Chapter 5 - The Predator
The pilot violently banked the helicopter to the left, narrowly dodging the flaming trajectory of the incoming missile.
"Brace for impact!" Michael screamed over the deafening roar of the rotors as another warning alarm blared.
A second missile clipped our tail rotor, sending the chopper spinning violently out of control toward the freezing lake.
I slammed against the cabin wall, gripping the safety harness tightly as the world outside became a dizzying blur.
The helicopter hit the water with a bone-shattering crash, plunging us instantly into absolute, icy darkness.
Cold water rushed into the cabin, biting into my skin like thousands of sharp, merciless needles.
I unbuckled my harness and kicked hard, fighting my way out of the sinking wreckage toward the faint surface light.
I breached the surface, gasping desperately for air as freezing waves crashed relentlessly over my head.
Michael surfaced a few yards away, coughing up water and pointing toward the rocky shore of the island fortress.
We swam fiercely through the freezing current, dragging our exhausted bodies onto the sharp, jagged stones of the beach.
"They knew we were coming," Michael shivered, checking his water-logged sidearm to ensure it was still functional.
"Rebecca has access to all of our satellite tracking systems," I replied, forcing my numb legs to stand up.
We cautiously scaled the steep, rocky embankment, approaching the heavy steel doors of the main compound.
The massive doors were surprisingly unlocked, hanging slightly ajar in the harsh morning wind.
We slipped inside the dark, concrete corridor, sweeping the shadows for any sign of heavily armed guards.
The hallway was completely empty, echoing only with the sound of our dripping wet clothes and heavy boots.
We reached the central command room, kicking the door open to find a sophisticated, state-of-the-art surveillance center.
Sitting in a leather swivel chair facing the massive wall of monitors was the woman I had slept with months ago.
Mia slowly turned the chair around, holding a steaming cup of coffee and offering a bright, terrifyingly cheerful smile.
"Hello, Daniel," Mia said smoothly, completely unfazed by the two assault rifles pointed directly at her chest.
"Where is my wife, Mia?" I growled, stepping closer and aiming down the sights of my weapon.
May you like
Mia laughed softly, setting her coffee mug down on the metal console with a distinct, sharp click.
"I am not just your mistress, Daniel; I am a federal agent, and you just walked directly into my trap."
