fortress on a beach. I didn’t tell you that.” “I have access to satellites,

little brother. And Ballard, though retired, personally owns a slew of patents

that are very important to our defense efforts.” “Is there any connection

between his old company and Atalanta?” “I’ll check.” “When do you think you

might have something for me?” “When I know, you’ll know. And John?” “Yeah?”

“Every flank you have is exposed and no reinforcements are being dialed up.

You’re rolling solo, bro.” Puller glanced over at Knox, who had clearly heard

this. “Copy that,” said Puller. It was pretty much the same thing his CO, Don

White, had previously told him.

 

He clicked off and looked at Knox.

 

She smiled weakly. “Well, the good news is we’re still alive.” “And the bad news

is that’s all the good news we have,” replied Puller.

 

Chapter 56

 

SIX HOURS.

 

For six hours he had counted his breaths like an insane man, waiting for the

pain to stop.

 

He was lying in a bed in a motel he didn’t remember checking into.

 

He had stolen another car and switched plates with a second car he’d happened