Read Blood Apocalypse - 04 for Free Online Page B

show up like a bunch of rogue cowboys—”
    “Major!” Matt barked. “I’ve already granted that it wasn’t the best move on their part to abduct those security officers. And I’m willing to take the hit on that.” Matt paused a moment and took a deep breath then lowered his voice and spoke more cal mly. “But rather than stand here and try to defend the actions of both sides to each other, I’d like to try to bury the hatchet and start over.
    “We’re going to need to depend on the Wackenhut people when the time comes, and as it stands now, there’s bad blood between the operators and the security people.” Matt gave her a solemn look. “This is basically your base now. I just sign off on stuff that you tell me to. I know that and you know that. I want to play ball with you on this, but I’m going to need your help.”
    Flemings’ features softened somewhat, and she nodded at him. “So what are you proposing, Colonel?”
    “Just…try to help me smooth those ruffled feathers. I know that both sides here got off on the wrong foot when we need to be pulling together as a team.”
    Flemings inhaled deeply and dragged her foot through the gravel. “Well, I guess I did sort of act like a mother hen for a bit. It doesn’t help that Captain Roberts was reassigned here with McDonald either.”
    “And why is that?” Matt asked.
    “They’re both sort of overly gung-ho about their duties,” she replied. “Everything is a major deal with them. If a sensor goes off anywhere on the base, rather than just send a team out to investigate, he wants to shut down all sensitive operations and send a commando team to sweep in on a coyote that tripped over an antennae or…” she chuckled as she reflected on the more than one false alarm.
    “Sounds a little high strung.” Matt stared off toward the s ecurity building. “Does that attitude carry over to the rest of his team?”
    Flemings pondered his question a moment then shook her head. “No, sir. For the most part, the rest of the men are pretty good guys. It’s mostly Roberts and McDonald that are so h yper.”
    “Dually noted.” Matt turned her back toward where they were headed. “So I can count on you to help me out here?”
    She feigned a heavy sigh and nudged his arm. “Oh, I suppose so.” She liked the fact that he asked rather than ordered. “Wouldn’t want you to sic your werewolves or vampires on me.” She smirked.
    Matt quickly glanced around to make sure nobody was wit hin ear-shot. “Not so loud, please,” he whispered. “I let you know because I chose to trust you, but I’d prefer that the status of my men and those who work for the teams remain classified.”
    “I’m just playing with you, sir.” She stiffened a little.
    “Sorry, Major…I just get a little antsy sometimes.”
    “Diane.”
    Matt stopped and stared at her. “Excuse me?”
    “You can call me Diane. I figure if you trust me enough to spill the beans about…well, everything…then you can call me Diane instead of Major . Too formal sounding.”
    “Oh.” Matt was taken aback a bit. “Very well. I suppose if we aren’t in mixed company, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”
    “I don’t care either way, Colonel. We’re pretty isolated out here, and there really aren’t that many military on this base.”
    He nodded and squinted at the brightness of the sunlight r eflecting off the white gravel. “I have pretty much the same relationship with the XO of the squads. You might as well call me Matt then. Unless we’re around the squads, then we can stick with the ranks.”
    “Matt, huh? Sounds like a strong name,” she teased. “Matt Mitchell. Sort of sounds like a movie star from the 50’s or 60’s.”
    Matt chuckled. “I’m not that damned old.”
     
    *****
     
    Viktor walked about the grounds outside where he and Natashia shared their room. He tried to find some beauty here, but it wasn’t to be found. The place was simply too industrial in its design,