Danger Close by James Sumner (classic novels for teens txt) 📕

handle with a molded grip. The other contained his personalized GlobaTech Negotiator, the prototype weapon given to Julie, Collins, and himself. His T-shirt clung to his frame and was already damp with sweat. His ID was clipped to his belt.

He walked with confidence and authority toward the small cluster of GlobaTech personnel standing across from the checkpoint. Miller quick-stepped to catch up.

One of the men stepped forward to meet him as he approached. He nodded a greeting.

“Mr. Stone,” he said formally. “We got the head’s up to expect you. How was your flight, sir?”

Jericho nodded back. “Good, thanks. What’s your name?”

“Jefferies, sir. Mike Jefferies.”

“How’s it going here, Jefferies? Any trouble this close to the palace?”

“Nothing really. For now, most of the protesting has been contained to the smaller, outlying regions. Towns and villages. Been a couple of demonstrations in the city, but no one other than news crews have ventured this far close to the palace.”

“Let’s hope it stays that way.” Jericho gestured with a casual nod to the other checkpoint. “And the locals?”

Jefferies shrugged. “Again, no real trouble. We don’t exactly stand around shooting the shit, but they have their orders just like we have ours. We’re on the same side here, right?”

Jericho ran a contemplative hand over his jaw and mouth. “Apparently. Listen, keep up the good work, okay? Once we get all our boots on the ground, I’ll roll out new assignments and get everyone in place where I need them. For now, just keep doing what you’re doing. Eyes open.”

Jefferies nodded. “Yes, sir.”

Jericho turned to Miller. “Bring the Humvee around, will you? I’m going to go introduce myself to our guests before we head up to the palace.”

“You got it,” said Miller. He turned and headed back to their vehicle.

Jericho spun on his heels and marched toward the checkpoint opposite. No hesitation in his stride. No intimidation.

As he neared the other side of the junction, two soldiers moved to intercept. They were dressed in desert camo and carrying silenced assault rifles. They walked in tandem and blocked Jericho’s path.

“Morning,” he said.

Neither responded.

Jericho looked at them for a moment before realizing they might not have understood him. An overwhelming majority of Paluga spoke Portuguese. Some regions nearer the coast spoke Spanish, but he decided to play the odds.

“Um… Manhã,” he managed. “Did I say that right?”

“You did,” said a voice from behind the men.

Jericho peered around them, but they soon parted to reveal who spoke. A short man with a thick, dark mustache walked over and stopped a few paces from him. The man gave up almost two feet in height as he stared up to look Jericho in the eyes.

“I respect the fact that you tried our language,” he said. “Makes a pleasant change.”

“Manners cost nothing,” said Jericho casually. “Besides, you apparently speak better English than I do anyway.”

The two men exchanged a brief laugh as they shook hands.

“I am Colonel Ramirez,” he said. “You are GlobaTech, yes?”

Jericho nodded. “Jericho Stone. I’ve been sent to coordinate GlobaTech’s efforts here.”

Ramirez smiled. “How does it feel to command two thousand men, Mr. Stone?”

“Just another day in the office,” he said humbly.

“Was your trip okay?”

“As fine as a thirteen-hour flight can be, yeah. I have a meeting with President Herrera, but I wanted to introduce myself first.”

“I appreciate the courtesy, Mr. Stone.”

Jericho shrugged. “The way I see it, if things take a turn here, you’re the last line of defense. I believe in professional courtesy and respect.”

Ramirez smiled again, wider this time. “You are indeed a man of honor. Our president chose well.”

“Thank you. All the reports I’ve had from my men so far have been consistent; your armed forces have been nothing but civil and cooperative. Honestly, I was concerned there would be some resentment over us coming here.”

Ramirez shrugged, stroking his mustache absently. “We are all soldiers here, Mr. Stone. Whether you are private sector or not, we just do our job, yes? I suspect if there is any resentment, it would be aimed at the person who hired you.”

“And is there any?”

“Resentment?” He paused. “I think there is some, but I believe this comes from ignorance and confusion, not malice. These are difficult times for my country. Uncertainty can be dangerous.”

Jericho nodded. “I heard there is some dispute within the Palugan military over how this should all play out. Where do you stand, Colonel?”

Ramirez stood tall, broadened his shoulders, and pushed his chest out proudly. “I am Palugan, Mr. Stone. I stand with my country, and I stand by the man I voted for to run it. My job is to ensure the safety of my countrymen. I leave the politics to the smart people.”

Jericho smiled, appreciating his candor and humor. He extended his hand, which Ramirez shook again.

“Thank you for your time,” he said. He glanced over his shoulder as the Humvee approached, pulling to a stop beside him. “Are we okay to head on up to the palace?”

“Of course, Mr. Stone.” Ramirez moved to the side and signaled to his men to do the same. “I shall radio ahead and let them know you’re on your way.”

“Appreciate it, Colonel. Stay safe.”

“And you.”

Jericho climbed in beside Miller, who set off navigating the minor obstacles. Then he gunned the engine and accelerated up the hill toward the palace.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

Jericho nodded. “Yeah. I just like to introduce myself when I enter another man’s house. Let him know I’m not there to rob him.”

“A show of respect, right?”

“Mm-hmm. Goes a long way. Plus, I like to know who’s on my side in a fight. I’ve been burned before.”

Miller had heard the stories of how Jericho came to be with GlobaTech but wasn’t sure how much had been embellished. He didn’t want to ask.

“And is he?” he asked.

“The colonel? Yeah, I reckon so. The biggest test will be when we arrive at the palace.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because soldiers, for the most part, keep things simple. They follow orders and leave the thinking to the people on bigger salaries. But