“We still go by our story,” Leo answered, waiting for the others. Once all three vehicles passed the gate, Leo moved to where the guard pointed. The other men gathered together, each guarding the other’s back. They wore the new vests, which Kassie bought for the team. It didn’t make them feel at ease as they scanned the base.
Leo followed his escort to Sergeant Taylor’s office, where she sat at a large desk, waiting for him.
“Mr. Armstrong,” she said, coming from around the desk, shook hands with him, and gestured toward the chairs.
“I regret to inform you Colonel Rutherford passed away in his sleep,” she informed him, subtly gesturing toward the bookcase. Someone listened to their conversation.
Leo’s brow arched, and he nodded. “I’m sorry for your loss. I only spoke to the colonel a few times while he prepared the contract. He seemed like a good man. Will this jeopardize our business? I hope they plan to pay me for the cost of our flights and time.”
“I’m working in Colonel Rutherford’s stead until his replacement arrives, since I’m familiar with his correspondence. The weapons still need repairing. I don’t see any issue with the contract. You can still fulfill your end. If you’ll have your men report to security, we’ll issue them badges. I have assigned you quarters on the east side. Keep your men away from working personnel. You’re free to use the public domains, such as the showers and cafeteria.”
“When can we start repairs?” he asked, watching her.
“You’re in luck. We have convoys leaving tomorrow to relieve the units. Colonel Rutherford left you a folder with instructions on how he wanted the job done. He listed which units use the weapons most frequently. I suggest you start there first.”
“I appreciate your help. If you can point me toward security, we’ll get our IDs made and get settled,” Leo said, taking the filefrom her. He opened it and flipped through the pages. On the last one, he saw the sticky note.
They’re watching you. I will find you in your bunk at 0000 hours.
Leo glanced at her and closed the folder. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss,” he said, shaking her hand.
Leaving the office, he walked the hallway and out of the building, considering the suspects. He’d give his left nut if Rutherford actually died in his sleep.
Signaling his team, he approached them and pointed at the security office while he said, “They’ve got eyes on us. Lie low and do the job we came for. Expecting company around midnight.”
The men got back into the vehicles and played their parts. When they pulled up to their temporary quarters, Leo noticed their location at the end of the row. The light above them lay shattered on the ground, making the unit darker than the others. Giving silent signals, he commanded his team. Three men secured the unit and guarded the sides while the rest unloaded everything. Each man’s bag carried multiple weapons, not including the ones on their persons and their K-bars. The tension grew around them as they settled.
At dinner time, Taco and Shadow headed toward the dining facility. Acting like his usual self, Taco walked up to one of the men.
“Can you tell me where I can get a pack of smokes. Dumbass here, forgot to pack any extra.”
“Down the hall and to the right,” the man said, not even bothering to glance up from his meal. “Damn, private contractors come here and act like we’re a superstore.”
The men dining with him laughed at his joke.
Taco nodded. “Assholes,” he said under his breath as they turned to leave.
“Easy, Taco. You’re supposed to act likable, not like them,” Shadow snickered.
“Fine. You’re an asshole, too. I hate the fucking desert. It’ll take me weeks to get this fucking sand out of my pores,” Taco muttered.
“There you are,” Shadow said, with amusement in his voice. “If we’re lucky, they’ll carry your facial cream there, too.”
“I don’t use anything except Samantha’s natural spa line. It’s incredible. One day, you’ll glance in the mirror and say, “Gee, I wish I used those products when Taco told me about them. I look like an old man, and he’s still rocking it.”
“Yeah, right,” Shadow said sarcastically. “I already put you to shame.”
Taco grunted as he approached a group of servicemen. “Where can I get a cold beer? I knew this place would be hot, but this feels like Hades.”
One of the men separated himself from the group. “My name’s Conrad. Welcome to hell. Are you one of the new contractors?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. Hopefully, it won’t take us long. How long have you sweated it out here?” Taco said, walking with him. Shadow lagged behind, guarding his six.
“Almost four years. I’ve done my penance. Three more months and I’m headed home,” he said, ducking into a tent and pulling out three bottles of beer. “Stay with your group. Some don’t appreciate you coming here, telling us how to do things.”
“We’re here to repair a few weapons. We’ll leave the fighting to you,” Shadow said, scanning the area.
Conrad twisted the top of his bottle. “Keep your heads up,” he advised as he left them.
