Ella & Vlad at the end

#31- changes in plan

Hoss' men begin to separate, those on foot spread out to search the immediate area. The Hummer circles back east on the main street.

First continuing west the pick-up only drives to the end of the street stopping. The driver uses a side-mounted spotlight to scan the area. Two men in the bed of the truck flick on high-powered flashlights to inspect what they can.

The black Escalade backs up to take a short northerly side road. The road gradually turns right following a parallel route with the hill encompassing the village.

Reaching the other side of the river Filomena perches in a tall tree. Studying the southern bank she surmises no one is following her. Okay, now what Fil? Scanning far to the east she too realizes the sun will be up soon. Oh shit and here I am with nothing to wear.

At the village's main intersection the Hummer comes to a stop. The male operating the machine gun slowly turns about. The driver and a passenger get out and seem to be searching their immediate area.

Able to see them Vladimir keeps an eye on the Escalade slowly rolling east. Checking on the other guys with the pick-up it seems to Vlad they're setting up a watch position. Men in pairs are spread out from the south to north edges of the village, searching their way back to the center of town. Two separated searching lights nearing the decrepit farm troubles Vlad the most. Unable to move Vladimir has to wait for men close by to pass. Evident the sky is changing Vlad prays the stash of guns remain concealed, and he's able to change, unnoticed.

Feeling safe and calmer Filomena flies back across the river. Reaching the other side she takes to the trees for cover with four men searching the wooded hillside; one walks the riverbank east, another close by follows the tree-line. Two traverse the light wooded hill within eyesight of each other.

Ready to move Vladimir hesitates observing the pick-up truck passenger wave someone over. While talking the passenger exits the truck and follows the summoned man away. Scanning places in their direction Vlad figures they're headed to shepherd the schoolyard herd.

With the men spread out and closing in the village center Vlad makes for the farm. Cautiously he hops up and glides to the next spot of shadowy cover.

On the adjacent hill from Hoss' place Ella uses the rifle's scope to study the house. The house completely dark inside and out she scans each window in view however doesn't see any movement or traces of life. The house is completely dark, inside and out. Setting the gun aside she wants to get closer or perhaps to the other side. Looking back into the village she can see the Hummer at the main intersection. Keeping her in place the Escalade seems to be slowly returning to house. The dark midnight blue of the sky is disappearing.

Once the men have moved far enough east Fil flutters above the trees and glides over their crowns down to the village. Not wanting to revert out in the open she slips inside the first open window seen, of a small two-story home.

Close to the farm Vlad stops to study the pair of men on the property. One cases the house while another inspects the grounds, past the barn. Certain the stash remains hidden Vlad debates where to make the change.

Stopping along the bottom of the bordering road the Escalade idles. Ella sights up the occupants, both scanning the area. Recognizing Dave and time running out Ella eases her finger on the trigger. Might as well take one more out while I can. Hit the driver, that vehicle won't be moving right away. Making the shot hard Dave keeps moving his head forcing Ella to drop the cross-hairs chest level.

Over at Hoss' house a side door opens and Ella can hear two men talking as they come out. Taking her eyes from the scope glances to the house. A sly grin forms seeing Hoss himself and another male. Oh my what's this, the big man reveals himself.