Without Law 18 by Eric Vall (most difficult books to read .txt) 📗

that looks pretty plain. Did you season it at all?”

“It’s oatmeal, how are you supposed to season it?” Anna asked.

“Scoot over, Sporty With No Spice,” Tara sighed, and she moved closer to the redhead and used her butt to push Anna further over so she could get to the pot.

Once Tara had seasoned our breakfast, then I woke everyone up and gathered them around the fire. It had been a late night, and some of the civilians were definitely feeling it. I could tell there were a couple hungover groups in the crowd, but nobody complained about getting up, so I couldn’t be too hard on them.

It didn’t take long for me to eat the oatmeal Tara had made for breakfast, and afterward I headed back to the tent to get ready for the day while the girls finished eating.

I pulled off my khaki shorts and yanked on some dark denim jeans, then I laced up my hiking boots and grabbed a black zip up hoodie from my bag. It was chilly out, and I knew I needed to bring something to keep warm.

I also slipped my gun holster on my hip and inserted my plasma weapon inside. It didn’t fit perfectly, but it was good enough, and the weapon was so quiet and deadly that it was worth a bit of maneuvering to take it with me.

My tanto blade got hooked to the other side of my jeans, and I slipped my standard issue M9 into the holster in the waistband of my jeans. Even though I had my plasma gun, I still liked to have my tried and true with me as well. And while my M9 would fit in the holster better, I didn’t exactly trust that plasma shit anywhere near my junk quite yet.

After I finished getting ready, I stepped out of the tent and went to find Hammer. I knew the girls would be ready when I returned. I didn’t need to give them instructions on what to do, they’d been on enough missions to know the drill.

I wandered over to where the SEALs and the rest of the Navy guys had set up their tents on the opposite end of the old dirt parking lot. The men were awake, and a couple of them nodded to me as I went by, but I didn’t see Hammer anywhere yet.

“You lookin’ for Hammer?” a familiar voice asked, and I turned to see Rivers on a seat behind me. The short man sat on a homemade wooden bench near one of the fires the SEALs had going.

“Yeah.” I nodded. “You know where I can find him?”

“Try inside,” River said with a nod toward the building. “Cap’n wanted to talk to him. Though, I’m not sure he’s the Captain anymore.”

The last part was said with a laugh, but I still wasn’t quite sure how to take it. Not long ago, these men all seemed to despise me for showing up and taking over. I didn’t think it was like that anymore, but I also didn’t want to upset them. I’d learned a long time ago that working with happy people was a lot more productive than working with pissed off ones.

“Yeah, about that...” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck.

“It’s okay.” Rivers shook his head and smiled at me. “Congratulations. We’re all looking forward to serving under you.”

“Thanks, man,” I told him with a clap on the shoulder and a smile.

I headed toward the old soda factory we were camped out behind, and once I got inside, I made my way up the rickety old stairs and to the manager’s office which served as the Captain’s quarters.

“Captain?” I asked with a knock on the door. “Have you seen Hammer?”

“Come on in,” the Captain said, and I opened the door to see him sitting behind the desk. His wild salt and pepper eyebrows were in a mess as usual, and he wore the same Navy issue blue camo coat and white T-shirt as always.

Across from him was Hammer. The Lieutenant had on a gray T-shirt and blue jeans, and his military buzzed hair was slightly grown out and flattened in the back from where he’d slept on it.

“What can I do for you, Captain Ranger?” Hammer asked with a playful smile.

“Just Tav is fine,” I chuckled.

“Damn, I was hoping that one would stick,” he laughed.

“I just wanted to let you know that the girls and I will be leaving soon,” I told him.

“Where are you headed?” he asked, and his brown eyebrows furrowed together.

“We’re just going to scout the area,” I assured him. “We should be back before sunset. We’ll keep one of the walkies on us.”

“Okay,” Hammer agreed. “We won’t contact you unless it’s an emergency.”

“And vice versa.” I nodded.

“Mind if I ask what exactly you’re looking for?” the SEAL asked.

“We’re looking to see if there’s a good ambush place we can funnel the Boston troops into,” I told him.

“I see.” He nodded. “Let us know what you find. And be careful out there.”

“Always.” I smiled. “You should have some of the men do inventory. I’m sure a decent amount of bullets were used up last night, and it’s always good to have an up to date list.”

“Right,” he agreed. “Oh, that reminds me, Minji said something about having something for Tara.”

“She did?” I asked.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “She’s probably in her room if you want to go find her.”

“Where is it?” I asked.

“It’s down by the storage room,” he explained. “To the right.”

“Got it, I’ll see you later.” I turned to look at the Captain with a smile. “Captain.”

“Captain Ranger,” the Captain teased, and Hammer laughed and high fived him, but I just rolled my eyes, shook my head, and headed out of the office.

I