Taylor sat beside him on the bench and nudged him with her shoulder. "You know, if you don't take it easy, these exercises will only make the healing process take longer."
Kam sat the large can of fruit on the table, stretching his shoulder to relieve some of the pain there. "I need to be on top of my game. I don't want anyone to get hurt on my watch."
"Alright, Superman." Taylor stood. "Just don't over do it."
He shouldn't have been so gruff with her. She was only trying to look out for him. This small pace and the mission ahead of them were starting to get to him. Kam stood to go after her when the captain stepped into the cabin from the helm.
"We'll be arriving within the hour. Prepare to disembark." He would have to apologize later. Now, it was go time. He grabbed gear and placed it in bags and helped Max and Nalani stow all of their computers and screens.
The motor, which had been a constant droning for the entire trip, pulled back to a low rumble. They were coming into port as they crept past the sign that said, "Homer Small Boat Harbor.” Down many rows of fishing and smaller cruise boats they went until they came to the second to last row where Toni puttered into a slip on the end of the dock. The two crew members tied the mooring ropes and helped each person off of the boat. Kam hoped that he regained his land legs soon because right now the ground seemed to sway under him.
Davin had aviators over his eyes, leaning against his car with his arm folded across his chest. When Nalani spotted him, she took off running, dropped her bag, then leapt into his arms, kissing him as if she hadn't seen him in years. Alexei chuckled and mumbled something about young love while Paul cleared his throat. "You know others are present."
Davin coughed to cover a laugh and Nalani glared at him. "You're going to have to get used to it, big brother."
Paul shook his head and smiled, but Kam noticed again that there was a sadness to his eyes. He'd pray that one day, Paul would find that joy again.
"Ian is being transferred today. We've got about five hours from now until he's loaded on the bus, so we need to get rolling." Everyone started loading the vehicle when Davin tossed keys to Kam. "There is a prison guard uniform and ID in the trunk. Youshould have enough time to get there before the transport leaves. The warden knows about the operation, but the other guard does not."
Kam's gut clenched. He prayed that the other guard didn't make him hurt him. The last thing Kam wanted was for anyone innocent to get caught in the crossfire.
"Your gun has one blank and then live rounds. Just in case a warning shot is needed to get compliance. There is a two-way com for you to wear in the gun box. We won't have audio until you get closer." Davin extended his hand that Kam shook. "God speed."
Taylor took a hesitant step towards him. "I don't like this."
"Do you trust me?" Kam ran his hands down both of her arms even though it pulled at his shoulders. He needed her to hear this.
Taylor didn't hesitate. "Of course." Her quick reply filled him with hope. "But what if something happens to you? I don't know if I can survive losing you again."
Kam wrapped his arms around her. "God brought us this far. We're going to have to trust Him to bring us the rest of the way through."
"I'm trying," she confessed into his shoulder. He would pray for her faith and his own because the words he spoke were ones he needed to remember for himself.
When Kam pulled the car into the lot at Hiland Mountain, the warden had met him right inside security, and now he stood by the bus door as another guard led four prisoners toward him. Kam took a deep breath. He would have to step back into the darkness and embrace the character Gregor one more time.
The clink of chains and shuffle of feet echoed in the courtyard as the prisoners approached in their bright orange jumpsuits. The first man, who had tattoos up his neck and across his bald head, glared at Kam as they approached. Kam would need tomake sure he didn't try anything when they took Ian. The next two kept their heads down as if they didn't have much left to give. Ian's face lit with a smirk when their eyes met. Kam kept his face as stony as he could. He couldn't tip off the other guard until it was time.
When Ian stopped in front of him, Kam didn't let him say anything. "Get on the bus." Kam shoved Ian toward the stairs, which earned him a glare. It felt a smidgen good to shove the man responsible for so much pain. What felt even better was knowing that he would spend the next few days in solitary and then the remainder of his time in the max security facility at Spring Creek.
The drive to Spring Creek quiet. None of the prisoners talked or made much movement. Up ahead on the road, Kam saw the car along the side of the road with Nalani and Alexei working on something under the hood, their heads ducked in the car so as to not tip off Ian. It was now or never. Kam felt the familiar rush of adrenaline flow through his veins. He sent a quick prayer that no one would die today, then unholstered his gun.
"I'm going to need you to pull over." Kam rested the gun at the driver's neck then leaned in and continued at a whisper, "I'm undercover with the FBI, but I need this to look real. Play along."
When the driver didn't make to slow down, Kam yelled louder, "I said, pull over unless you want to die today."
"Please don't shoot. I've got a wife with twins on the way." the guard's voice shook.
Kam stood, slipping handcuffs from his utility belt. "Wise choice. Now, I'm going to need you to stay here." The cuffs clicked against the wheel as he secured the driver. Before standing, he dropped the key in the man's lap. "Wait until we're clear." Kam added the instruction on a faint breath.
Using the the keys the warden gave him, Kam unlocked the gate to the back of the bus and marched to where Ian sat. "Miss me?" Kam said in the familiar Russian accent.
"I was wondering when you'd show your ugly face," Ian sneered. Ian pushed past Kam and sprinted for the bus's exit. Kam took the opportunity to make sure that the gate was secured again. No need for an actual manhunt to have to occur because he failed to secure the other prisoners.
Big bald tattoo dude from the back shouted at them to take him with them, along with some other choice language. Thankfully, Ian chose to ignore him. As if this was a perfectly rehearsed plan, Davin and Taylor pulled up in an FBI issued SUV with lights flashing. Ian only hesitated momentarily on the steps before he took off running.
Kam shouted, "This way," and started towards the exfil spot.
"Police! Freeze!" Taylor's commanding voice rang behind them, but they kept their pace deeper into the woods.
