Devil's Gold Read Online Free PDF

sound.
    â€œAnderson?”
    Feeling slightly stupid talking to an empty chair, Jake sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Here, sir.”
    â€œWait one doggone second, son. These morons have me all discombobulated.”
    Stifling a chuckle, Jake nodded at the empty room and waited for his superior officer to make an appearance. Finally, Colonel Price moved into view. He settled himself in the empty chair Jake had been staring at. “Evening, sir.”
    Price braced his hands on the edge of the table and focused on Jake, his features sharp and angular. “Talk to me.”
    Jake pointed to Price’s head. “Going for the Kojak look, Colonel?”
    Price rubbed a hand over his smooth shaven scalp. “Celia likes it.” The slight widening of the colonel’s eyes explained to Jake that the colonel himself wasn’t yet comfortable with the entire Mr. Clean persona.
    â€œCelia’s a smart woman, sir.”
    Price waved a hand and shook his head. “I’m not wasting our taxpayer’s dollars discussing my hair, or lack thereof, with you like two old hens. Anderson, what in tarnation is going on over there? I’ve gotten more hot-headed jerk-offs trying to crawl up my ass this afternoon than Nixon had tapes.”
    Jake raised a brow and tilted his head to the side. “How’s that, sir?”
    â€œFuel and Energy Commission’s been informed of the possible shutdown in oil production in the Niger Delta. They’re not happy.”
    Jake frowned and scratched at the beginning of a headache attacking the corner of his right eye. “NWP’s ordered a hit on ZEBRA.”
    Colonel Price narrowed his eyes and leaned toward the monitor. His image wavered slightly as the camera refocused. “Repeat that, son, and add a few more details for my old senile mind to comprehend.”
    The corner of Jake’s mouth tugged upward in a cocky grin. “Here’s the expanded version for your ancient ears.” He laughed when Price flipped him the finger. “About an hour ago we received word that a Kill-and-Go squad had been personally handpicked by the senior security officer of New World Petroleum. My informant’s indicated ZEBRA’s camp is the target.”
    â€œWhen?”
    Jake paused for a brief second. “Tonight.”
    The colonel closed his eyes and bent his head, rubbing the center of his temple with his thumb. “Jesus H. Christ. Why can’t everybody play nice for once?”
    â€œThis is Africa, sir. I don’t believe they understand those rules.”
    Price snickered. “Smartass. What’s your plan?”
    â€œI’m leading two tactical teams out of here in about twenty minutes. First unit will extract all ZEBRA personnel. The second unit…” Jake paused, knowing this would probably not pass muster with the colonel.
    â€œThe second unit?” the colonel prompted, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over an ample chest and belly showing the telltale signs of good food and abundant drink.
    â€œThe second unit, sir, will secure the safety of the remaining members of the camp.”
    Colonel Price slammed his hand against the desk and stood up abruptly. “Dammit, Jake. We’re not to involve ourselves in local governing. You’re supposed to be a
biologist.”
    â€œSir, NWP ships solely to the United States. I think they’ve already involved us in this so-called governing.”
    Price paused his pacing and sat back down. “I don’t like it. The Nigerian Oil Ministry’s been very specific about what we can and cannot do there.”
    â€œSir, I believe that’s why Black Stripe is here.”
    Price swore to himself and nodded. “Full report upon completion of your mission,” the colonel said, pausing and staring at Jake, his gaze unwavering. “In person.”
    Damn. Jake nodded, even though his insides tightened at the thought of