Rise Once More Read Free

shot have been perfectly replicated with a larger caliber.
    “For the record my grandfather was a sniper in World War II, and my old man was a sniper in Vietnam. You assumed I couldn't handle a rifle. My pa taught me a thing or two as well.” Eve says.

CHAPTER TWO
    No Rest For The Wicked
    Director Reese looks out over the vast blue of the Atlantic Ocean, high above the small islands, seated in the helicopter. Reese points towards a small island in the shape of a crescent moon. He gives a nod to the pilot and the chopper banks to the right. The shallow waters of Bimini attract people the world over, most are searching for a secluded spot to enjoy a vacation. But Reese's target is not on vacation. Reese spots him, down below in the greenish blue waters and motions for the pilot to touch down.
    Alex hears the distinct sound of the chopper over-head. Alex rolls over in the water, glances up towards Reese and shakes his head in disbelief. He begins to swim towards shore immediately; he is uncomfortable with the idea of being disrupted but welcomes the thought of visitors. Soon, Alex is walking out of the shallow water and is confronted by Reese waiting at the shore line.
    “Good to see you again, Alex.” Reese says.
    “Same here. Why don't you come inside?” Alex says.
    Alex waves his hand towards a simple beach hut on the north end of the island. The hut is situated about 100 yards from the beach and built mostly of crude cut timber-complete with a thatched roof of palm leaves and salvaged drift wood. Alex's simple hut has minimal furniture and a single bed in the corner. Every item inside is hand-crafted, utilizing every possible source of his meager existence and the few resources the island did offer. The walls are adorned with glass fish-net floats and other discarded items-that the sea offered up.
    “I need your help, Alex.” Reese says.
    “I thought you guys went digital.” Alex says.
    “We have evolved into the digital realm but we are in need of old tactics for this problem.” Reese says.
    “If that's the case, why not call on Amos for this favor?” Alex says.
    “Amos is already involved and you are my last resort.” Reese says.
    “Remember the day you asked me to join Omega Phi? You told me, if I spent a few years doing what others won't do. I would spend the rest of my life doing what others can not do.” Alex replies.
    “Yes, I remember that conversation.” Reese says.
    “Yet, here you are, asking me to come out of retirement and collectively save your ass.” Alex says.
    “It isn’t that simple. Alex.” Reese replies.
    “I was just getting attached to this place but it's just as well. You told me if I ever saw you again it was going to be really bad. Since you're here, I guess my odds of coming home alive are pretty slim.” Alex says.
    Alex walks over to his meager bed and reaches underneath it. He drags a sturdy black briefcase out from under the bed. Alex places the box in the center of the room and opens the latches. Inside are two white rectangles that resemble a block of cheese, two blasting caps with chords, and a small LCD screen. Alex carefully inserts a blasting cap into each of the C4 bricks. With the slow determined skill of a surgeon, he strips the ends of the wires and attaches them to the brass terminals.
    “Do I have time to pack?” Alex asks.
    “Unfortunately... No.” Reese replies.
    “I won't be leaving without this.” Alex walks over to his nightstand and opens the drawer, inside is a gold heart-shaped locket. He opens the locket. There is a picture of him at prom standing next to a lovely young lady. The detached look in his eyes fades and a slight smile forms at the edge of his mouth.
    “I know you loved her, son, but let's not complicate this.” Reese says.
    “I never stopped, so please stop referring to it in past tense.” Alex says.
    “I need your mind clear and focused on the mission. Any distraction at all could cost your very life. Not to mention, I