Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sample Sunday - Excerpt from Chapter Thirty Two of Storm Rising

Tuesday September 28th, 10:15 P.M. - Mexico
Somewhere in the desert, southwest of Juarez


   As Kelli, Kevin and Dan made their way toward their destination, they could hear the weapons fire taper off. By the time they came within sight of the buildings, it had ceased entirely. The three crouched low, using what cover they could find.
   Kelli scanned the scene and noted several bodies strewn across the compound. She looked over at Kevin and Dan. “I count six dead or wounded,” she said in a loud whisper. “But I can’t tell if they’re good guys or bad guys. And there’s no way to know how many more are up there.”
   Kevin moved next to her. “Look over to the right. There’s no light at that end. I think we can work our way around and get in closer.”
   Kelli nodded. “Yeah, that just might work. We’ll just go back out a little and then work our way up to that end. Good thinking, Kevin.” She turned on her heels and motioned Kevin and Dan to follow her.
   They walked out another fifty yards and began making their way to the far end of the compound. As they neared the buildings, Kelli motioned for the two men to drop, as she fell forward. She eased back toward the Kevin and Dan, staying on her belly. Kevin looked puzzled as she drew up next to him.
   “There’s someone standing just in the shadows of that building, facing west. If I hadn’t seen the cherry on his cigarette light up, we would have walked right into him.”
   Kevin lifted his head and looked in the direction of the building, then back to Kelli. “He doesn’t look like a Federale. You think maybe it’s one of Garcia’s men?”
   Kelli shook her head. “Shit, I don’t know. It could be. Then he could be from a rival cartel. Why don’t you go up there and ask him?” She sighed and rolled her eyes.
   Kevin pushed himself to his knees. “Well shit, why don’t I just do that?”
   Kelli reached out and pulled him down. “Are you fucking nuts? Shit, Kevin, I thought you would know sarcasm when you heard it. Now keep down.”
   Dan looked at them and shook his head. “Are you two through? If you keep it up, we’ll find out who that is sooner than we want. So what’s the plan?”
   Kelli scanned the area, looking for some way to get around the guard. When she spotted a rotting fence, she turned back to Kevin and Dan. “Okay, here’s what we need to do. Dan, how’s your Spanish?”
   Dan looked at her, narrowing his eyes. “Somehow I don’t think I’m going to like this.”
   “It’s our best shot. So, how’s your Spanish?”
   “A little rusty, but I can get by,” he said, his eyes still narrowed.
   “Good. You’ll need to distract this guy while Kevin and I make our way around behind him. Do you see that old fence? We’ll come up behind that. You keep the guard’s attention focused away from there.”
   “And just what the fuck am I supposed to say to this guy? “Hola, me llamo Dan. Noche agradable.” I mean, shit, Kelli.”
   “I don’t care what you say, just keep the bastard occupied. You just need to give us time to get in behind him, that’s all.”
   “Why do I have to be the decoy?”
   “You want me to do it? First, my Spanish is a hell of a lot rustier than yours is. Second, that guy would take one look at me and, well, I don’t want to think about it.”
   Dan shook his head. “No, I didn’t mean you. Why can’t Kevin do it?”
   “Because Kevin doesn’t speak Spanish, and he’s a lot better shot than you are. And don’t say it, I’ve seen both of you shoot.”

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