“We’re headed back,” Leo said, turning toward their area. Hollywood picked up the water bowl and fell in step with Apollo.
Four heavily muscled men blocked their way.
“Can I help you, gentlemen?” Leo said, his voice turning deadly.
“Exactly what do you do here?” the group leader asked.
“My job,” Leo said. “The same as you. Do you mind stepping out of our way?”
“It seems mighty secretive,” another one of the men said. “Why do you have men guarding your bunks?”
Leo laughed. “Because I don’t want our expensive equipment stolen, dumb ass. I can’t replace the parts if I don’t have the tools.”
One of the men stepped closer, making Apollo growl.
“Call your dog off, man. We’re only talking,” the leader ordered.
“He doesn’t like your tone,” Hollywood replied. “Can’t say as I like it much either.”
“What’s wrong with your woman, the one with the dog?” the leader asked.
“She’s not used to the heat,” Leo said slowly. “What’s it to you?”
“Then maybe you should’ve left her at home. There are wild dogs in these parts. You never know when her pretty dog might get attacked,” The second man warned.
“Wild animals who stray from their pack deserve to get put down,” Leo said nonchalantly. “Don’t you agree?”
The leader smirked. “I’m only giving you some friendly advice.”
“Duly noted,” Leo said as Hollywood pushed Apollo forward, prompting the group to part to let them pass.
“Did you get the name of the one to your left?” Leo asked as they casually returned.
“Billings, Hayworth, Jones, and Sullivan,” Hollywood replied. “I’ll send it to Bear asap.”
“Once we know Taylor’s condition, we’ll need to make a plan for tomorrow. Damn, I wanted to ride out with Sparky and see where she guessed the strike might happen.”
“We can ride out. I want Apollo to sniff around. If we don’t know what or how they’re confusing the dogs, at least we can see if they already planted something,” Hollywood suggested.
“Sounds like a plan,” Leo said as they entered. Saint moved from the door, and Cole took over.
“It’s bad, boss,” Saint told him as they walked to Sparky’s bunk.
Liam stayed outside to give Leo and Patch the room to work.
“SITREP,” Leo asked.
“They beat the hell out of me, and I feel like shit,” Sergeant Taylor replied. “I did take two down with me.”
“Where did they attack you?” Leo asked.
“In my room right after I showered,” she replied.
“And nobody heard them?” Leo asked, glancing at Saint. “How many?”
“Four,” she said, clutching her side.
“Do you recognize them?” he asked.
