Audacious

27

Kris let the Marines do their thing, waiting in the back seat of the middle rig, careful not to step on any of the captain's sparkles. Though she was only seeing it from the rear, so to speak, the show was quite impressive.

With full-battle rattle, it would be as intimidating as all get out.

It was probably the lack of full-battle gear that left someone with the guts to shoot.

Kris was about to let Captain DeVar hand her out of the rig. That would normally have been Jack's job, but what with both of them beat up, it would not have been very impressive for them to fall flat on their asses. So Kris was just that extra second longer in dismounting and someone was just recovered enough to take a shot.

It was a strange battle to listen to. Or maybe this battle was a unique affair.

A pistol snapped off full-power rounds as fast as someone could pull the trigger. Another joined it. Then more.

From around Kris, she heard the pop of one low-powered sleepy dart. Then another single shot. Then more.

Very quickly there was nothing coming in on full power.

Just as quickly, the sleepy darts fell silent.

Captain DeVar stood up on the running board, giving Kris a good view of the sharp creases in even his civilian pants. ''You dudes had enough fun? Any more of you want to try that?''

Apparently the survivors declined the offer.

''Any Marines down?''

''No, sir,'' the sergeants answered quickly.

The captain dropped gracefully down to the ground and faced Kris. ''Your Highness, you sure you want to do this? I imagine about now, there's a lot of folks in great need of changing their underwear. I figure I can get the kid back just fine.''

''What, and miss a chance to talk to a local,'' Kris said with all the panache the pain and drugs allowed her. ''Who knows, this one might tell me the truth for a change.''

''I will never understand Longknifes,'' Captain DeVar said, offering Kris his hand.

''Nobody does, Captain,'' Kris said, dismounting. ''Not even Longknifes. But you didn't hear that from me. It's top secret.''

The captain mumbled something under his breath. Kris made a point of not hearing it.

Marines held their automatics at high port; there was nothing coy now. They escorted Kris, Abby, and a darling girl Kris took for Cara, across the street and into the shade of the front porch.

No one lounged at the tables now. Those still mobile were as far to the left or right as the porch rails allowed.

Several were no longer able to move.

The center of the porch had tables upended and seven, eight men down. Most were sleeping the sleep of Pfizer-Colt's best. Two, no three, were bleeding.

''Did we do that?'' Kris asked Captain DeVar.

''No, Your Highness, those rounds came from the back or side. My guess is these boys weren't all that good at shooting. Hopped up on adrenaline and fear, they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at five paces, much less my Marines at ten. But they sure could hit the guy next to them, or ahead of them. What were the heartbeats on this bunch, Sergeant Bruce?''

''Gabby says they were pounding near out of their chests, sir.''

''Amateurs. Sergeant, how's your heart?''

''Been higher on the shooting range with Gunny Brown breathing down my neck, sir.'' That came with a grin.

''How I like working with pros,'' the captain finished. ''Your Highness, you stay here while I take a gander inside.''

So Kris stayed put, but the sight of a few women trying to render what aid they could to bleeding gangers was not something she could ignore. ''Sarge, do we have any medics with the team?''

''Of course, ma'am, er, Your Highness,'' Sergeant Bruce answered, apparently having more problems with a princess than a shoot-out.

''If they aren't busy with Marines, could you have them render what assistance they can here?''

The sergeant spoke into his wrist unit and a moment later two Marines with Red Cross bags slid to a stop beside the bleeders. They finished a quick exam with ''They'll live,'' just as Captain DeVar and his two escorting Marines returned.

''There's a lot of nervous people in there. No telling what some idiot will do, Your Highness. I would not recommend you go in there.''

''You're spending too much time around Jack,'' Kris said and headed for the door.

The captain shook his head, but only muttered into his wrist unit. By the time Kris was at the door, she had all three sergeants at her back, as well as the two sniper teams.

Two Marines opened the doors wide for Kris's entrance. It was showtime.