The sun was a golden ball balanced on the edge of the horizon when Maddock called it a day. He’d spent more hours than he cared to count wandering the slopes of the mountain, searching for caves, passageways, or even depressions where a huge boat might have once come to rest. He’d seen lots of amazing sights: broad vistas of lush greenery and a dozen zoos’ worth of native wildlife, but as for the mission, he’d struck out at every turn. The Templar Stone, as he’d come to think of the artifact they’d recovered from the wreck, remained in his pocket. Not once since he and Bones had split up to begin their search had it radiated even the tiniest measure of heat that might indicate the presence of the third and final Noah Stone.
Out of habit, he checked his cell phone to see if he had a message from Bones, but still no signal. He hoped his friend and Dima had enjoyed better luck than he. His head pounding with frustration, he began the long walk back to the lodge. When he got there, he would track down Schrader, preferably when his wife wasn’t around, and listen to his stories. The feeling that the man knew something useful had not entirely left him. Schrader had made the comment that Mount Meru “wasn’t the same as…” something. Given today’s failure, Maddock was already wondering if they were on the wrong track. In any case, what would it cost him, save some time, to sound the man out? And, if Bones continued his pursuit of Dima, Maddock would have plenty of spare time to fill this evening.
As the Hatari Lodge, a chunk of sandy brown in the midst of all the green, came into view, he paused and looked back at the mountain. If they didn’t come up with any new clues, he supposed they’d arrange some climbing gear and try the peak next. He’d hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He didn’t mind a good climb, but three days uphill, all the while facing the possibility that they’d meet with more failure, held little appeal for him.
When he arrived back the lodge, Schrader was nowhere to be found. It wasn’t a large place, so it didn’t take much looking to confirm that the missionary was not on the premises.
His disquiet growing, Maddock returned to his room. Stripping down, he folded his sweaty clothes and laid them on the bed. He’d have blamed the military for his fastidious behavior, but it was his parents who had instilled that particular discipline in him long ago. Smiling at fond memories, he headed for the shower. The pressure was low, but it was better than nothing. He stood beneath the shower head, letting it wash away the dirt, sweat, and memories of a fruitless day’s work. By the time he shut off the water, he felt halfway ready to tackle Mount Meru. He was just toweling off when he heard a door bang open.
“Maddock!” Bones’ voice cut through the calm. “Are you in here?”
Towel wrapped around his waist, Maddock stepped out into the room to find Bones and Dima waiting there.
“What’s going on?”
“Get dressed and grab your Walther. Somebody just snatched Schrader and his family in broad daylight, not a hundred yards from the lodge. If we hurry we can catch up with them.”
Maddock dropped the towel, not worrying about Dima, and began tugging on the same dirty clothes he’d stripped off a few minutes before.
“Any idea who did it or why?” he asked.
“Not really. The Schraders did say that not everyone around here approved of them educating girls. That’s a Muslim extremist idea.”
Maddock looked up. “Boko Haram?”
Bones shrugged. “Does it really matter?”
“Not a bit.”
Maddock laced his boots, stood, and headed for the door, but Dima barred the way.
“I don’t see why you two have to be the ones to go after them. Shouldn’t you let the authorities handle it?” Fear shone in her eyes.
“The authorities might not get here in time. We’re here now and they don’t have much of a head start. We can do something about this,” Bones said.
“And Bones is an amazing tracker. He’ll be able to find their trail,” Maddock added.
Dima bit her lip. “But what if something happens to you?” Her eyes were locked on Bones, who seemed at a loss for words.
“Here, take this.” Maddock handed her his cell phone. “If we aren’t back by morning, there’s a number in here for Tam Broderick. Get to a place with a signal and call her. She’ll take care of you and she’ll send people to find us. Of course, we’ll owe her the favor from Hell if that happens.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her so he could slip by. Behind him, Bones and Dima exchanged whispered words, and then Bones was at his side.
“Let’s do this. I’ve been in a bad mood for a while now and I’m ready to take it out on someone.”
“So, that’s the camp. I think it’s safe to say they’re staying put for the night.” Maddock pointed at the flickering light of the campfire in the distance. He and Bones had spent two hours tracking the kidnappers over rough terrain and back to their encampment.
“Idiots. Trying to hide in plain sight,” Bones said. “Why wouldn’t they hop in their trucks and get the Hell out of Dodge?”
“Maybe they’re counting on strength in numbers, or they just didn’t figure on anyone knowing where to look for them.”
“Either way, it works to our advantage. Most of them have probably bedded down for the night. They think they’re safe, and they’ll be sleepy, which will slow their reaction time.” Bones ran his hand over the Glock at his waist. “Have you seen any sign of the Schraders?”
“No, but it’s got to be the big tent in the center. They’ve got a guy standing guard in front of it.”
Bones nodded. “I’ve counted a dozen men in total moving through camp and in and out of the tents. They’re idiots if they don’t have at least a couple of guys minding the perimeter a bit farther out.”
“Agreed.” Maddock cast a baleful glance at the full moon hanging low in the clear night sky. A little more darkness would be welcome, but there was nothing to be done about it. They would just have to be extra stealthy. “We’ll need to work our way in quietly, taking the perimeter guys out in complete silence if at all possible. If we start shooting, it’ll put them on full alert and we’ll be hard-pressed to break through their defenses.”
“Plus, they’ll take off with the Schrader’s, or do something worse.” Bones didn’t need to elaborate. “So, it’s knife work, or do you have any other bright ideas?”
“I’ve got a plan. Do you have your stone with you?”