Holding Their Own XI: Hearts and Minds Read Online Free PDF Page A

would be required to bring a manufacturing plant or oil rig back into production.
    Everyone involved understood that the complex was much like the cavalry forts in the old West. Constructed in the heart of wild, untamed territory, those military installations had become far more than a bastion of safety. Commerce, trade, and settlements had thrived in the proximity of those early, wooden castles. If Ocean Towers were overrun, the ramifications would run deeper and wider than just a few wealthy men having wasted their money.
    If the fort held, however, prosperity was sure to follow.
    Never a man to beat a dead horse, Cunningham left the security office comfortable with his decision and confident in the path of future events. As he made his way through the halls adorned with quality art, tasteful decorations, and general atmosphere of wealth, the man in charge of Ocean Towers felt satisfaction for the first time since the interlopers had been discovered.

    The afternoon passed quickly. Despite its lack of occupants, the luxury complex required a significant portion of Cunningham’s day be devoted to forms, paperwork, and a host of small, nagging details. By the time the chief of security was knocking on his door, the sun was low in the western sky.
    “I have gathered six of my best men,” the security honcho began. “We are ready if you are.”
    For some reason, the size of the team surprised Cunningham. “Why do you anticipate needing such a large group?”
    “The smart way to do this is to use overwhelming force. That and speed of action will be the key to ending this quickly and hopefully without bloodshed. If he’s facing six men, our squatter may think twice about starting any trouble. In the end, isn’t that what we want?”
    Cunningham pondered his employee’s logic for a moment before commenting. “You are the expert. We’ll go with your recommendation.”
    The party of armed men, along with Cunningham in tow, made their way to the third floor. None of them spoke a word as they proceeded down the hall, all of the volunteers carrying long guns as well as having secondary sidearms strapped to their belts or legs. Cunningham knew nothing about firearms or fighting… but had to admit that their display of weaponry was impressive.
    After motioning his boss to stay back and out of the line of potential gunfire, the security chief stayed to the side of the 3C’s entrance and began slamming his fist against the door.
    “Building security! Please open up!”
    No one breathed while they waited for the answer. After what seemed an eternity, the chief glanced back at Cunningham and said, “You don’t suppose they wised up and left already?”
    Shaking his head, Cunningham whispered, “We wouldn’t be so lucky.”
    Again, the door was rattled, the pounding sending an echo down the hall. “Building security! Please open the door, or we will force our way in!”
    There was no answer.
    Shaking his head, the team leader motioned for his men to prepare for a breach. Long ago, before reaching mandatory retirement age, he’d been a cop and knew the techniques by heart.
    Bracing himself against the opposing wall, the heaviest fellow gathered his wits and took a deep breath. He then launched a vicious kick, his boot impacting just above the doorknob.
    Ocean Towers had been constructed of quality materials. That fact became evident to the men gathered in the hall as their teammate bounced off the door as if he had just tried to topple a concrete wall with a pillow.
    With another lung full of air, the heavy security man again launched himself at the barrier. The result was as disappointing as the first attempt.
    Slightly embarrassed and rubbing a now-throbbing knee, he began looking around for anything he could use as a battering ram. Exchanging a look of frustration with one of his team members, he pointed to a nearby firebox, indicating the ax hanging inside.
    Before he could speak, a rustle came from behind the door,