Page 7 of Storm Warning

The vehicles raced along what passed for a secondary road leading away from the Mexican jungle. The potholes told the tale of little money and less time spent on road maintenance.

Riley sat up straighter, eyes narrowing when she spotted the sets of twin lights behind them and closing fast. “Company.”

Noah glanced in the rearview mirror and scowled. “Not what I wanted to see.” He tapped his earpiece. “Seth, we have bogies on our six. Looks like three vehicles with an unknown number of occupants.”

“We have three vehicles heading toward us as well. Somehow, the terrorists circled around to come at us from the front, or they had soldiers covering exits in case of an escape.”

“I don’t see how they could have known about us, and they don’t seem the type to plan that far in advance. I’m going with option one. Orders?”

“Take them out. We’re under orders to get the boy safely to the US using any means necessary.”

Riley exchanged glances with Andre. Brent Maddox rarely turned his operatives loose without clear guidelines of what was acceptable and what was not.

Christopher looked at Andre. “What’s going on? Is something wrong?” His voice trembled.

“Yeah, we have a problem.” Andre rested his hand on Chris’ shoulder. “Can you handle bad news?”

The boy squared his shoulders. “I’m not a baby. I’ll be fine. Just tell me.”

“We have three vehicles following us and three vehicles in front of our lead SUV coming straight at us.”

“The terrorists are coming after me?”

“Yeah, bud, they are, but you don’t need to worry.”

“You said the terrorists were coming after me.”

“That’s right. We’ll take care of them and you. Do you trust me?”

Christopher nodded his head.

Andre cupped the boy’s nape. “They won’t take you again, Chris. You hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“We won’t let them take you. Do exactly what we tell you to do for your own safety. We’ll take care of the rest.”

“I’m scared.”

“I would be too. We’ve got you, buddy. You have my word.”

“Okay.”

Noah glanced at Andre in the mirror. “They’re inching up on us. We need to take them out before they cause too much trouble.” Take them out before they got close enough to harm the boy.

Grant glanced at Noah. “Go. I’ll cover Chris.”

“Thanks.” Andre climbed over the backseat into the cargo area. He rolled onto his back and kicked the back window out. Humid tropical air drifted into the interior of the SUV.

Riley wrinkled her nose. She would be so glad to get out of Mexico.

“Riley.”

She glanced at Noah. “Yes, sir?”

“You’re Andre’s backup.”

“Copy that.” She looked down at the ambassador’s son. “I’m going into the back with Andre. Grant will take good care of you, all right? Follow his orders like you would Andre’s or mine.”