Read Online The Omega Team: Precious Cargo (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Brenna Zinn - Free Book Online

into the night sky.
    “Wait here,” he said. “Let me check this out.”
    Before he stepped down the short landing to the asphalt, Duke looked around the open area and patted his side. Other than the man smoking on the far end of the lot, he saw no one. His gun was still there, exactly where he wanted it to be, cocked, locked and ready to rock.
    As he came closer, the car the man rested against became clearer. The vehicle was a genuine piece of crap. Boxy, four doors and built sometime in the eighties. The ugly relic of the past was painted a shade of green that could only be described as baby puke. Or at least the spots in between the areas not eaten away by rust were green. There was no way the car could have been a beauty, even when it came off the factory floor.
    “You thinking about selling this thing?” Duke asked in Ukrainian to the leaning man when he got within earshot.
    “It’s a junker,” the man responded, also in Ukrainian. He flicked his cigarette and stood. “But it still runs good, once you get it started.” He adjusted his cap, revealing more of his face. “It can get you where you want to go, as long as it’s not too far.”
    Tall, muscular and lean, the man had a good two inches on Duke, though he wasn’t as big. He had no facial hair and the wisps peeking out from his hat appeared to be light brown, possibly a dirty blond. In the bad lighting, it was hard to tell. Overall, the man was nondescript. The perfect type for CIA.
    The man kept his hands to his sides. Though he looked casual, Duke understood the stance. The man had a gun and could draw it with no problem, if needed.
    “I’m looking for a guy named Paco. You heard of him?”
    The name was what Laramie had told Duke to use. A common enough name in Spain, but hardly one used in Ukraine.
    The man smiled. “I have. I’m his uncle Sam.”
    The sequence of words was complete. He’d found his guy. Laramie had pulled through.
    Duke stretched out his arm, offering his hand. “Gunnison. Former Army Special Forces.”
    “Dupree. Former CIA.” He grabbed Duke’s hand and shook. “I understand you need to borrow a car for the evening.”
    “That’s the way of it.”
    “Then she’s all yours.” He slid his hand into his pocket, pulled out a single key on a key ring, then twirled the key around a finger. “So how do you know Laramie?”
    “We’re working on an assignment together. You?”
    “He’s an old coworker of mine. I owe him a favor or two.”
    “Well, looks like I’m in debt to him now too.”
    An all-knowing smile crossed Dupree’s face.
    Favors and debts. Two ways friends were tested and things got done, especially for military types.
    “I’m sure Laramie’s only doing his job. He’s a good guy, and one hell of an agent. Or he used to be. Shame he left.”
    “I can’t say that I know that much about him.”
    “For the sake of simplicity, let’s just say the man is about as close to a real-life James Bond as you’ll ever meet.” Dupree absentmindedly tossed the key into the air and caught it. “Laramie knows his stuff, backwards and forwards. He also knows just about everyone worth knowing. He’s a good guy to have on your side.”
    So, there was more to the Boy Scout than met the eye. He’d have to ask Laramie to fill him in when they were safe in Budapest.
    “Good to know. Thanks.” Duke waved Mila over. “I brought a date.”
    Dupree glanced over to Mila as she navigated to where they stood.
    “She’s one hell of a date. I don’t suppose she has a sister.”
    “Sorry. One and done, and this one is all mine.”
    When Mila arrived, they exchanged quick pleasantries, then Dupree handed Duke the key.
    “Leave her in the parking lot at the airport. She’s pretty easy to spot. I’ve got another set of keys, so just put those in the glove compartment and lock her up. I doubt anyone will think twice about breaking in and stealing her. If they do, good riddance.”
    “Will do.”
    “There’s also a