Cold Blooded Assassin Book 6: Red Horizon (Nick McCarty Assassin) Read Online Free Page A

learned within a week, Lucas knew more about survival and combat tactics than I had learned in all the years leading to my working in clandestine operations. Casey Lambert, Clint Dostiene, and I were selected as operatives from nearly fifty applicants from all branches of the service, alphabet soup agencies, and law enforcement. Naturally, our language skills, combat experience, and demeanor had much to do with it. Lucas Blake refused to pass the unqualified. Part of why he got out of the training end had to do with his uncompromising knowledge of what it would take to stay alive in the business. He kept getting orders to tone his instruction down because he had the lowest number of applicants passing of all trainers. What do we learn from that, kids?”
    “To be the best, you must train like the best,” both kids repeated the training cliché Nick instructed them in after learning they wanted more than a neat game to play.
    “That’s the key,” Nick said. “I want you both in as many sports as is physically possible. Competition hones your skills and drive.”
    The doorbell rang. Nick gestured for everyone to remain where they were, including Rachel and Quinn. “It’s probably either or both Gus and Johnny with their mates. I need to conference with Gus and Johnny, so I’ll send Tina and the Cleaner back here with all of you, unless Cleaner wants in on the op we’re going to do. I’m not sure if there would be a need for her on this Pilot Hill excursion.”
    “She’s doing great with the piloting your new helicopter,” Rachel said. “How in hell did you get a UH-60M Blackhawk helicopter by the way, Muerto?”
    “Lots of money, and the backing of the CIA Director,” Nick answered. “What you should be asking is how in hell did I ever buy my own hangar at the airport.”
    “Knowing the amount of money confiscated like a black clad Robin Hood, I already know the answer to the hangar financial origins. The Blackhawk, on the other hand takes practically the hand of God, especially with the armaments procured and stored in said hangar.”
    “You have been paying attention. Laredo helped me with Paul’s backing. I provided the money, so once permission from the top came down, I obtained the Blackhawk. Laredo helped refresh my training. I have to let our friends in. Keep practicing, kids.”
    Nick went out to the front entrance with Deke tagging along. The whole gang awaited his arrival. He opened the door with Deke heeled at his side. “Hi. Come on in. I’ve been conducting practice sessions out in the back if you’d like to join Rachel out there, Tina. If you want in on this new op, ask Johnny if you have his permission, Cala.”
    Cala laughed with appreciation while hugging her husband. “Johnny wants me with him in all things, Muerto. Will this involve helicopters?”
    “It could involve a copiloting job if you’re interested.”
    “Oh yes! I am so there, Muerto! The music will be involved, right?”
    “Of course, although I have a quieter ending with another idea I’m thinking through.”
    “I’ll leave you all to it,” Tina said. “Can I stop in the kitchen for wine, Gomez?”
    “Rachel already has your glass and a bottle of Beringer’s ready for tasting, T. The kids are providing some very entertaining knife throwing exhibitions. They’re practicing new tricks.”
    Tina pointed at Nick as she backed away toward the knife throwing target range. “That is highly disturbing, Gomez, but I suspect you already know that.”
    “Indeed I do, Cousin Itt.”
    On the enclosed deck above, Nick poured Deke a beer while Gus poured rounds of Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey. “I don’t know if this op will be officially sanctioned. Paul’s working on it. He’ll go down protecting us if it doesn’t get official approval. I would like to avoid any involvement with him, but if we salt the earth it will have to be sanctioned. They’ll scramble jets to take us out otherwise. John told me already they have to