Richard Castle - Derrick Storm 03 - A Bloody Storm by Richard Castle

Author:Richard Castle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hyperion

CHAPTER NINE

“It’s not going any further,” Storm declared.

Dilya pushed the Range Rover’s gas pedal and the car’s engine roared, but even with its four-wheel drive and climbing ability, the SUV had reached its limits. Switching off the engine, Dilya left the keys in the ignition and stated the obvious: “From here we go on foot.”

The four of them moved to the vehicle’s rear gate, where they collected their gear. All were wearing hiking boots and had sidearms. In addition to his backpack, Casper was carrying a twelve-gauge pump shotgun on a sling, Dilya had a sniper rifle, and Storm was armed with an AK-47. Oscar, meanwhile, was carrying a bag of various geological gear.

“How far to the border crossing?” Storm asked.

“Only three miles,” she replied. “We don’t have to climb to the top of these mountains. There is a pass that cuts through them, but it will take us at least two hours to reach because of the terrain. It’s important for everyone to watch their footing.”

Storm asked: “How long until we get to Jizzakh?”

“We’ll be there by nightfall.”

“That’ll give them plenty of time to interrogate your girlfriend,” Casper said, taunting him. “Maybe they’ll give her a pretty little scar on her face, too—after they’ve passed her around like a bicycle.”

“You talk too much,” Dilya said. “Save your breath for climbing the mountain.”

“Are there border guards?” Oscar asked.

“Only occasional patrols. There are so many miles of border in these mountains that it would be impossible to watch every pass.”

Dilya led. Oscar immediately began following her, but both Casper and Storm hesitated.

“After you, sweetheart,” Casper sneered.

Storm shook his head, indicating no. He did not want Casper behind him, and Casper knew it. He chuckled and fell in behind Oscar, leaving the rear to Storm.

There was no formal trail and the incline soon grew steep, but not so much that they needed to be roped together. The tops of the mountains were covered with deep snow, which they avoided where possible. About a half hour into their trek, they came to a mound of loose rocks that they needed to climb. It required them to use their hands to help pull them forward as they scaled a series of jagged rocks on all fours. Dilya scrambled up the surface with ease, but Oscar lost his footing and a half dozen fist-sized rocks broke loose and shot down the incline behind him, nearly hitting Casper and Storm.

“Sorry,” he called to them.

Casper cursed, and Storm immediately regretted his decision to be at the bottom of their line. He knew what was about to happen, and a moment later, he found himself dodging another rock that came bouncing down toward his face. It was followed by another, larger stone that barely missed him.

“Oops,” Casper said. “My bad.”

When they reached the top of the loose rocks, they began walking on a goat path that soon led them to a cut between the mountains. The air was thin, and all of them were struggling to catch their breath.

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