Vic was the first one down the ramp and out into the thin, cold air, M held at ready. His team followed on his heels. The silence in the makeshift LZ was almost eerie. Moonlight spotlighted snowy pine trees and surrounding rocky crags. Nothing moved. “Where the hell is he?” O’Riley asked at last. Vic shook his head, eyes raking the barren plateau for any sign of life. “Let’s fan out. Have a look for him. He’s supposed to be on his way.” They spread out, moving quickly across the mountain top. Not so much as a ground squirrel stirred. Vic jogged to the edge of the clearing, looking down the mountain side. He could see the nubby carpet of pine trees and conifers. Not a glimmer of light from anywhere but the moon overhead. “Where are you?” he asked softly. The wind made a ghostly sigh through the funnel of rocks. Out of the corner of his eye, Vic saw the flash of white light. A blast rent the night. Vic turned as a giant, invisible hand seemed to gouge into the earth in front of the nose of the chopper, sending snow and rocks flying his way.
