***
The farm camp was in chaos when Gordon arrived. He bulldozed his way to the front office to meet Dean Grout, who had already arrived to investigate the matter.
“They’re all dead?” Gordon asked.
“Every last sentry. I’m not surprised. The camps on the outskirts have gotten lazy,” Dean answered.
“And we still haven’t found Alex?”
“Not yet, but the camp that was attacked was due north of where we lost him in the woods. I’m betting he was behind it, along with taking the kid.”
“What kid?”
“An orphan assigned to Alex’s housing unit. During the blood sampling a few days ago, he was pulled out for having high nutrition levels.”
Gordon stopped. “He came back for the kid?”
“Yeah. The OIC said he came in here dressed like a sentry, faking a transfer to the camp he decimated.”
“I want a unit of men stationed at his community and another unit watching the woods. That’s where he’s headed. And that’s where we’ll hit him.”
“If we find him, do you want him alive?”
“Yes. And bring me Sydney.”
Gordon’s phone buzzed. It was Jake. “Where the hell are you?”
“He’s not talking,” Jake said. “You want me to bring him in?”
“No. I want the diamond mine, not the diamond.”
“So what do you want me to do?”
“Give them some breathing room. Make them feel comfortable. I think I have another way to get it. And I need you here, now. We have a situation.”