Page 94 of Silent Target

Cobra continues. “He’s contacting Wolf, Trigger, and the others.”

“The Rangers,” I say.

“Graves’s people believe they’re approaching a quiet Texas ranch,” Rook says.

Cobra’s smile returns. “They’re in for a surprise.”

Fathom enlarges the western convoy.

Graves continues toward the mountains with only four escort vehicles.

“He split his force,” Rook says.

“He wants Caleb emotional,” I answer. “He expects him to abandon the drives and protect his brother.”

Mac looks at me. “Walter understands tactics. He doesn’t understand trust.”

“That’s why he keeps losing,” Caleb says.

He folds the map.

“We continue west.”

Fathom’s head snaps toward his tablet. “Wait.”

Graves’s convoy leaves the main road and turns onto a narrow path marked Ridge Road.

Mac’s face drains of color.

“You recognize it,” I say.

“It leads to an abandoned rail tunnel.”

“Another First Circle route?”

“Yes.”

Caleb studies the topographic map.

Old logging roads cross the area. A rail line disappears beneath the mountain. Farther west, a tiny mark identifies an abandoned Forest Service cabin.

Caleb taps it.

“What’s beneath the cabin?”

Mac doesn’t answer.

“Mac.”

“No.”

“What?”

“He wouldn’t go there.”

Caleb steps closer. “What is it?”

“That isn’t a cabin. It’s an emergency command bunker.”