Page 81 of Fighting for Family

“Shit,” Saint said. “We lost the truck.”

“We got what we needed. I can get us another in the morning before we grab Ford. I recorded some of what he told us. They shot him,” Ragu said, his voice turned deadly. “We need Ford. This needs to end before we leave.”

“It will, brother,” Saint said. “Head to rendezvous three. We’ll need some rest before we take these assholes down.”

CHAPTER 25

Sparky donned the new chadari and topi. Shadow hid her hair. Cole guarded the prisoner with the help of Apollo and Striker.

Ragu returned an hour later with a truck, hiding it with brush.

Taco stayed on watch.

Saint signaled them to gather. “Whiskey and Doc will be arriving today. We need to grab Ford and get to the plane. Ivan sent his men on to Serenity. He will take our guests to a secure location. Victoria will wait for him with our team. Ragu, I need you to act as a spotter. Go ahead and get into position. Taco and I will stay close to Shadow and Sparky. Cole and his K-9s will stay here and guard our prisoner. It’s our last chance to catch this fucker before we leave for Leo.”

“We’re ready,” Shadow announced. “Did you get us a couple of goats?”

“They’re in the back of the truck,” Ragu said.

“We’ll drop you off close to the main road. Remember our signal if you’re in trouble,” Saint said. “Sparky, keep your head down and ears open.”

“You bet,” she said, sounding nervous.

“You saved our asses last night,” Saint said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “You can handle this. Just don’t trade Shadow. Cole’s still sour over the man offering a couple goats and chickens for him. I’m leaving him here to save his pride.”

Sparky grinned. “It’ll be hard, but I’ll try not to.”

They loaded into the truck, dropping Shadow and Sparky off on the side of the road.

“Here we go,” she said, taking a deep breath.

“We’ll get him. Saint and Taco will grab him. I’ll only leave you long enough to help Ragu snatch his accomplice. You have your comm, and I’ll leave you in a safe place. Remember what Victoria taught you,” Shadow instructed.

“I’m not worried about it,” she lied. “Get them secured and I will stay in place.”

They neared the market and walked around, waiting to spot Sergeant Ford. Shadow stopped long enough to buy Sparky a drink. The sun beat down on them, and after the walk, both grew parched. They walked along the animal stalls, blending in with the crowd.

“Ford entered from the south side of the market,” Ragu reported. “I’m coming around to you.”

Sparky gripped his hand.

“I see him. Stay back and come in from behind. We can’t afford for him to recognize us,” Shadow said softly. He walked along the stalls, pretending interest in the fruit selection. He bought a couple of figs and handed them to Sparky.

A woman approached Sergeant Ford. Dressed in traditional garb, she blended in, but something about her movements caught Shadow off guard. When the woman stopped, she turned to stare at Shadow and signaled for him to hold. His senses went on guard. Who was this woman? He knew her. She signaled again for him to hold.

“Uh guys, I know this sounds stupid, but stand down. Don’t take Ford. I repeat, abort,” he said slowly, never taking his eyes off the stranger.

“What the hell,” Saint growled. “We have a plan.”

“I know the contact,” Shadow said. “She’s one of us and telling me to hold.”

“You damn well better be sure,” Saint said, aggravated. “The clock’s ticking.”

“I’m positive,” he assured the team.

Finding a shady spot, he settled himself and Sparky to wait out the woman. He wiped the figs down and handed one to her.

“What are we doing?” she asked.