Free The Amazon Code by Nick Thacker Page B

when he shows up — is always perfectly in focus. Every time, without fail. No matter where in the images he appears, he’s perfectly outlined, and we can even see his facial features.”  
    Ben had almost forgotten that Reggie was in the front seat, driving, until he spoke up.  
    “Sounds like you’ve stumbled on something worth killing for. I’d say you’re in over your head, but I’m no expert.”  

14
    JULIE WAS SHAKEN, BUT DID her best to keep her fears hidden. If Ben had taught her anything, it was that no good could come from broadcasting your fears and insecurities to the world. She wasn’t sure she completely believed him, but she had to admit that forcing herself to calm down, breathe, and exude confidence instead of weariness was at least helping her keep cool in the situation.  
    So far, they’d been shot at, nearly blown up, threatened, and chased, and there was no sign that it would stop anytime soon. Julie wanted to go home, to go back to their quaint, beautiful, and simple cabin in the woods deep in the heart of Alaska, but she knew she couldn’t.  
    As Ben said, there were problems you ran from, and problems you didn’t. She wasn’t entirely sure what it meant, but it always seemed to make sense in the situation. So far they’d only experienced the type of problem you weren’t supposed to run from, and this “problem,” she knew, was also that type of problem.  
    Ben was probably the most stubborn person she’d ever met, save for her father and grandfather, but Ben was definitely the closest to her. He’d made it his mission to find Drache Global, Drage Medisinsk, or Dragonstone, whomever they might be, and bring them to justice. It was a long shot, and it was likely going to get him killed, but there was nothing she could do to convince him of that.  
    She’d even tried leaving, but she couldn’t do it. Hours of arguing and slamming doors had taught her that there was nothing that could force them apart, except, ironically, death. It was an interesting game, fighting about something that might lead to death, but being unable to win the game without actually dying.  
    She thought about that now, as the SUV pulled onto the fourth and final dirt road, this one a long driveway that led to a run-down shack sitting in the middle of nowhere. It was unbelievably small, no more than ten feet wide, and Julie had to do a double-take when she realized it was the only real building in the area.  
    Surely we’re not going there?  
    A large hill rose up from behind the house, casting it in an even deeper shadow than the night was able to provide. Set a good distance away from the house, Julie could see a lone light, affixed to a tall pole, gently illuminating a tiny four-walled structure, in a pale yellow glow. This building, too small to be anything more than a simple storage shed, sat next to a long, covered area lined with picnic tables, plastic chairs, and chest-high wooden benches.  
    “The shooting range is to the left, and the survival course’s main camp is directly behind the house, going up and over the hill.” The man driving, the former Army sniper Paulinho had introduced as Reggie, motioned with his head as he described each station. “We use the range year-round, but I’m only running a winter course right now. Better weather for it, I guess, so people were only signing up then.” He chuckled, then grinned. “Kind of seems pointless to me, to only prepare for the worst during the best time of year.”  
    He pulled up to the shack, and Julie could see that it was completely dark inside. The only light in the entire area, actually, was the light pole near the shooting range. Reggie put the car in park, then turned to address the occupants inside with him. “Stay here a sec, while I disable the defense system. Shouldn’t be any trouble, but it’s outdated, and I can’t afford an upgrade right now.”  
    While he said it, he pulled out his phone and opened an app.