The Blood King Conspiracy

CHAPTER SIX

Drake met the eyes of the SEAL team as they flew towards the Everglades and their final destination. He knew what lay behind those flat, appraising stares. A slab of respect, a slice of estimation, and a complex topping of unease.

They had heard he was good, probably from their own colleagues, but would he fit with them. And, in a dick-swinging contest, could they take him?

“Answer’s no,” he said to the youngest, the one with eager glints. “Not until at least 2020.”

“I was goin’ to ask ya ‘bout Alicia Myles,” the boy drawled with a big grin. “She really the wildcat y’all talkin’ about?”

Drake took a breath. “Wouldn’t know,” he said diplomatically. “We lost track… right after she tried to kill me.”

“Heard she did a pretty good job,” the lad snickered. “And that you lost track as thanks for her not murderin’ you.”

“She’s good,” Drake said, refusing to be baited whilst Hayden’s life hung in the balance. “And she’s not been seen for a while, kid. Let’s leave it at that.”

The chopper now banked sharply and Drake began to see a lot of green below. Rivers and tributaries sprawled and meandered in random patterns. Flocks of birds took to the air.

The pilot looked around. “Five minutes.”

Drake steeled himself. Ben, at his side, was clenching both hands into fists, his face drip white with worry. Kennedy’s face was set in a stony glare, daring anyone to challenge her.

“Ready.”

The chopper swooped low, aiming straight for a ramshackle hodgepodge of buildings. Rappel lines were dropped. The SEAL team slithered down with professional swiftness, all out in less than a minute. Drake and his companions waited for the chopper to land, frustrated but knowing that the team knew its business.

The chopper landed with a mini thud. Drake leapt straight out the door. Cross-winds from the rotor blades battered him. Long grass whipped at his ankles. They were met by the SEAL team leader.

“Cleared out,” he said, but his eyes were dark.

“What else?” Drake clenched his teeth.

“CIA agent, dead inside.”

Ben gasped.

“Godwin,” the SEAL commander said, with murder in his voice. He pointed behind Drake.

“Looks like they cleared out in a hurry, most likely using airboats. They were probably chasing our men.”

Drake started walking. “Let’s go get ‘em.”