Page 47 of Cole
“Thank you,” grinned Cole.
“Mine too,” said Angus. “Don’t forget I got married as well.”
“You! You were the hostage that got away!”
“Yep. Seems you’re not as good as you think you are,” said Angus. “Not only did I get away, but I also got the hostages to safety, and I found the love of my life.”
“This isn’t possible. None of this is possible,” repeated Hilal, holding his bleeding wrist.
“My beautiful, intelligent wife has already spoken to her grandparents in England, who are now well aware of her existence and will have a relationship with her.”
“I won’t allow it!”
“Allow it? Dude, you have no say in what my wife does. None. I will welcome them into our family. I will ensure that she is safe, happy, healthy, and that we have as many babies as she wishes.”
“The workers at the water source are out of the cave and safe,” said Moose. “They’re all pretty fucking sick but we’ll do what we can for them.”
“You can do nothing for them,” smirked Hilal. “They will all die but have served me well.”
“You really are full of yourself aren’t you?” smirked Cole. “You’ve done nothing except ensure your own death. Your own country wants to behead you and for once in my life, that’s a punishment I’m in favor of.”
“I will survive. I always do,” he smirked.
“Not this time, old man. This time you die.” Angus made sure the bullet pierced his heart. When the old men fell to thecarpets, the blood seeped into the woven fibers, mixing with the dirt and earth below.
“Leave him,” said Gator. “Secure the plutonium and uranium and let’s get the hell out of here.”
It would be days before the men were able to leave Syria. The government was able to find a safe, healthy mountain water source and rerouted the river to the villages most in need. There were no evening news stories talking about Hilal, nothing that said that he was a man of any significance. The water was explained as a naturally occurring issue. Harmful microorganisms were found in the water and they needed to provide a new clean water source.
When they were finally able to leave, the men were exhausted but also thrilled that their first mission under the new brand had been successful.
“How do you think the old, old guard are doing?” grinned Ham.
“I think they’re getting used to all the free time they have,” said Gator.
“Free time? Are you kidding me? Matthew has them so busy with holiday stuff, Mom said she hasn’t seen dad before eight any night this week,” laughed Jak.
“Wow, that’s busy,” said Gator. “Well, I’m sure they’ll clue us in eventually. Right now, I’m just ready to get home to Dylan.”
“What about Joey?” asked Angus. They all smiled at him and he chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m not asking because of Bailey. I’m asking just to see if we know where he’s at. He’s been a Ranger for what, ten years now?”
“Yeah, about that,” nodded Gator. “He was home for Pierre’s wedding but then had to leave quickly. I’m sure he’ll be home for the holidays if he can.”
“Well, all I know is that my wife can now sleep better knowing that her grandfather, the devil himself, is no longer with us. If I could have brought that damn donkey back, I would have. That beast definitely saved my life,” said Cole.
“Don’t say that too loud,” smirked Jak. “If great-grandma could get her hands on him, I bet we’d find him at the zoo.”
“For now, everyone get some sleep,” said Rush. The men all laughed, shaking their heads. “What?”
“You took to being boss easy,” smirked Cole.
“I’m one of the bosses, nottheboss,” said Rush. They just laughed at him. “Oh, shut up assholes. Get some sleep.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
They walked in the doors the next morning, just in time for breakfast. Fairly rested, and feeling good about the ending, they were happy to see everyone laughing and enjoying the brisk fall weather.
In fact, they seemed to be having a party.
