The Zero Dog War

The Zero Dog War by Keith Melton Read Free Book Online

Book: The Zero Dog War by Keith Melton Read Free Book Online
Authors: Keith Melton
Tags: Romance
ribbons on my chest jingled and clacked together. I stumbled backward, unable to kick through my target, as all that deflected force came rebounding at me.
    Jake watched me, still not moving, his mouth set in a grim line.
    I closed in once more. Drove my boot down toward his foot. No impact—blocked again—but I anticipated it and swung a back-fist at his head. My fist smacked another invisible barrier six inches from his jaw and bounced off, making a meaty slapping sound.
    A string of curses blasted out of me, oaths so profane they’d blister Teflon off a frying pan. I hopped back out of range, but true to his word, Captain Sanders never raised a hand.
    What an idiot I was. I should’ve seen it right away, but the standard Special Forces graphic on his shirtsleeve—the black heater shield with the white diagonal—had thrown me into believing he was a Norm. Too late I sensed the slight tingle of magic after he’d actively tapped his powers. My skin felt too hot, too tight, and the undersides of my shirt grew damp as I stalked back to my seat and sat, crossed my legs, and pinned Mr. Harker with my best not amused glare. “What are his abilities?”
    “He’s a barrier mage. A walking shield wall. A talent I believe you will find extremely useful in fulfilling contractual obligations. Also, he’s an excellent officer, well-versed in combat tactics, counter insurgency, violent creature suppression, and will advise you on how Homeland Security would like you to proceed, should there be any larger questions of strategy involved.”
    Five years ago I would’ve calmly suggested they screw a light socket and leave me be. Now I had responsibilities. People counted on me. And all those damn bills…we bled red ink from a thousand cuts. “Fine. He’s on the team for this mission. But I give the orders here. If he doesn’t like that, he can ship himself back to Fort Bragg and file a complaint in triplicate.”
    Captain Sanders said nothing, but a ghost of a smile lingered on his lips. I didn’t drop my gaze—keeping up the challenge.
    “You will be commanding officer for your people in the field,” Harker said. “Captain Sanders will remain under control of Special Operations Command.”
    “Fine. He can tag along, make sure we uphold the deal. He can even play a bit. But my price just went up to twenty-seven million.”
    “The offer is twenty-five. That will not change.”
    So much for bluffing my way to an easy two million more. “Fine. Anything else?”
    Mr. Harker opened his case again and withdrew a small mountain of paperwork. “These forms will have to be completed, but you may do so at your leisure. Rest assured you will not be paid in full until they are.” He snapped shut his briefcase again. “Everything else has been settled satisfactorily according to government requirements.”
    “I look forward to working with you, Captain Walker,” Sanders said. “What time should I move my gear in?”
    “You’ll be living on site?” I don’t know what terrified me more, having him on the team, or having him in constant close contact.
    “We might have to do a rapid deploy,” he said. “Don’t worry, I pack light.”
    No way out now. “Then…I’ll need to schedule a team meeting tonight. 2030 Hours, after our vamp is up. You can haul your stuff in this afternoon.”
    “Excellent,” Harker said. “Captain Sanders can provide a detailed briefing for your entire team. He’ll be keeping me informed of progress throughout the mission. You’ll be paid in full when the threat is completely neutralized…and provided the relevant paperwork is completed.” He stood and walked toward the side door, the briefcase in his hand rocking like a ship in stormy water. Captain Sanders stood and again offered his hand to me. I hesitated, and then shook it. His skin still felt deliciously warm, much to my dismay.
    This was going to be such a problem.

Chapter Two: Charge of the Undead Brigade
     
    Undead Army of the

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