I was lifted out of the car trunk and unceremoniously dropped on the ground. I landed hard on my hip. Pain lanced my body. Just the beginning, I knew. These bastards were out to hurt me before they killed me. I was handcuffed and there was nothing I could do to stop them.
A gunshot rang out in the blackness… it seemed to come from beyond the headlights of the blue sedan we had ridden there in. What the hell? A dark hole opened in Col. Walker’s face just below his left eye. Blood spurted. He flopped over backward landing with a heavy thud on the forest floor. The back of his head was gone… just blown away. The second soldier tried to duck and a bullet drilled his lower spine he screamed then fell and rolled right over me. I saw men come swarming out of the woods - at least have a dozen. I counted nine…ten of them. I couldn’t see who they were in the darkness. Who in hell was rescuing me? Then as they came closer moonlight illuminated some of their features. My God!…I didn’t know them but I knew where they had come from and who had sent them. Either to follow me or to kill Hutchinson. The ghost shadows were here. ”You’re free to go, detective.” I looked into his eyes. “Go”, I said. The ghost shadow helped me to my feet, took off my cuffs, then he led me away he threw me rags to clean up with. A second man brought my clothes and shoes. They were both respectful. Then I was brought to the gates of west point near 9W where I was released unharmed. I had no doubt that those were Tran Van Lo’s explicit orders. I ran to get help for Gen. Hutchinson and his men, but I knew I was already too late. Foot Soldier had killed them.
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson
