Two mines. One at the base of an enormous tree several yards off the aphalt. The other in the center of the highway. Sam engaged the remote detonator and slogged back through the snow.
The transport tank carrying Jessica had stopped to pick up an escort, a Light Armored All-Terrain Vehicle, or LAATV. Sam had used that opportunity to speed ahead and setup an ambush.
Headlights cut through the fog. Sam punched the detonator’s button. Sonic ripples rumbled through the ground. The tree crashed down. Covered most of the highway. The second mine spewed chunks of asphalt into the air that piled up around the tree.
Sam’s trap was set.
The LAATV’s driver stomped on the brakes. The vehicle slid sideways, almost colliding with the roadblock. The transport tank’s treads screeched as it came to an abrupt halt behind the LAATV.
Soldiers jumped out of both vehicles with guns ready. They setup a defensive perimeter while the KGB sergeant shouted orders. More soldiers spilled out of the back of the transport tank to help clear the debris.
The last soldier climbed out of the tank. Left the back door open. Sam edged out onto the roadway and tossed a stun grenade at the perimeter of soldiers. The grenade clinked to a stop in the center of their circle. They scrambled, but too late. A shockwave cut through their ranks. Everyone within reach lost muscle control.
Sam lobbed another grenade at the soldiers clearing the roadblock. The electronic hum signaled that the grenade had detonated. He clambered into the transport. Jessica was slumped over in her seat at the opposite end. Her hands and feet were cuffed, but she wasn’t hurt.
“I got you, baby.”
He carried her out. Climbed down off the transport. He started forward toward the forest. Took one step before the butt of a machinegun slammed into his shoulder. Stumbling, he eased Jessica down onto the asphalt in a controlled fall. He spun.
The Russian sergeant steadied himself against the tank and aimed the machinegun at Sam.
