"Tony Ruggiero - Team of Darkness 1 - Operation Immortal Servitude" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ruggiero Tony)

then twenty-four hours later, they were on the way to investigate the absurd claim.
Brosnev and Laupki conversed about directions, then Brosnev relayed them to
Estefan. They had been on the road for two hours averaging a speed of twenty-five
to thirty miles per hour because of the poor or non-existent road. Between the
bumpy slow ride and the cold, everyone was ready to get out of the vehicle.
Spring was not anxious to arrive in this mountainous area and the winter was bitter.
The roads had been bombed earlier in the vicious air campaign by the allied forces,
and repair was slow and tedious, hampered by bad weather. Although the bombings
had destroyed many areas, the countryside with scattered homes and farms was still
beautiful and picturesque. Historical landmarks were plentiful in this area. Many
soldiers spent what little free time they did have in exploring; Captain Block,
however, was not one of them.
"How much further?тАЭ Block asked, irritated. He had just smacked his head for the
third time on a side support strut of the vehicle.
"Just about there,тАЭ Brosnev responded as they topped a rise that offered a view of
the surrounding area.
Block saw some ruins in the valley below. тАЬIs that it?"
"Yes, sir,тАЭ Brosnev answered after Laupki confirmed the site by pointing at it.
Laupki looked up at the sky, his expression tentative and his manner nervous. He
spoke to Brosnev in a hurried manner. Brosnev questioned his statement for clarity
before he translated it.
"Now what?тАЭ Block asked sarcastically. His mood worsened with each passing
moment. He was cold, uncomfortable and still thinking about his dressing down by
the Colonel.
"He says we can't stay long because it will be dark soon."
Block uttered a sound of disgust that reflected his frustration with Laupki and his
story of vampires. тАЬGo ahead and take a quick look-see and get back. We've wasted
enough time,тАЭ Block said as the vehicle stopped about thirty yards from the ruins.
He was certain they wouldn't find anything; he saw no point in personally climbing
over rocks and tramping around anymore than was necessary. Knowing Murphy's
Law, he would probably fall and break an ankle.
As soon as the vehicle stopped, Laupki jumped out and ran toward the first
outcropping of standing walls, screaming what sounded to be names. Estefan and
Brosnev jumped out of the vehicle and raced after him. Block stepped out of the
vehicle, but he did not move. His head throbbed from the rough ride and he had
already had enough of this escapade.
"Let me know if there is anything,тАЭ Block called to Estefan. He lit a cigarette as he
resigned himself to being part of a wild goose chase.
****
As Estefan and Brosnev turned the corner, they stopped. Laupki kneeled at two
bodies on the dirt floor, moaning and crying out the names of his daughters.
"Damn,тАЭ Brosnev whispered. тАЬHe was telling the truth..."
"Easy, Brosnev,тАЭ Estefan said, as he clasped the younger man's shoulder. тАЬStart
taking notes about the scene."
"Shouldn't we get the Captain?"
"In a bit. Let's examine what we have first. Take some notes as I look at this."
Brosnev retrieved a notepad from his inner pocket with a shaky hand and started
writing.
Estefan moved closer to examine the bodies. His previous assignment had been with
the Mortuary Corps and he had assisted with autopsies during the Gulf War. Part of