybe we should’ve gone the opposite direction, instead of back to your base. They’d expect us to be on this road, and there’s nobody around.”

  “I don’t like this one bit,” Colleen said.

  Justin nodded. “If Steve’s leg wasn’t a problem, I’d have him drive so I could man the machine gun.”

  “I can shoot one of those,” Steve said, “but I can’t twist too well. Katie and I should trade places. She can fire out the back, and I can fire out the front.”

  “Just like my brother, always claiming shotgun.”

  Justin laughed. “I think it’s a good idea, honey. I’m pulling over.”

  Katie nodded. “Do it. There’s a turnout ahead, see it?”

  Justin turned onto it and they made the switch, then took off again.

  “These switchbacks suck. We can’t see people coming up behind us, even by their headlights.”

  “How much ammo do we have?” Steve asked.

  “Gobs. If we get into a battle, we won’t run out.”

  “Just saw somebody behind us for a moment,” Katie said, sitting sideways in the seat with the M4 in her hands. “We should’ve taken the back of this rag-top off when we were stopped.”

  “Probably just another civilian,” Steve said, his hands sweating around the machine gun.

  Colleen looked down at her lap, silently mouthing some words. Katie noticed, about to say something when the headlights showed up around a curve again.

  “Those guys are coming fast,” Justin said, eyes switching between the road and the mirrors. “Too fast.”

  “We can’t shoot them for that,” Colleen said.

  Justin sped up.

  “Better be careful bro, the curves are pretty tight ahead, and they’re not well marked until we get on 138,” Steve said.

  “Shit,” Justin said, slowing slightly, hands gripping the wheel tight.

  “Dammit, they’re closer again,” Katie said.

  “What kind of vehicle?” Steve asked.

  “Can’t tell because of this damn plastic rear-window.”

  “I’m getting off on that dirt road,” Justin said. “It goes into the trees real fast.”

  He turned in, the Jeep sliding in the gravel for a split second, then catching.

  “Turn off the headlights,” Steve said. Justin did that and they sped into the trees, Justin pulling a u-turn, facing the highway, shutting down the engine. A few seconds later, a car roared by them, it’s tires squealing as it went around the curve just past the dirt road.

  “That guy is hauling ass,” Justin said. “Some kind of SUV.”

  Steve nodded. “It’s probably fine. The locals haul ass around here all the time.”

  “Should we get going again?” Colleen asked.

  “Justin, take the rear section off this rag-top before we go,” Katie said.

  “The dome light is gonna turn on if I do that.”

  “Give it a few more minutes,” Steve said, rolling down his window.

  ‘Listen. We’ll hear another car coming.”

  Justin rolled his window down as well, all of them silent for several minutes. He was about to get out when a vehicle turned onto the dirt road, slowing to a stop, two men getting out with weapons.

  “Shit shit shit,” Steve whispered.

  “This is good,” Justine replied. “Hand me that M4, honey.”

  Katie passed it up to him. “Safety’s on.”

  “Got it,” he whispered.

  “They’ll see us when they get closer,” Steve whispered.

  “Flashlight,” Justin said, leaping out of the car and firing, hitting both the men, two more piling out of the vehicle. Steve was out now, on one knee, firing at the men with Justin, knocking both of them down.

  “Oh God,” Colleen cried, holding her hands over her ears.

  “Grab your pistol,” Katie said calmly. “That’s a big vehicle. There could be more.”

  Justin rushed over to the bodies, checking them, then sneaking over to the SUV, looking inside. It was empty. He motioned to Steve. “Let’s take their machine guns and get the hell out of here.”

  Steve limped over, Katie out and joining them, picking up the weapons.

  “What are these?” Katie asked.

  “German, honey. Heckler and Koch. Same ammo as we have. Let’s go, there might be more of these creeps about.”

  They ran back to the Jeep with the weapons, Justin going to the tailgate and removing the rear plastic window, then setting the guns in the back. They piled back into the Jeep, Justin heading back to the road. “Shoot the tire on that SUV.”

  Steve did that as they went by, one side of the vehicle sinking in the front. Justin turned back onto the road, getting to speed quickly.

  “I can’t believe th
ere aren’t anymore,” Steve muttered under his breath.

  “Be ready with that machine gun, Steve, and keep your wits about you.”

  “At least I can see clearly now,” Katie said.

  Steve nodded. “Good thing, we’re going into a section with no dirt roads to escape on.”

  “We’re almost to 138,” Colleen said, her voice trembling. “Cliff going up on the inside of the road, down on the outside. Nowhere to go.”

  “Shit,” Justin said, making the right turn onto 138, passing by a Café.

  “Maybe we should go hang out there until it’s light,” Katie said.

  “Nowhere to escape to,” Steve said. “At least this section is straighter for a while.”

  Justin sped up, glancing at Steve. “Warn me when I should slow down. I’m gonna haul ass while I can.”

  “Be careful,” Colleen said.

  Katie stared out the back. “Nobody behind us yet.”

  “There were a few cars in the Café parking lot, so we might see somebody eventually,” Steve said. “I wouldn’t get trigger-happy until we’re sure.”

  “We’ll get into some flatlands soon, with plenty of dirt roads on either side,” Colleen said.

  Steve nodded. “Yeah, but after Cajon Pass, we’re back into the high cliffs, so keep that in mind. It curves more, too.”

  “Wonderful,” Katie quipped.

  “We’re taking I-15 at that point,” Justin said. “That’ll be safer.”

  “Good,” Colleen said.

  They got to the flat section, Justin slowing down some, all of them relieved.

  “Nobody’s been behind us since the bad guys,” Katie said. “Easy to see back for miles now.”

  “Nobody in front either,” Steve said.

  They rode silently for a few miles, then saw the lights of a truck stop, at the junction with I-15.

  “Good, there’s I-15,” Colleen said. They approached quickly, Steve letting out a gasp.

  “What’s wrong?” Justin asked.

  “Two Toyota FJs along the shoulder of I-15, see them?”

  “Son of a bitch, that’s no coincidence.”

  “Oh no,” Colleen said.

  “I’m going straight,” Justin said, not turning onto I-15.

  “They’re backing up on the damn freeway,” Katie said, watching out the back. “Dammit.”

  “Those guys are crazy,” Colleen said. “They almost got hit by oncoming traffic. Had to get back on the shoulder.”

  “They got off,” Katie said, “they’re on 138, speeding up.”

  “Dammit,” Justin said, pouring on the speed.

  “Watch it, dude, this gets tight up ahead, and the cliffs are steep.”

  Justin nodded, not slowing down, hands sweating around the wheel.

  “Here they come,” she said, her machine gun firing, hitting the first FJ in the windshield, the car hitting the shoulder too fast and rolling end over end, the other FJ getting around it, speeding up more.

  “One down, but there’s another coming,” Katie shouted.

  “Watch out, Justin, the first curve is coming up.”

  Justin nodded, turning into it, looking deep into the curve as Katie fired at the oncoming FJ.

  “Shit!” Justin said, his headlights hitting a big boulder in the road. He slammed on his breaks as somebody shot at them from behind it, shattering the windshield, ripping into his face, killing him instantly. The Jeep flew off the cliff, landing hard and rolling all the way down.

  ***

  It was early morning when Yuri knocked on the door of Malcolm’s rig.

  “Good morning,” Malcolm said as he climbed down his steps, looking around the dimly lit loading dock area. “Ready to go?”

  “Yes, George is waiting upstairs with Sam and Erica.”

  “Perfect.” The men went to the freight elevators, riding them up to the ground floor level. The others were by the elevator door when it opened.

  “Hey, sleepy head,” George quipped, Sam chuckling.

  “I was up. What about weapons?”

  “You’ve got your sidearms, correct?” Yuri asked.

  “Yes sir,” Sam said.

  “We’ll want long guns too,” Erica said.

  “They’ll be at your location,” Yuri said. “Along with some other nice toys.”

  “Where’s Heidi?” Sam asked. “Were you able to talk her into staying?”

  George shrugged. “Nope, she forgot something in the intel room. She’ll be back in a second.

  “I’m back now,” Heidi said. “No complaining.”

  Malcolm chuckled. “She’s good in a fight. I’ve got no problem with her being there.”

  “I do, but arguing about it won’t do any good,” George said.

  “Are we flying into Gillespie Field?” Sam asked.

  “Only choice nearby,” Yuri said.

  “How far is that from Dulzura?” George asked.

  “Just over half an hour,” Yuri replied. “It’s a quick, easy drive.”

  Erica nodded. “I’ve come in that way before. Wish we could sneak into Dodge City after this is over and see Mia.”

  “Out of the question,” Yuri said. “Follow me.”

  They walked towards the back of the mall, going down a long corridor to double doors. Yuri pulled out his cellphone and accessed the security camera feed, checking the back door. It was clear, so he pushed on the bar, shoving the door open. The group followed him out.

  “See the Walmart over there, across the street?” Yuri asked.

  “Yeah,” Malcolm said.

  “Go over there and enter the store. Wait for my text. A car will be there to pick you up. It’ll be a tall white van with Empire Valley Foods painted on the side.”

  “Got it,” George said.

  “Good luck to you all,” Yuri said. He watched as the group walked away, then went back inside the mall.

  “Wonder what kind of weapons they’ll have for us?” Heidi asked.

  “It’ll be something suitable,” George said. “This team is highly professional.”

  “I’ll miss my AK,” Erica said.

  “Saw that,” Malcolm said. “Nicely decorated, and great sights.”

  Erica smiled. “Yes, feels like it’s part of me when I’m using it.”

  They crossed the street, walking onto the Walmart parking lot, then entering the store.

  “Think I’ll grab a cup of coffee,” Erica said.

  Malcolm nodded. “Damn good idea, and the stand is right up front.”

  They got in line, Erica glancing at Sam. “You look worried.”

  “We’re using my best friend and his wife as bait. I’ll be nervous until this is over.”

  “Oh,” Erica said. “Sid and Yvonne can handle themselves, and the chances are good the hit men won’t be where we are anyway.”

  “We hope,” Sam said. “Glad the two locations are so close together. We can move from one to another quickly if we need to.”

  They got through the line, and sat at a couple round tables in front of the coffee counter. Their phones dinged with a text a moment later. Malcolm was the first to have his phone out. “They’re here.”

  “It’s showtime,” George quipped. They picked up their coffees and went out the door.

  “I see it,” Heidi said. “Half-way out in the parking lot.”

  “Yep, let’s go,” Erica said.

  When they got to the door, it slid open, a small man with black hair and a goatee smiling at them. “I’m Gregg. Get in and fasten your seatbelts.”

  “Safety first, huh?” Malcolm cracked, the others chuckling as they got into the back.

  “We’ll be at the airport in no time,” Gregg said as he got into the driver’s seat. “Everything in this town is within a 15 minute drive.”

  George cracked up. “Too bad there’s no windows in this van. I haven’t seen much of Missoula.”

  “Nice little town,” Heidi said. “I’ve been here a couple times.”

  “Why wer
e you here?” George asked.

  “I used to be a travel nurse, remember? Before you pulled me into your world.”

  “You’re a nurse?” Erica asked. “I don’t remember hearing about that.”

  “Never came up,” she said. “I miss it sometimes, but the traveling got old.”

  “So what’s this town like?” Malcolm asked.

  “Pretty. Close to nice hiking and mountain biking. Some guy I dated here for a while was into fly-fishing. It’s a paradise for those guys.”

  “I always wanted to try that,” George said.

  “It’s a good way to be cold all day,” Heidi quipped, smiling at him. “It is pretty, though. We fished in Lolo Creek, the Bitterroot River, and the Clark Fork river.”

  “That’s right, this was a stop for the Lewis and Clark expedition,” Erica said.

  “Yep, all kinds of stuff about them around here,” Heidi said. “Streets named after them, bars named after them.”

  “And a river, it sounds like,” Malcolm said.

  Heidi nodded.

  The van turned off the road, heading into the airport parking lot.

  “We’re here,” Gregg said as he parked against the chain-link fence.

  “That took less than 15 minutes,” Malcolm said.

  “No traffic today,” Gregg said. “It can be surprisingly heavy, believe it or not.”

  The team got out of the van, following Gregg through the gate, flashing his ID to the security guard there.

  “How are you, Gregg?” the guard asked. “Great day for a flight. You’ll be able to see for miles.”

  “Yep, can’t wait,” he said.

  The guard waved the group on, and they walked to a hanger off to the right.

  “You’re going with us?” Malcolm asked Gregg.

  “I’m the co-pilot,” he said. “There she is.”

  “Wow, that’s a Cessna Citation X,” Malcolm said, looking at it as they approached. “That’s the fastest non-military jet there is.”

  “Yep, she’s quite a machine,” Gregg said proudly. “Top speed of seven-hundred miles per hour. She’ll cruise at about six-hundred.”

  “That’s faster than a commercial airliner,” Sam said.

  Gregg smiled. “Damn straight. Go on up the steps and find yourself a seat. We’ll have some refreshments for you after we get going. Leave the coffees in the trash, please.”