Captive of Fate Read Free Page A

head: “He’s a hawk, Alanna! A cold-blooded monster who feeds on war and chaos.”
    She fixed an icy smile on her lips. “The answer is no, Colonel Breckenridge. The senator’s sources are impeccable. You are going to take me along with you, one way or another.”
    A cold, impenetrable mask dropped over his features. Alanna shuddered at the ease with which he resumed his military bearing. “Have it your way,” he whispered. “You’re out to slit my throat for your misdirected boss. All right, Miss McIntire, the ball is in your court, but just stay out from under foot.” He turned to leave and then halted, turning slowly back toward her. “If you get in a jam with Costa Rican officials, don’t come crying to me. I have no authority down here except for delivering medicine and supplies.”
    “I have a letter from the senator, Colonel. I’m sure no one will give me any trouble except you.”
    “Don’t be so sure. A beautiful woman up in the mountains with a bunch of men. You’re taking your chances. I’m afraid they may not take time to read your precious letters. That’s if they can read it all.”
    Her eyes flashed with anger. He was deliberately trying to scare her into not going! “I’d rather take my chances with them than you,” she flung back.
    Matt grinned momentarily. “Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t rape women.”
    “I’m afraid your Marine image leads one to expect something of that sort, though,” Alanna retorted.
    “Typical civilian remark. I can’t say it’s been a pleasure meeting you under the circumstances. Too bad we never met in D.C. before this. It would have been interesting….”
    She blushed scarlet at the innuendo. How dare he! She called him a few expletives in her mind as she watched him stride down the ramp and back out into the rain, issuing crisp orders to his men.
    “Damn you, Colonel. You’re going to get everything that’s been coming to you. I promise. God, how I promise.” She pulled her coat tighter, walking quickly out of the plane and heading with determination toward the customs building.
    *
    Alanna waited impatiently for the phone connection with the senator’s home to be completed. She pushed her damp hair away from her face, still boiling with rage over the impudence of the Marine officer. Thornton’s voice came over the phone line, faraway and slightly distorted by distance.
    “He’s everything you said, Senator.”
    “Met him already?”
    “Unfortunately, yes. What an arrogant—”
    “A monster, Alanna. Look, can you start finding out about his supply routes?”
    “Yes. I just persuaded the police commissioner to allow me aboard the next helicopter flying to his staging area at the bottom of the mountain. It’s pouring rain here and getting colder. They’re having a lot of trouble with fog in the mountains, and the supplies are backing up at the base. I’ll start my investigation there.”
    “Good girl. Give me a call the first time you stumble upon something, and remember, Alanna don’t trust Breckenridge. He can be suave as a fox when he wants to. Don’t fall for any of his tricks. Be on guard.”
    “Don’t worry, Senator, I’ll be on my toes. He’s an easy man to dislike.”
    “But a clever enemy. I don’t trust him under any circumstances. Remember what he did to Tim.” She nodded, recalling vividly her own clash with the officer.
    “I will. Good-bye.”
    *
    It was early September, the beginning of the rainy season, and San Jose lay drenched in the wake of the tropical storm. Alanna spoke in fluent Spanish to the commissioner’s aide, thanking him. He motioned for her to board the awaiting helicopter. The Costa Rican at the door offered his hand, pulling her aboard. She sat crouched in the doorway, searching for a space to crawl into. There was a small niche behind the pilot’s seat, and she struggled to wedge herself down between it and a large wooden crate. Looking up, she saw Matt Breckenridge staring stonily at