Page 71

CHAPTER 70

KIRA SUNLIGHT WAS chained to a metal chair in a command tent. She’d been there for about an hour, alone. Two of the huge men had carried her back from the riverbank, trussed up like a hunting trophy. They were taking no chances with her. Kira had been working at the lock behind her with her fingernails, but so far, no luck.

Her clothes were soaked, clinging to her body like a wet skin. In spite of the heat, she felt clammy. She’d realized right away that she was in Hemple’s old quarters. A small length of twine still dangled from the front pole. She prayed that the snake had been dispatched.

Peering through the tent flap, Kira could make out shapes moving back and forth in the darkness outside.

Suddenly, the flap whipped open.

Captain Rupert Gurney stepped in.

Kira tensed up, but tried not to show it. She had studied Gurney for so long from a distance that it was a jolt to see him this close. He had clean, even features. Thick, wavy hair. A delicate, almost feminine mouth. Two of the giants stood behind him—the guy with the crew cut, and the one who looked like The Rock.

Gurney stopped two feet from Kira’s chair. “This is our jungle demon?” he said. “She doesn’t look so evil to me.”

“Appearances are deceiving,” said Kira. “You look like you should be in a boy band.”

She saw a smirk crack Crew Cut’s face. Gurney leaned down so that his eyes were level with Kira’s. He reached over and ran his fingers through her wet hair. He wasn’t rough. He was gentle. Even creepier.

“Shaba,” he said softly. “Who do you work for? Who hired you?” Kira twisted her head and clenched her teeth. “CIA?” Gurney pressed. “MI6? FSB?”

Kira stared straight at him. “YMCA,” she said. “I like to swim.”