Sarah - On Station

From last time ...

"Yes. I do. I've been watching these animals for almost a year. I know what they do to people. And I know what they did to Jake. I'm in."

"Thanks, Billy. What about you, Mackey?"

"I have to. He left me his rifle ... and he was my friend."

"Okay then. I guess all we have to do is figure out how we go about this. Herrera
is first. But where .. and when?"


And now ...

Sarah seemed to drift in and out. The heat was outrageous on the roof and there wasn't a breath of air. She was having trouble staying focused. She had to pee. And she had cramps that seemed to wash through her in waves. And to top it all off, that fucker is late.

"Mackey, how much longer are we going to wait?"

"Until we can break cover without being seen, or until you've taken the shot."

"The fucker is late, dammit. And we are frying up here."

"Just keep your voice down. There's no telling how far your voice will carry from up here - and no telling who's nearby to hear it."

"You're right. Sorry."

Sarah's voice dropped to just above a whisper.

"We planned this thing ten damned days, and this putz has to be late. Can you see Two Feathers?"

"Yes. He's on station. Don't worry 'bout that kid. He'll do his job - otherwise we may not get off this roof."

"Yeah. I know. I'm just nervous, I guess."

"I suspect you would be. This is your first cold shot. But don't worry. You'll be fine."

"How's the wind?"

"There isn't any. No adjust. Just stay on your target when he shows up. And don't worry. If any breeze comes up, I'll give you your adjustment. You just stay focused."

"You don't think we've been spotted, do you?"

"If they'd seen us, you'd know it. There'd be lead all over the place. Besides, they don't have any reason to be looking for us. And when they do come, if they're even looking for any trouble - they're gonna watch the street. They aren't gonna look to rooftops two blocks away. Now just relax."

"I gotta pee."

"You gotta hold it. We can't move. If it gets too bad, pee your pants. Don't look at me like that - it happens all the time."

"I never really thought about that, but I guess it does, huh?"

"Yes. It does. It comes with the job."

"I don't think I could pee my pants on purpose."

"When the time comes, you will."

"CAR!!"

A black sedan had pulled up in front of the small grocery, and through the scope, she saw Herrera get out along with two of his 'muscle' guys.

"Alright, wait until he comes back out. According to their habit, they won't be in there more than three minutes."

Mackey was watching through his spotter scope, set on a tripod in front of him. He swung it over so he could see Two Feathers. Two Feathers looked up at him and held the White Phosphorous grenade up in acknowledgment.

"Two Feathers is ready. Remember - wait until you see that white cloud of smoke explode into the air before we break cover."

"Shut up, Mackey. Watch for the breeze."

"Alright. Steady. No adjust. They should be out in 1 minute. You got the shot?"

"So far. 5 clicks up and no left, no right. Dead center in the doorway."

"Okay. Steady. Traffic from the right. Some lady with a kid. Hold it steady ..."

"Here he comes ... he's stepping into the doorway ..."

Sarah could see him, head and shoulders above the woman walking into the store from the street. Herrera stepped aside, for the woman to enter, and moved behind the doorframe as he did."

"Damn. He's out of the shot."

"Steady, Sarah. He'll come back into the shot. Don't chase the target. Let the target come to you."

"Here he comes, Mackey. Here ... he ... comes."