Thief River Falls Run

Chapter Eighteen

The Watchers.

Through a pervading haze and numbing pain, Blade struggled to regain his concentration.

The Watchers. Where were they?

Blade dimly remembered being stripped of everything except for his pants. They had dug a hole at the fringe of the park, directly across from the building his friends occupied. The Watchers had placed a tall post in the hole, packed in the dirt, and tied their captive to the pole, securing his wrists and his ankles so tightly the circulation was constricted.

His head was pounding.

Blade recalled the shouting and dimly registered the message. He knew the consequences. According to their training, Warriors would never surrender, under any circumstances. Hickok and Geronimo would be forced to let the Watchers shoot him.

There wasn’t much time left.

Where were the Watchers? Were any of them paying any attention to him, or were they all riveted on the building?

Did it matter?

Blade felt his full consciousness return, and he carefully opened his eyes. He could see the SEAL, and beyond the vehicle the Watchers’ former headquarters. None of the Watchers, though. They were probably scattered around the area, in hiding, waiting for sunrise.

The bonds holding his wrists seemed slightly loose.

Blade cautiously flexed his steely muscles and felt the ropes give a fraction.

Good!

The sun was rising.

Blade surged against the ropes, attempting to minimize his body movements, hoping to prevent the Watchers from detecting his efforts.

The Watchers would be intent on the front door of the building, waiting for those inside to surrender.

I can do it! Blade told himself. If he applied sufficient pressure, eventually the ropes would slacken enough to free his arms.

The only question was, could he succeed before the sun was completely above the horizon?

Several Watchers suddenly appeared on the buildings nearest the headquarters, their rifles pointing at the front door.

Sweat coated his powerful frame as Blade strained against his bonds, his body quivering.

Just a few more minutes! All he needed was a few measly minutes!

Someone was moving in the park behind him, rustling the underbrush.

Blade was on the verge of freeing his hands, and wondering what his next move should be, considering his legs were still fastened to the post, when the one thing he didn’t expect to happen happened.

The front door opened and Hickok stepped outside, holding his arms over his head, grinning like an idiot.