Page 12 of The Lost Soldier
“First, I wanted to see if this would work and second, I wanted to tell you some things that I worry if I went through the proper channels, would end up in the wrong hands.”
“So, you’re who I felt was reaching out to me?” Chad leaned against a tree about five feet from Brett. He studied the man, looking for similarities. Brett was broader. Thick. Where Chad was taller and leaner. But Chad couldn’t deny their identical eyes or their similar mannerisms.
Mostly, he couldn’t deny the instant kinship he’d felt with Brett.
And Hunter.
“I found out that Russell Arnont, who is one of the four men who were killed, has traveled to South Korea five times in the last year. That seems excessive.”
“How did he get that much time off from the military?”
“That’s the kicker. He’s been in the reserves for the last five years until three months ago when he was asked by Scottie to be part of this mission.”
Chad frowned, looking back through his cave. He could barely see the reality plane, but Savanah let him know his current view was safe from Scottie knowing. Scottie was helping the medics load the bodies while Savanah looked as though she were in deep conversation with Chad.
“Scottie said he didn’t know about this team or their mission.”
“From what I can gather, Scottie thought this team was a backup to his.”
“That’s not what he says.” Chad felt a cool prickle across his skin. “I have to get back.”
Brett nodded. “I want to send Alexis, one of Savanah’s sisters. She’s a healer, and she’s feeling all sorts of pain, and we think it’s connected to the missing men.”
Chad shook his head. “I don’t think that is a good idea. I’ve got Scottie agreeing to keep this circle small.”
“I can put her up in a safe house in Seoul, that way she’s just a remote view away.”
Chad laughed. “Do you have any idea how odd that sounds?”
“No odder than the two of us hanging out in the space between where most psychics would be severed from their body, putting them in a straightjacket for the rest of their lives.”
“You’re a regular, fucking comedian.” Chad turned, running to his cave, his body snapping back to his mind.
“What did you find?” Savanah asked.
“Brett and something about being crazy.”
CHAPTER 4
“You needto tell me the truth about these missions.” Chad wouldn’t tolerate games anymore. If Scottie wouldn’t be truthful, then Chad would have to find a way to get Scottie off the mission.
Scottie rested his hands on his hips, looking over his shoulder. He shifted his weight back and forth. He didn’t rock, but the subtle change was noticeable. “I’m not at liberty to tell you.”
“Says who?”
In the background, the medics worked to cover the bodies, lifting them up on boards, carrying them back to the chopper. Chad couldn’t help but wonder what the government would tell their families on how they died, because it sure as hell wouldn’t be the truth. A cold, hard fact he’d learned to appreciate the hard way.
“General Mallard.”
“What does he have to do with all this?” Chad asked. He’d met Mallard a few times during his career as a SEAL. Mallard might as well have been born a high-ranking officer. He had no wife and no children. Chad remembered distinctly the first time he’d crossed paths with the general right before graduationfrom the Naval Academy. The general had been walking the grounds, talking with a few professors. Everyone had been abuzz about his visit and that he’d been attending the ceremony. Chad had entered the gymnasium, heading toward the coaches’ office when he ran into Mallard.
They exchanged a few pleasantries, and both went about their business. Not four hours after graduation, and Chad was summoned to the Dean’s office, where General Mallard awaited him with an offer to join his top-secret team. Chad, who would be heading to SEAL training the following morning, graciously declined, but every once in a while, Mallard would make the offer, stating that he saw something special in Chad.
Now he knew what the General had meant by special.
“She needs to leave if I’m to tell you anything.” Scottie pointed to Savanah.
“Why?”
