8
"Where?" Adrian stepped into the storm, Doug and Neil flanking him, but didn't really need them to point out what could only be the headlights of a big truck moving carefully through the heavy snow. Adrian's gut immediately said sheep and he turned to Doug, storing the fact that Kenn was still nowhere to be seen. "Tell the doctor he has patients and put up tents in the lea of the building. Get some heaters in them too. Also have...Maria, start a fresh batch of meals."
The big Gulf War Vet was still scribbling the information down and as he and Neil moved away, they were dividing up the list. Adrian watched the semi get closer to the only part of the alley's entrance that was still visible through the eight inches of gray slush. Their noise had drawn more of his own and he wanted them, but maybe, just maybe, there was another of his circle in that truck, too.
"Get everyone back inside. This is now a quarantine zone!" Adrian barked to the Eagle on his flank.
Kyle waved his men over, and Adrian watched the semi turn into the lot, weaving past deeper looking drifts that were concrete blocks. The inside light of the red rig was on and he counted four white, middle-aged males crammed inside, their hands in plain view.
"Lesson three, Eagles. Move."
Nothing happened for a second and then Kyle, drawing his Glock, stepped forward. "Weapons out. Don't shoot unless I do."
The other eight men immediately dropped back to form a neat, wide V-shape in front of Adrian, aiming their guns at the truck's huge tires.
The driver reacted fearfully, gears squealed in protest as the semi shuddered to a stop about 40 feet away, sliding a little in the thick slush.
Adrian nodded, pleased. "Very good." He said nothing else, only waited.
Kyle stepped forward. "Secure and disarm. Move out."
They went in a hurry, like the professionals from before the War, and the faded truck was surrounded before Adrian finished grinding out his smoke.
9
"Damn, that was good. Wanna do it again."
Kenn grinned, nodding against her sweaty neck as his body twitched inside hers. He slowly moved out of her slick depths and let her slide down the wall, mouth running before enough blood had made it back to his brain to allow thinking. "Later. We got lucky no one came down."
Tonya hadn't expected to be claimed right away, but his obvious reluctance hurt her, drew claws seeking a taste of his blood. "They're busy in the parking lot, talking to the new people."