No Remorse Read Online Free PDF Page A

killed or ordered to be killed.”
    “You can’t do that. This isn’t fucking Mexico.”
    Wisebaum rolled his eyes. “They can. And they will. Certain people want to make your case last.”
    “And certain other people need the case to go away.” Despite the isolation of their surroundings, Taylor had lowered his voice. He smacked another mosquito. “We believe we have a solution. We can abort the court-martial today. You walk, with an unblemished record. And Sergeant Tucker and Sergeant Franks—Termite and Freckle—will also be off the hook.”
    Mac laughed. These two expected him to trust their word? “But...?”
    Taylor seemed to sense his skepticism. “ But , you would have to plead guilty to the charges of AWOL and unauthorized use of weapons. You’d receive an Article Fifteen slap on the wrist and a standard discharge from the Army. No black marks. Full pension rights.”
    “Leave the Army? What do I get out of that? I’ve got nothing to fall back on. No house. Not much saved. A soldier’s skillset…”
    “You’d do some work for Mr. Wisebaum as part of the deal. A well-paid contract, as I understand it, doing the sort of work you’re good at.”
    Mac studied Wisebaum’s eyes. “You with Blackwater XE? DynCorp? CIA?”
    “All in good time,” Wisebaum said, putting on his glasses.
    “I’m not leaving the Army–”
    “The choices, McCloud,” Wisebaum interrupted, “are jail time with a dishonorable discharge, or the plea bargain and work with my agency. Your poison, bud.”
    “Fuck, I don’t even know you guys!”
    Wisebaum shrugged and gestured at Taylor. “Call him, Bryce.”
    Taylor dialed a number and passed Mac the cell phone. It rang for a moment.
    “Matheson.”
    “Colonel? It’s Sergeant Lee McCloud. Sorry to—”
    “Quite all right, Sergeant. You with Captain Taylor and Mr. Wisebaum?”
    “Yes, sir. Thank you for—”
    “I know you’re a team player, Mac. It’s unfortunate you’ve ended up in the middle of this. Your own fault, of course. But we obviously need this disposed of quickly, and quietly, just as you want your freedom. I understand Mr. Wisebaum has an important mission for you that I understand will give you the scope you need in that regard.”
    “Yes, sir. But—”
    “Your record will be unblemished. Mac, I want to extend my gratitude for your outstanding service with SFOD-Delta. Your actions during your time with us saved many lives. I know that’s not enough, but you guys are used to that. There it is. Whatever you decide, good luck, soldier.”
    “Thank you, sir. I—”
    Matheson had hung up.
    "Why the fuck didn't you tell me you'd been speaking with Matheson?" Mac held out his hand. “Give me the document.”
    He quickly read the plea bargain agreement and signed the three copies with the pen Taylor offered.
    “I’ll be in touch,” Wisebaum said, and he and Taylor turned and strode away towards their car.
    Mac stared at his copy and his vision blurred. He felt numb. He knew he should be pleased the matter had been settled. But he hadn’t expected the outcome to require him to leave the Army. The Army was his life. His family. His friends. His profession for the last sixteen years. Whatever Wisebaum had in mind for him, it could never replace the times he’d spent with his Delta buddies.
    He jogged back to the house and called Freckle and Termite to tell them the news. Eventually, he noticed the messages on the screen and checked them. There was a voice mail from Jogesh Khoury, his contact in Paris, telling him there was no news yet on The Frenchman, but that he would keep digging. There were also four missed calls from Bob’s cell phone, but no messages. He returned Bob’s call. At least he’d have a few days to help with the search before he’d be Wisebaum’s boy.
    Bob’s wife, Elena answered. “Mac! Thank God you’ve called. We’re in Martinique following a lead. Bob’s been shot.”

7
    “Just take it easy, Austin. You don't