Ghostwalker 09 - Ruthless Game

the terrain.
    The one close to the house joined a second man. They conferred, waved at the remaining two, who took off running for the waiting helicopter. Kane turned his ful attention to the two left behind. They were up and jogging straight toward him.
    “I don’t know why he just won’t let us grab her,” one grumbled. “You know this is a bul shit assignment, Fargo. He was pissed at us because we didn’t get the job done. I’d like to get my hands on the little bitch and teach her a lesson. Whitney’s been on my case since she rejected me.
    And he’s been on yours ever since your little bitch tried to disembowel you.” The man snickered and then spit.
    The spit landed four feet from where Kane lay in the saw grass. He remembered the speaker. Carlson James. Kane had looked up his service record the moment he’d gotten out of Whitney’s compound. James was a troublemaker in every unit he was put in. He’d been reported kil ed in Afghanistan two years earlier, but not before an arrest warrant had been issued for the suspected rape of a female officer. Kane knew exactly why Whitney had chosen the man for his private army. He needed someone ruthless, without morals, who would have no qualms forcing a woman to have sex with him. Carlson James fit that bil .
    Why had Whitney chanced sending him? Not only had Carlson’s ego been seriously bruised by Rose’s rejection, but he was paired with her too. Kane heard the rage smoldering in the man’s bel y when he spoke of Rose. He had to be eaten alive knowing another man had touched her—that she was carrying another man’s baby. Kane didn’t trust him at al . Carlson was the type of man who would turn on Whitney if the right circumstances presented themselves. It was a stupid move on Whitney’s part.
    “We’l have to set up camp a couple of miles from here,” Fargo said. “This is one shit assignment. At least my bitch isn’t knocked up by some other man.” He laughed as he brushed past Carlson.
    Kane held his breath as Carlson snarled, exposing his teeth, one hand going to the knife at his belt. Tension stretched out. Fargo glanced over his shoulder and abruptly came to a halt. His eyes glittered, a dangerous excitement. Both men were jacked up on something, and Kane feared it wasn’t a drug. Whitney wanted his soldiers aggressive. Both of the men wore aggression close to the surface. They looked like two bul s squaring off.
    Fargo shook his head. “We’ve got a job to do, Carlson. If we don’t get it done, Whitney wil send his hit squad. He warned you not to touch her.”
    Carlson’s hand dropped from his knife, but Kane didn’t get the feeling he was appeased. The man shrugged. “Yeah. I heard him.”
    “It’s my job to see you don’t go near her.”
    Carlson’s smirk was a parody of humor. “We’l see how good you are at your job.”
    “Don’t you worry about me. You want to take first watch?”
    “She’s as big as a cow,” Carlson snapped. “Where the hel is she going? I’m heading for bed. I’ve already got sand in my mouth. I hate this place.”
    The two set off, griping and complaining, moving toward the south. Kane watched them plow over the rol ing sand dunes. He was not going to let Rose outside again if there was any way to prevent it. Seeing her pregnant would only provoke Carlson further. What game was Whitney real y playing?
    Something was off about the entire setup.
    Swearing, he rol ed over, keeping his weapon clear, staying very close to the ground so if either man looked back they wouldn’t be able to see him. He slithered down the slope leading to the house on his bel y, much like a lizard.
    I’m coming in, Rose. If the lights are on, turn them off.
    They aren’t on.
    There was something not quite right about her voice. He took another careful look around, ensuring the enemy was stil heading away from the hideaway before he lifted his hand, moving the air in the gentlest of breezes, pushing the sand over his tracks, paying particular attention to the saw grass where he’d lain hidden. When he was satisfied the ground could stand a close examination, Kane opened the door and went in. He made certain to drop the heavy metal bar across the door, sealing them in and making certain no one could sneak in that way. Tomorrow night he would set a few traps around the house, several feet out in a circle, which would warn him if anyone—like Carlson—got too close. He slipped inside the house and let out his