Page 28 of SEAL the Deal

“What happens at pole camp stays at pole camp.” She took out her phone and showed them a picture of Rick inverted.

“Do you think they’re all right?” asked Ali when the laughter had subsided.

“There’s any number of reasons they might have been delayed.”

“But, they’re now two hours late.”

“I’ll radio into headquarters and find out if anyone has seen them. The river usually has a little traffic this time of year.”

“Thanks, that would be great.”

“In the meantime, you should sit tight. I’m sure the boys will be along shortly.”

ChapterNine

“TJ, that ankle’s not looking good,” Rick said as they rested. He had removed his life vest and rolled his wetsuit down to his hips. His helmet now hung from his backpack. They’d been on the move for an hour, but had made little progress.

The Chief sat on the ground opposite his wetsuit unzipped and swollen ankle raised on a log.

Dean, Mike and Ernie had also ditched their safety gear and were in various states of undress.

Rick passed his water bladder to TJ. Sweat was streaming down the Chief’s face, his features contorted with pain.

“We should think about sending guys ahead to get comms and organize an evac. Because at this rate, we’re not going to be back in time for the wedding.”

TJ grabbed his stick and used it to stand. “I can walk.”

“Sure you can, Gandalf. Guys, this isn’t workable. I propose you head up to the spur and find the track. I’ll stay with the Chief and we’ll make our way up slow time.”

Mike shook his head. “We should stay together.”

TJ took a tentative step and grunted. “No. For the first time ever, Rick’s right. I’m not going to be able to walk out anytime soon.”

“You sure?” asked Ernie.

“Yeah, look it’s easy to find the track. Keep heading uphill. Then turn right and follow it down till it hits a road. You should be able to get a call out there or flag someone down. You need to contact Leonie or Ali.” He glanced at his watch. “We’ve missed our RV by three hours. They’re going to be a little concerned.”

Mike nodded. “Yeah, Ali is going to be stressed if we don’t make contact soon. OK boys, let’s move fast.”

They left Rick and TJ sitting in the shade of a tree and began climbing the steep slope toward the ridgeline. The going was tough, hampered by thick vines and shrubs. Mike led the way, pushing a path through the undergrowth. They’d managed half a mile when he halted for a break.

As they sat, Ernie clawed at the crotch of his wetsuit. “Is anyone else getting chafed?”

“Like a bastard,” said Dean as he fanned his face with his hand. He peered through some bushes and frowned. “Hey, what’s that? Looks like some kind of netting.”

Mike scanned the undergrowth. He didn’t see anything until the wind picked up and he spotted what looked like a camouflage net, flapping in the breeze.

“Might be a camp,” said Dean. “We should check it out.” He pushed into the bushes with Mike and Ernie close behind.

The vegetation suddenly thinned and they found themselves standing in a plantation of tall bright green plants.

Mike looked up and saw that there were camouflage nets strung high in the trees.

“Wow! That’s a lot of weed,” said Dean.

Mike turned to Ernie who wore a concerned expression. “We need to get the hell out of here.”

“It’s a little late for that.”

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