Darkness of the Soul

Man Hunt

Jack sped away as fast as the Humvee would allow. There were no signs of civilization—no markers, no signs, no buildings. Just trees and a wide trail of dirt that passed as a road. The surrounding forest had even began to take it back, grass and shrubs inching across the path from each side. Whatever this road was, it hadn't been used in awhile. And it was far from any city or town.

The army brat would glance at the mirrors every few seconds, his muscles tensed and expecting to see another set of motorcyclists or even other Humvees. There was only open road behind him. Part of Jack was relieved he wouldn't gave to go through another absurd car chase, but it formed another block of dread.

Silas didn't go through so much trouble to kidnap him just to let him go. The MECH leader was up to something, and Jack didn't want to stay around to find out what he had in store. The teenager thought back to the last time things were this bleak—when he and Arcee were stranded in China. Their only focus was finding civilization—the details came later. Jack realized that would be his only mission. Hopefully, it would be before he ran out of gas.

He jumped when suddenly the radio came to life with static, buzzing and whirring as it connected to a frequency. Suddenly a familiar drawl filled the cab.

"Where are you going with my truck, Darby?" Silas demanded, his tone irritated and impatient.

Jack didn't bother to answer, merely glaring at the radio before turning his attention back to the road.

"I know you can hear me," Silas continued adamantly. "Answer me."

Jack rolled his eyes. Like he was going to do that. He looked at the radio again, trying to find the mute button.

"You're only making things worse for yourself." Wow, that was original. "We know exactly where to are."

Sure they did. Silas wouldn't be asking, if he could track the vehicle's movements. Giving up on silencing the radio, the teenager looked back up to see a short, wooden bridge ahead of him. It looked sturdy enough. Last thing Jack needed was his getaway car to drown.

"It looks like you're coming up to a river."

With a flinch, the army brat slammed on the brakes. The wires squealed as they threw dust, skidding to a halt right before the bridge.

"Now you've stopped."

Jack sent a narrowed glare at the radio. He should have known, that MECH would put GPS trackers in their vehicles. He tried to think of a solution to his predicament. Mostly, how to call Silas's bluff.

"Now that I believe I've gotten your attention," the man went on. "Tell me what you think you are doing with my truck."

Jack rolled his eyes. After another moment's hesitation, out of defiance more than anything, he snatched the walkie-talkie attached to the radio and thought of the first smart-ass thing that came to mind.

"I'm going to Disneyland," he snapped sarcastically.

"You're lying," Silas deadpanned.

"Nope. Dead serious."

"Then you have a long drive ahead of you."

At least he knew he wasn't anywhere near California. Where was he, then?

"Okay, how about you tell me to the quickest way to get there?" Jack continued, having every intention of testing the maniac's patience.

"I'm not that stupid. And I know you're smarter than you look."