Freedom's Promise: Task Force 125 Read Online Free PDF Page A

"H."  Will stood and straightened his silk suit jacket, closing the buttons he'd loosened when he sat.  He strolled onto the helipad just outside the lounge and up to the pilot's door, which opened as he reached it.  Sarah watched through the lounge window to see Will’s pilot friend, Leo, was a bear of a man, complete with a Grizzly Adams beard.  He wore blue jeans and a black T-shirt, a look that inspired dismay in the porter’s face.  Sarah chuckled.  She imagined nobody ever landed at the Burj al Arab wearing anything so casual.  Leo stepped out of the chopper and gave Will a half handshake, half man-hug.  They exchanged words and nods.
    Will waved them outside as the pilot showed the porter where to stow their luggage.
    Sarah took a moment to admire Brian, Chris and Jason all suited up, starched, and lightly bearded with fresh haircuts.  They really did look the part of wealthy investors. 
    Wealthy investors who can kick ass.
    Sarah checked her reflection in the glass.  She looked her part, too, from her Prada pumps to her midnight blue Versace dress accessorized with the twenty thousand dollar pearl necklace Vince had given her.
    Sarah took the hand Will offered as she stepped up into the helicopter.  She nestled into one of the ultra plush, velour seats in the back.  Jason sat in the one next to her. 
    Chris and Will sat in the middle row while Brian sat in the copilot seat.  After liftoff, Brian and Leo talked the whole flight to the island. 
    Sarah couldn't make out what was said, but she gathered most of it was pilot talk and coordinate speak. 
    They flew mostly low and over the Gulf.  It was somewhat disconcerting to be flying so close to the water at night but Sarah trusted Will's judgment in choosing the pilot.  Everything Will did was first class, and she had no reason to believe this was any different. 
    She gazed out over the inky blackness, excited to finally know the rescue mission was in motion.
    Hold on, Vince.
     
    Chapter Eight
     
    Less than a half hour after they left the Burj al Arab, they set down on a dark helipad on what seemed to be a completely uninhabited island.  Sarah could make out a few buildings in the faint moonlight but thought it odd there weren't any security lights. 
    All of the buildings on the island were dark.  The place looked deserted and that was probably a good thing.  Leo stayed in the chopper while the team disembarked and retrieved their luggage, pulling it clear before waving goodbye to someone they might never see again.  They watched the helicopter lift off quickly and buzz away quietly into the night.  In a few moments, it was out of sight.
    Suddenly, a zillion watts of floodlight shocked Sarah like a deer on a country road.  No matter which way she turned, there was blinding light in her eyes. 
    Will’s voice boomed.  “Hit the deck!”
    Someone tackled Sarah and threw her to the ground. 
    Adrenaline shot through her veins as she tensed to fight.  She heard Jason's voice in her ear, "Be ready." 
    He had thrown her to the ground and lay over her like any good bodyguard would.  He pressed the handle of a Bowie knife into Sarah's palm.
    A man's voice cut through the night.  "Lie down on your bellies and put your hands behind your backs.  You're on my island, so do it now, bitches."
    Sarah heard Brian growl.  "This ain't right, Will.  These were our coordinates."
    Will mumbled back to Brian.  "I know.  This is Vince’s island and whoever this squatter is, he's going to have some serious explaining to do."
    "Cut the chatter and tell me just what the hell you think you’re doing here!"  The stranger’s voice had moved. 
    Will's voice shot out with indignance.  "Wait one damned minute.  I know that voice!  Guinea Man?   Is that you, you son of a bitch?"
    The man's voice came from another direction this time.  Whoever he was he could move like a tactical machine.
    "Who's askin'?"
    "Will Adams ."
    The stranger's voice lifted.