Page 133 (1/2)

"Don Halcon, meet the Admiral of the Ocean Sea, Christopher Columbus"

Halcon stared at the hed without us "Keep it, you poor fool"

While all eyes were on the coffin Austin squeezed the pouch around his neck Seconds later came a distant boom, then several others

"What's that?" Halcon said, looking about him

Guzman moved to the stairway and listened "It sounds like thunder"

While the henchman's attention was diverted, Austin reached down to the floor and in a single quick motion picked up one of the sharp spear points he and Zavala had unsuccessfully used to pry the lid off the coffin He wrapped his brawny arm around Halcon's slender neck and jabbed the sharp spike deep into the skin

Guz around

"Back off or this goes into his jugular!" Austin warned He pushed the spear in further Blood trickled down Halcon's neck

Barely able to speak with his throat crushed, Halcon hissed, "Do as he says"

"Put that gun back in your holster," Austin coun entirely, that he'd try for a head shot or plug Zavala first

Guzman smiled, a hint of adun back into its case Then Austin ordered Halcon to drop his weapon

With Zavala staying close, Austin backed out of the chaed his human shield down the stairs into the main chamber Guzman followed at a deliberate pace as they stepped over and around the rubble and stopped under the light strea hole

Halcon had recovered from his surprise "Looks like a Mexican standoff," he said, his voice choked but defiant

A brief shower of water splashed down on them from above Everyone looked up except Austin

"That's not rain, in case you're wondering Those booo were explosives I used a remote detonator to blow up the daallons are pouring in"