“The keys aren’t on them,” Rice announced at the conclusion of the search, “nor did we find any additional weapons.”
“That’s odd,” Jarvis noted. “I was under the impression you boys packed a lot of back-up hardware.”
“Not this run,” Blade revealed. “We’ve lost a lot of weapons in recent months, so this trip we decided to stick to the basics. Besides, we weren’t expecting major trouble.”
Jarvis glanced at Rice. “You are positive the keys aren’t on them?”
“Yes, sir,” Captain Rice responded.
Colonel Jarvis ran his right hand through his curly black hair, his brown eyes squinting in thought as he faced the SEAL. “The keys have to be here, somewhere. Possibly they neglected to secure the doors.”
Blade gazed at the SEAL, thankful for the tinted plastic body. There was no way anyone would be able to see Joshua inside the vehicle, so Joshua was safe as long as he remained inside. But would he? Hickok wasn’t the only one who could be unpredictable.
“Bring him!” Jarvis commanded.
Captain Rice and three soldiers escorted Blade to the SEAL, the colonel leading them.
Jarvis attempted to open the driver’s door. “The damn thing is locked. Try the other side.”
Rice promptly obeyed. “Locked over here too,” he shouted.
“I don’t understand,” Jarvis admitted, stroking his pointed chin. “Is there a secret latch somewhere? You must have a way of getting back inside.” He leaned forward and pressed his face against the plastic. “Can’t see a thing!”
“Should we blow the doors open?” Captain Rice asked.
“Don’t be an idiot!” Colonel Jarvis complained. “This vehicle of theirs is priceless! There isn’t another one like it on the face of the planet. Samuel wants this thing in one piece. We’ll find a way to get inside without blowing it open. In the meantime, post four guards here.”
“Yes, sir,” Rice said.
Colonel Jarvis turned to Blade. “I don’t suppose you’d like to reveal how to get inside?”
“Sorry,” Blade said shrugging. “Think of it as a challenge.”
Jarvis grinned. “You must be hungry after your long trip. Would you care to join me for a late lunch?”
“Do I have any choice?”
“None.”
Blade was hustled aboard the troop transport and forced to sit on the bed beside Geronimo and a prone Hickok. Five of the troopers and Captain Rice rode in the back with the Warriors, while Colonel Jarvis joined the driver in the cab. Four of the soldiers were left behind as guards on the SEAL.
“Where are we headed?” Blade asked Rice as the troop transport pulled out, heading south.
“I don’t want to spoil the colonel’s little surprise,” Rice answered.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Geronimo was examining Hickok. “He’s got a bump on the noggin. It doesn’t look to be too serious. Thank the Spirit they hit him on the head!”
The gunman moaned.
“I think he’s coming around,” Geronimo said, gently shaking Hickok.
Captain Rice produced a canteen. “Here.”
Geronimo took the canteen, unscrewed the cap, and splashed some water on Hickok’s face.
Blade kept his eyes focused on the soldiers, hoping the truck would hit a rut or a hole and throw them off balance. If he could grab his Bowies or the A-1 from the pile near Rice…
Hickok’s eyelids fluttered. He gasped as a handful of water dropped into his open mouth. “Blast! First an earthquake, and now I’m being drowned!”
His eyes shot open and he caught sight of Geronimo. “I should have known! Enough with the water already!” He sputtered as he sat up.
“It was time for your annual bath anyway,” Geronimo remarked as he replaced the cap onto the canteen.
“Where the blazes are we?” Hickok glanced around and discovered the soldiers. “Terrific! Couldn’t you two take care of these wimps without me?”
Blade placed his right hand on Hickok’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Hickok rubbed a tender spot on his head. “Yep. I’m fit as a fiddle.”
“You sure?” Blade pressed him.
“Yes, Mother, thank you.” Hickok glared at one of the soldiers. “You the one who slugged me?”
The trooper grinned.
“Just wanted to be sure,” Hickok told him. “You and I have a score to settle, and I always collect on my debts.”
The soldier swallowed hard.
“Where we headin’?” Hickok inquired.
“It’s a big surprise,” Blade let him know.
“Where’s the SEAL?” Hickok asked.
“Still at the Nomad camp,” Blade replied.
“And where’s…” Hickok begun, about to question Blade on Joshua’s whereabouts. He caught himself in time.
“Where’s what?” Captain Rice interjected.
“Where’s my Pythons?” Hickok demanded, thinking fast.
“Right here.” Captain Rice indicated the pile of Warrior weaponry. The Pythons were lying on top of the heap.
“Don’t let anything happen to them,” Hickok threatened, “or I’ll hold you accountable when I get them back.”
“You won’t be getting them back,” Rice assured him.
“That’s what you think,” Hickok stated.
Captain Rice looked at Blade. “Is he always this…” He tried to find the right word. “Belligerent?”
“We prefer to think of it as bullheaded,” Geronimo chimed in. “It’s an absolute miracle his eyes are blue and not brown.”
“How can you joke at a time like this?” Captain Rice inquired. “Your lives are on the line and all you do is make fun of each other. It’s incredible.”
“It’s all part of our Warrior training,” Hickok said.
“Your Warrior training?” Rice stated.
“Yep. If we ever find ourselves in a situation where we’re outgunned, we razzle-dazzle the enemy with our wit,” Hickok declared.
“Of course, in Hickok’s case,” Geronimo noted, “once he loses his guns he’s totally disarmed.”
The troop transport had turned eastward some time before, and now the big truck reached State Highway 47 and bore to the left, bearing due south.
“Say, Rice,” Blade thought to ask, “on our way in we came across a bunch of bodies. Was that your handiwork?”
Rice laughed. “Yes. They were trying to escape. The colonel decided to make an object lesson out of them.”
The truck was barreling along the road at over fifty miles an hour.
Blade realized escape would be impossible even if the transport did hit a big hole or a rut. Anyone attempting to leap from the truck at this speed would likely wind up with a broken neck. No one in their right mind would try such a feat.
Blade sighed, discouraged.
They would have to wait for the proper circumstances to make their bid for freedom.
The truck abruptly lurched wildly as the vehicle struck a buckled section of the highway. The men in the rear were tossed violently from side to side, jostling one another, as the troop transport became briefly airborne. The cab was elevated, the bed hanging at a sharp angle, for only an instant.
But it was enough.
Hickok, squatting on the floorboards, ironically retained a better balance than those sitting or standing. He dove forward, headfirst, sliding past the astounded soldiers, past the scattered pile of Warrior arms, grabbing his Pythons as he slid the length of the truck and over the open tailgate.
The truck descended with a bone-wrenching impact, knocking most of the troopers off their feet.
Blade tensed, about to make his break.
Captain Rice, still standing, waved his M-16 in the direction of the two remaining Warriors. “Don’t either of you move!” he directed Blade and Geronimo.
The truck was coming to a stop.