Page 12 of Green Ravens

There was minimal light left for him to find them a suitable perch. Trekking in the Amazon at night was asking for death.

Sawyer put his hand out, indicating he wanted to stand on his own.

The chief wavered a bit before he clutched a nearby tree to steady himself.

Oakley stayed quiet and allowed Sawyer to get his bearings, but the threatening screeches of the nocturnal animals began to get louder.

“It’s about eighteen klicks to the last rendezvous point, Chief. If the Wyoshai clan is smart, they’ll send reinforcements to scour the river for that hard drive and any supplies they can scavenge, then send men at least ten miles in every direction for survivors.”

Oakley sighed.

“In which there are none. But we’ll have to assume all extraction points are burned and attempt rescue by Trans highway. With only our 9mm side arms, that’s not enough to defend against an army.”

Sawyer dropped his head and let out a grief-stricken moan.

“Are you absolutely sure they’re all gone, Oakley? I mean one hundred percent. Because if there’s even a one percent chance some of my men are out there, then I’d rather stay and die with—”

“There’s no one left, Sawyer.”

Confessing that made a weight the size of a ship anchor slam into the pit of his stomach. His eyes burned with unshed tears as he tried not to picture the sight of his men—his best friends—whose bodies were now scattered along the polluted river.

“I’m sure of it.”

“How the fuck did only us survive?”

“Because I took you under the water with me before the last explosions hit. Explosions that were mission-killers.”

“Fuck!” Sawyer hollered before his voice broke in half. “I never fuckin’ lose.”

“Youdidn’t lose, chief. Our country did.”

Sawyer growled so low and deep Oakley almost mistook it for a wild cat.

“I’m gonna make every one of those bastards wish they had let us go because now I’m coming back for ’em.”

“Then let’s go get another boat.”

Oakley pulled his soaked map from the lower pocket of his cargos and used his mini Maglite to search for the best route to the highway.

He brushed past Sawyer and began to lead them deeper into the jungle.

Chief Styles Sawyer

“Ow, shit!”

“What?” Oakley spun, and Sawyer collided with him since he’d insisted he stay close.

“Something bit me.”

“First rule, don’t fuckin’ yell out again,” Oakley snarled. “Second rule,don’ttell me every time you get bit…not unless it’s from an anaconda.”

“Fuck off.”

Oakley started walking again, and Sawyer did as he’d asked and kept his fist grazing the small of his back so they didn’t get separated in the dark.

Oakley stopped every few steps and scanned the ground, then high up in the trees.

“What are you looking for?” he finally asked.

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