Chapter 12
The drive to Rattlesnake Basin was long; Tara tried to keep her mind on the road but kept glancing over to see if Sky was all right. What Dete told her had been too much for Sky to handle. She had been through a lot, now this. Since they got in the car, there had been no words pass between them. Skylar Richmond looked like she was in some sort of trance. Tara realized it was shock and at the same time hoped the woman would come out of it at least long enough to do what they came for.
It was nearing evening; soon darkness would be covering the area. Sometimes it was easier to do a covert operation in the dark, other times it hindered. Stretching the best she could and keeping hold of the steering wheel, Tara needed to get the kinks out of her muscles.
"Want me to drive?"
She glanced toward Sky who was turned halfway in the seat staring at her and replied, "Doing fine, why do you ask?"
"Looked like a big stretch for one doing fine. I would say you are tired."
"Not tired, just got a few muscle cramps. I am fine now. How about you?"
"If you are talking about back there--"
"I am. Skylar, I'm worried."
"Don't be. I can handle myself."
"I know that, but I am afraid the way you are feeling you may go off and do something detrimental to yourself."
Sky turned to glance out the windshield then back at Tara. "I have been in bad spots before, I'm still here."
"I know, but before you were not in love. Things are different."
"You mean what happened to Dete?"
"That and a few other things."
Scoffing, Sky replied, "You telling me you have never killed anyone Coltrane. We both know better."
"Sometimes it happens. Protect yourself, protect someone else but this guy was going nowhere."
"Stop the car!"
"Wha--"
"I said stop the car!"
Tara brought the car to a stop, turned off the ignition then asked, "What now?"
Sky opened her side door and stepped out, turned her back and walked away a few steps.
Throwing up her hands in a futile manner, Tara mumbled a few explicit words and got out of the car. She walked around the car to where Sky stood and said, "Sky, you are filled with so much anger at this moment, if I were you I would count to ten before going off and doing something you might regret later."
"Did you look in that file you took? I did. While you were mostly concentrating on the road--don't get that look, I know you glanced in my direction off and on."
Tara did her best to relax, for Sky was right, it surprised her to know that Sky had seen her checking off and on to see if she was all right. "The way you have been acting, of course I did, concern has never been my forte, but things have been changing and I find myself feeling in ways I never have. So forgive an old friend, nemesis or whatever you want to call me, I was and still am worried about you."
"Don't be. I can handle myself. You need to concentrate on getting us to this place, and think about how we are going to take down an entire militant site."
"Been thinking some about that and have to tell you, it depends on how it is set up, How many are there, also--"
"I know, call Bern or call someone from your agency to come down and do the work."
"Had crossed my mind but we are living in the USA and rules are rules, think we would get into trouble if we did that. But have to say it is a perfect idea. Sadly only the Government can do this."
"Government or law enforcement. Course to get them to come it would have to mean we can show proof of what is going on there. I think they may have a permit or something."
"Then we are back to square one, you and me. You had asked if I read the file I took from the Trenton place, I glanced through it. Why do you ask?"
"Because tucked in a seal inside the back are several papers, each one detailing what they did to Bobie. It turns my stomach to know what she was put through. I feel I have betrayed her, let her down."
Glancing toward the now darkened sky, Tara urged, "Sky get back in the car, we need to go. I will look at the papers, if you get in the car."
"Fine, but I'll drive." Before Tara could say anything, Sky was on her way to the driver's side of the car and inside motioning for Tara to get in.
Once inside the car, Tara reached out and touched Sky's right arm. "You have not let Bobie down, you should know that. As for betrayal, none of that either. So I will look through the papers, you drive and be careful, last thing we need is to get stopped by one of the sheriff's people."
Sky feigned a smile then started the car and pulled it back onto the road. Once in awhile she would glance toward Tara and from the look on the woman's face she knew it was hitting her too.
They had been on the road for about twenty minutes when Sky slowed the car and stopped. Tara had the file in one hand and several papers in the other; she raised her head and asked, "Why did you stop?"
Sky pointed ahead and said, "Lights, looks like a road block."
Putting the papers back into the file and placing it on the seat, Tara replied, "I think you are right. Not a holiday, no reason for a DUI stop, so this has to be for us. It also means the woman turned us in."
"Probably. But we both know how devious the sheriff can be, so it could be anything that caused this. Perhaps the fight you had with her. I know she agreed not to press charges, but can a person really believe a weasel?"
Sighing, Tara muttered, "I'd trust a weasel further that that she devil. We have to turn the car around."
Quickly turning the headlights off, Sky said, "Just hope no one has spied the car lights."
Tara glanced around and asked, "Do you know where we are?"
"Haven't been in some sort of catatonic state Coltrane, even if you may think I have. If I am right, we are maybe five miles from the
Basin. Not sure how to get there off this road. Look in the glove compartment; see if by any chance there is a map of the area. Some places do this when a person rents a vehicle."
"Good idea." Tara opened the compartment and let out a very quiet "Yippee got it."
"Good. I need you to get out of the car and guide me backwards."
"Sure thing, I will use the lights in my eyes for this."
"Make fun but I do have a plan. You get behind the car and tap."
"How about I drive, you get behind the car and tap?"
Leaning back in the seat, Sky moaned, "We are trapped like bees in a hive. Neither of us can see very far and the car will not stay on the road unless there is some sort of assistance."
"All right. I'll do it." Tara replied and stepped from the car tossing the map on the seat. "However you run over me, I'll haunt you."
Sky smiled and said, "Just a sec." Didn't take her long to make it out of the car to where Tara stood. "Want you to know I will do my best. And I also want you to walk by the side of the car, my side. Even if I go off the road some, it is flat land as I recall. No need to haunt. Having you in my life living is an adventure, can't imagine what it would be if you were haunting me."
Tara reached out and clutched Sky's left hand in hers. "We will make it. And Sky, the man may have been lying, after all he first said she was alive."
Sky patted Tara's hand then released her hold and said, "You read the papers, any human put through all that would not be in the best shape if still breathing. I am holding some hope we do find her alive but at the same time I am hurting for her having gone through this because of me."
"What do you mean?"
"I read between the lines, this was all done to get her to contact me, get me there, it was me they wanted. I don't know why but someone has a very deep hatred for me and I want to find out who, before--"
"I will help you; together we will send them all to a better place. One where they will burn forever. Now get back in the car."
After several attempts, the two realized this was not working so they decided to push the car and soon were far enough away to get in and start the vehicle, turn it around and head back the way they had came. Tara turned on the overhead light and began to read the map. She was in deep concentration, as her fingers ran up and down the map, finally coming to rest, she looked up at Sky and said, "May have the answer."
Sky glanced toward her and asked, "What?"
"According to this map, there is a ranch not far from here. Ranches have horses."
"I'm sure the sheriff and his people have contacted everyone in the area. We would have little chance of renting a horse."
Folding the map, she replied, "Wasn't thinking of renting."
Stopping the car, Sky turned to gaze into the dark eyes of Tara, eyes that had a sparkle to them at that moment. "Why Tara Coltrane, I do believe you are talking about horse thieving. They used to hang people for that you know."
"Well if the sheriff gets hold of us, we may wish we were hung. You got any better ideas?"
"At this moment, no. All right, let's do it but have to tell you, catching horses is not easy."
"How about we just take a couple from the stable, if they have one."
"Sounds good to me, just hope we do not get a butt load of buckshot or worse."
The two left the car near a ravine and took what they needed, including the map which Sky put in one of her back pockets. The moon had come up and was now shining down on the land. It was not a full moon but gave enough light for them to walk and not fall into a ravine or some critter's den. In the moonlight against the darkened sky, these two tall figures trekked, leaving only the coyotes, rabbits and snakes to wonder just what was going on. They were a site to behold, statuesque, each carrying an arsenal of power that would bring down a freight train easily. One might think they were watching a movie being filmed; both women were beautiful, both dressed for action and each carrying a rifle. Looked like the west of yesteryear was back in full force.
Approaching the ranch, Sky poked Tara in the side and whispered, "Well, looks like they have gone to bed. But we don't know if they have a dog or two loose on the property."
"I think we can manage a couple of dogs. Now a man with a shotgun that is a different thing."
They sat and gazed at the house then the barn that was about fifty feet away. Finally Tara stood followed by Sky who said, "Let's go. Haven't seen any movement so perhaps there are no dogs. Anyway the chickens make more noise if you ask me, so stay clear of the coop."
Stealthily they crept toward the barn, opening the door and creeping inside.
It was a good size, bales of hay were setting in one corner, and a tack room filled with almost anything one might want when it came to horses was beckoning. Sky pointed to the tack room and whispered, "Get us a couple of bridles, blankets and saddles, and try not to make any noise."
"What are you going to do?"
"Check out the stable and see what we have to ride."
"Why can't we just check this out then come back for the other stuff?"
"Because we do not have much time. I will get the horses ready, out of the stalls, halter them and bring them up here."
Realizing she was not going to get anywhere, Tara finally said, "Oh all right, but don't take too long and if they have a gentle one, that's mine."
Shaking her head at Tara's words, Sky muttered, "I am not going to take the time and see if an animal is gentle. If they are in here, odds are they can be ridden and that is what we want."
"Contraire my dear, I for one do not want to end up on the floor of this barn."
Sky placed her hands on her hips and gazed at the woman. "Are you telling me you can't ride?"
"Can, just would rather it be on a gentle horse that is all."
"Tara, Tara, Tara, we are more or less fugitives, we do not have the option of picking out a gentle horse, if we are to get out of here, we need to do it now."
Throwing up her hands, Tara replied, "Fine. Get the horses, I'll get the other stuff and hurry up. I do not relish facing down an upset rancher."
When Sky returned she was leading a beautiful black gelding and a chestnut mare. The first thing she saw was Tara sitting on one of the saddles on the floor. She perked up when she saw the animals. Getting up she walked toward them and ran her hand along the face of the mare. "Beautiful horses must be worth a lot."
"I'm sure. Let's get them bridled and saddled, and then we have to get out of here without being seen." She was just getting ready to ask which one Tara wanted, but stopped when she realized the woman had already formed an attachment for the mare. She was baby talking it, petting the animal as she bridled it.
Sky looked at the gelding and said, "Guess you get me boy. I will do my best to take care of you, but you have to promise to take care of me too." It was as if the horse knew what she was saying, for its head went up and then down as if to say
all right.
The two left notes saying they were just borrowing the horses and would care for them. That the owner would be paid well and not to worry.
When they finally made it from the area and were able to step into the stirrups and sit the saddles, both were elated to once more be on their way.
The desert terrain was not an easy thing to navigate but thanks to the moonlight they were able to keep going without injury. When the lights from the base could finally be seen, both heaved a sigh of relief. Tara had grown fond of Bella, for some reason she kept calling the horse Bella. Sky was happy the two bonded for she didn't have to watch a rodeo take place. Her horse was sure footed and easily made the journey a good one for her. At times she had found herself thinking,
Bobie would have liked you.
As they both stepped down and onto the ground, Sky said, "It was a long ride but they made it much easier. Both are tired. We need to loosen the cinches, let them relax a bit, while we go take care of this."
"How about them straying?"
Sky tossed Tara a small rope and said, "We hobble the back legs. It will keep them from running away. Besides, if they can find something to nibble on here, and looks like plenty, they will be in the same spot when we get back."
Tara had to say her good bys to Belle, it surprised Sky to see the woman so loving to an animal she barely knew. Seems the woman she thought she knew was not the one that was with her now. Feeling a deep wave of queasiness run through her she said, "Let's go, we end this tonight one way or the other."
Tara approached and said, "Sky, we both know we may not make it through this, I need to tell you something."
Sky reached out and cupped the woman's chin in her right hand. "No need, I know. Another time another place perhaps but I am a mess as you well know."
"In my eyes you will never be mess Skylar Richmond. I love you, I admire you and whatever comes of this, I will always be there for you if you need me. That said, I am ready to go into the
viper's den."
Both had back packs on, both were well prepared when it came to fire power, the problem they could see was getting into the place. It was fenced, and both figured electrical in some way. Neither wanted to get fried so they debated what to do. There didn't seem to be as many vehicles as they may have been at one time, and from what they had observed, only a few people could be seen from time to time.
Tara took a drink from her canteen and said, "Unless you can fly Richmond, it will be hard to get over that fence."
Nodding, Sky said, "You are right. So we wait."
"For what?"
"Until someone comes out the gate."
"What makes you think that will happen?"
"Well I have counted and looked at the area, holds many more than what seems to be there. Unless they have some sort of underground way of parking vehicles, many are out."
"Tara gazed around the area, she could see the outline of hills in the distance and also endless desert. "Out where?" Looks to me like--wait a minute."
Sky reached out and grabbed her arm asking, "What?"
Pointing, Tara replied, "I see lights in the distance. Could that be some of the vehicles?"
Sky was searching the area, trying to see what Tara was talking about, she was just about to give up when she spotted them. "Lights, quite a few but far away. Wonder what is going on out there?"
Shrugging Tara looked at the base then said, "If I had to guess, I think they may be looking for someone or something. It is good they are there and we are here."
"At the moment anyway. Gives us time to get in. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to do this and have an idea."
Tara was all ears as she leaned in to hear what the woman had to say. "Give, I am anxious to know."
Sky pointed to a small wooden building that set not far from the compound. "Maybe our answer is there."
Scratching her head, Tara looked skeptical. "Why there?"
"Because some of these earlier posts get their electricity from--"
"Generators! You are a genius Richmond."
"Well not sure about that but seems to me they would not want the outside world know they exist and so some do use their own power."
Tara thought for a moment then said, "Wouldn't that be cutting off their hand, so to speak?"
"Well, if anyone knew this, not many would. I am sure you would have thought of it too. Who knows once we get inside that building, it may not house a generator."
"Let's go find out. I am sure it will be padlocked though."
Sky chuckled, "I think I can manage that. Come on partner, times wasting."
It didn't take her long to get past the lock and soon the two were inside the building. Sure enough, humming right along were two large generators. Sky pointed to one as she headed for the other, "Take that one down, I'll take this one. Won't be long before they send someone out to start them again."
"Gotcha, then we capture them, take their clothes and walk in."
When the lights dimmed and suddenly went out, the entire base was in the dark and just as Sky thought, wasn't long before two men were heading toward the building. The second they approached, the two women caught them off guard and over powered them. Once inside they told them to take off their pants and shirts, then they tied them up near the generators, gagged each one as well as blind folded them. Once this was done they went about taking off their clothes and putting on the others. Sky and Tara hid their lengthy hair under olive green caps. While pulling the bills down to shade their faces some, Tara whispered, "You make a mean looking militant and I don't mean in a bad way."
Sky hitched up the pants that were a bit baggy on her and replied, "You too, Let's get these generators working again and head back."
The minute they appeared at the gate, it slid open and they walked in. Making their way to the large door it took a few seconds before it too slid open and they were met by a large woman of forty. She was dressed in the same type of clothing, and wore a holstered gun on her right hip. She asked without even checking them out, "What happened?"
Neither women spoke as they came closer to her. Instinctively she reached for the gun holstered on her hip, only to be met by the lightning speed of Tara Coltane who had one arm around the woman's neck in a choke hold as she pushed up against her back. "That's much better, no need to get violent all we want is a few answers."
Sky stepped forward and said, "She's right, no one wants to hurt anyone. Tell us how many are here and where can we find them?"
Trying to reach up and pull free of Tara's hold, the woman sputtered, "I tell you and you will kill them."
Tara leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "You don't and we just may kill you."
"All right, I'm no hero. I'll tell you want you want to know. First, where are the two men that went out?"
"We are asking the questions. Right now we need you to point out your room and we will walk there, slowly. No sudden moves or yells for help. Unless you want to be the first one down."
Nodding she pointed and they began to walk in the direction. Stopping. Listening and proceeding with caution. Before long they were in a small room that looked like it was a computer room, several computers and hook ups as well as one telephone caught Tara's eye as she said, "Sky, try calling Bern?"
The woman gasped, "Won't work unless you have the code."
"Then I suggest you give us the code."
Sky gazed around the area, then settled on the woman once more. "We do not have a lot of time, so best you tell us before someone gets hurt and it won't be us."
After she got the code, Sky walked toward the phone to call out. Took a few minutes to make contact with Bernie Herbella. When a familiar voice rang back with a resounding,
"Hello." She realized hearing his voice was paradise in this insane place.
"Bern, Sky here. Don't have a lot of time but thought you would like to know, what has been going on."
The woman that Tara was holding at bay huffed, "Who are you two? Why are you here?"
Tara motioned to Sky, pointed at her head and said, "Someone you probably did not think would actually show."
When Sky took off the cap and her flaming lustrous hair found its way to freedom, it looked like sunrise in motion as it settled on her shoulders and caressed the back of her uniform. The woman Tara was holding stuttered, "You! It's you!"
"Sky you just keep giving these people problems with their language. One thing for sure, they know the word
you well." She quickly removed a pair of cuffs that were setting on a desk and pulled the woman's arms behind her then cuffed her wrists, before turning her around. "That's better. Now perhaps you will tell me where to find the others, Dorothy."
Her face screwed up tight. "How did you know?"
Sky pointed to the badge on the woman's shirt and said, "That's what the badge shows, so I guess that is your name. Now back to you talking like a parrot."
The woman did not move, she just stared at the red head as if mesmerized. It took a poke in her side to take her eyes off Skylar Richmond. "That was light, just to get your attention. Yes you are right, that is Skylar Richmond. Bet none of you really thought she would come looking for Bobie Parker."
"Parker?"
"That's right, we are here for her."
"Then you are too late, she is not here any longer."
Sky heard the woman's words and dropped the phone as she lunged for her. It was Tara that stood between the woman and the wrath of Skylar Richmond, and it was Tara that took several blows meant for the woman.
Doing her best to avoid Sky's fists, Tara tried to talk her down, "Sky, calm down, you are just too involved to stay focused. We are here for one thing, don't get sidetracked."
Glaring at the woman then back toward Tara, Sky fumed, "You heard her, Bobie is gone."
"She may be, she may not be, we will not know until we look. Now get hold of yourself and come to terms with the fact she just may be gone. We still have a job to do, so let's do it."
"Sorry, I apologize. I am never like this, last thing I want to do is hit you. You're right, we need to get the job done. Let me finish talking to Bern then we can go."
After explaining what had been going on, Sky signed off but not until she promised to keep in touch, every day regardless. Focusing her attention on the woman, Dorothy, she sit on the side of desk, set the phone down and said, "By now you must know, this is anything but a neighborly call. First give us a detailed map of this place. Who is where and why. Then I want to know exactly where you held Bobie. She would never have done what you asked. If you wanted me, should have just asked. I am most obliging when it comes to her."
Once Dorothy printed out a detailed schematic she also told them where to find the others and lastly pointed out the room Bobie Parker had been held in. "What are you going to do with me?" Fear shown on her face as she glanced from one to the other women.
Sky replied, "For now, make sure you do not warn anyone, so I think you will be just fine cuffed to this file cabinet. At the same time a gag in your mouth will keep you from calling out."
The woman did not resist and when she relaxed, the lines on her forehead and mouth became pronounced. Her light brown eyes held a sparkle they had not seen before, it was obvious the woman was happy to know they were exiting the room with guns in tow and she was still alive. When Dorothy had been approached to work in the computer room, she had no idea just what she was getting herself into until it was too late. Now she was a team member and would be taken down just like the rest. The blond was right, she kept telling them that Skylar Richmond would come like an
avenging angel and the woman was doing just that.
Resigning herself to what may come, Dorothy slid down to the floor and waited for what was to happen next. There was no gunfire, actually it was relatively quiet, but if all she had heard about the woman and her friend was even a percentage right, things were not going well for the others.
Sky and Tara made quick time seeking out the others and disabling them. They moved quietly and quickly with the precision of a cheetah after its prey. Both women were not surprised to find a room that contained contraband artillery and another that held drugs.
It was plainly obvious this was a terrorist group that also dealt in the black market. Sky stood, staring down at the last man that had been captured. "He's the last one if what she told us was right. I have asked each one about Bobie and they all denied having anything to do with her capture or captivity."
Tara was rubbing her chin where one of Sky's hits made contact earlier as she said, "You don't think anyone will do you? I wouldn't, neither would you. Take a look at us, kicking butt is what we do, and no one wants to feel the ire of either of us."
Tara, since they have all been tied up, I am going to go look at the room. Maybe find Bobie, maybe find something of hers."
"You probably shouldn't."
"Have to. I'll be right back."
Sky looked at her wristwatch and said, "Give you ten minutes then we have to get out of here. From your conversation with Bern, you must believe he will call the State Police, can't imagine him not. Neither of us want to be caught here when they arrive."
"I won't be long."
Tara watched the tall redhead, disappear into a corridor as she turned her attention on the man staring up at her. "Tell me, what do they want with Skylar Richmond? And just who is the one behind all this?"
Sky didn't waste any time finding the room but it took a bit longer to get the courage to open the door. The second she stepped in the room, she felt Bobie. Racked with pain she glanced around the small space, eyes taking in every thing. The disgusting mattress on the floor, to the manacles and chains. Closing her eyes she tried to fight back the tears but they still came. "Bobie, can you ever forgive me. God, help her please."
Knowing full well she had lost the woman that gave her heart song, Sky crumbled to the floor and wept. That is where Tara found her later. The minute she walked in the room and her eyes caught the sight of Skylar Richmond sitting, she knew it had been too much for the woman. Quickly making her way to her, she reached down and said, "Give me your hand, Sky, we have to get out of here now."
Sky looked up at Tara, and the urgency in her face said it all, still she did not want to move. That is until Tara said, "Do you think Bobie would want you to just give up. She didn't go through all this so that you would just fall apart. If not for yourself, do it for her. Come on, take my hand, let's get out of here."
Sky grasped the woman's hand and was soon standing. She took one last look at the room then said, "I'm ready."
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Continued