Barney was able to negotiate with the tower at the airstrip near Maolin. Convincing the controller that they were a private tour caught in the weather, Ross agreed to a hefty sum to not only land but house the plane in the hangars on the strip. Once inside, golf bags appeared out of nowhere and were filled with weapons and other artillery with a few clubs to cover what they were transporting. The guys were dressed appropriately, giving the appearance of well-to-do businessmen on an outing.
Briana had gotten restless, even attempting to fight against Lee. It wasn't something they wanted to do but the team kept a well-stocked medicine cabinet on the transport. A light sedative appeared and the scientist was knocked out. This also allowed Lee time to change and prepare Briana, by washing her face, combing her hair then wrapping her in a long overcoat to cover the tattered condition of what she was wearing. To the casual observer she would simply seem a female companion who had passed out.
The guys had gathered outside waiting for Shady to change and join them. When she did finally make her appearance, the collected group couldn't believe what they saw. Powell was wearing a long sleeve, white button-down dress shirt that came almost to her knees. No pants, instead, bare shapely legs that ended in high heeled black Louboutins. More makeup than any of the men had ever seen and bedhead that was sexy as hell.
Toll's low whistle was the last straw for Lee Christmas. He shoved Fuller's limp body into Caesar's arms and stomped over to his former wife. "Since when do you pack heels?" Lee demanded.
"I always pack heels and a dress when we've got an extended trip," she answered reasonably.
"That's not my shirt."
Shaking her head, she replied, "No. Yours wasn't long enough. It's Gunnar's."
He looked closer, "And are you wearing a bra?"
"Uh, no."
"Are you wearing undies?"
She grinned unrepentantly, "You really want me to answer that? In front of all the guys?"
A couple of those guys snickered but stopped when Lee glared over his shoulder at them. Turning back to Shady, he added, "It's pouring down rain outside and you're in a damn, white shirt. Do you know what's going to happen?"
She'd had enough. Her tone was sharp as Boots responded, "Yes, I know what's going to happen." She sighed, "I'm supposed to be a high priced call girl. I need to look the part."
Ross spoke from behind the couple, "If you two don't mind, we need to get going."
Shady had the nerve to smile. Christmas growled, turned on his heel and retrieved Fuller, stomping out into the elements. Ross chuckled.
The controller at the airport had suggested that a nearby hotel might still have some rooms. This is where the team wound up. Before entering, Shady made sure that the shirt she was wearing was soaked through. Gunnar then threw an arm over her shoulder, pulling her up tight against him until the reveal was needed.
Ross walked up to the desk, "Man, I hope you've got some rooms."
The desk clerk looked the group over, responding in broken English, "I don't have enough for everyone."
"We'll take whatever you got," the boss negotiated.
The clerk continued to hesitate. There was something unsettling about these men. Although, the two women looked real enough. Sensing his reluctance, Shady staggered out of Jensen's grasp, exposing the wet shirt which clung suggestively to full breasts, "Hon? How much longer until we get a room?"
Barney looked back at the woman answering, "Soon, darling." Had he hesitated just slightly when he used that particular endearment?
Ross turned back to the clerk with a lascivious grin. The manager's mouth was gaping, his eyes focused on Shady's body. Ross cleared his throat. The clerk jerked back, "Uh, yes, I have two rooms left. Eighth floor, across from each other?"
Barney nodded, smiled, paid in cash and took the keys. The group got on the elevator. Lee cursed, "You had to do it, didn't you?"
Boots hissed back, "What would you rather him remember? A group of questionable looking men with an unconscious woman or a hooker in the equivalent of a wet t-shirt?" The fierceness of the statement was undermined when she shivered.
Jensen, who was standing behind her, leaned down, "Cross your arms over your chest."
Shady gave him a quizzical look but did as he ordered, grabbing her left shoulder with her right hand and vice versa. Gunnar then wrapped his arms, more like large slabs of beef, around Powell, pulling her against his body. She smiled. Christmas only glared. The rest of the team knew to remain silent.
Barney, Lee and the two women took one room; the remaining guys, the other. Ross ordered Shady to shower and change. She didn't have to be told twice. When she came out of the bathroom, she was dressed in jeans and an over-sized sweater, face scrubbed clean. Christmas took the next turn.
Ross spoke to his female Expendable, "Could you check her out? Get her comfortable?"
Shady nodded, easing back the bedcovers where Briana had been ensconced. She grabbed a wet washrag and began cleaning up the scientist as best she could. "She's been shot but it's been stitched up pretty well. Miscellaneous cuts and bruises but I don't see anything life-threatening."
Ross nodded, "Lee will grab the couch for a few hours. You okay to sit with her? I think it would be best if she saw another woman should she wake up."
"No problem," Boots answered quietly.
Barney took the head next when Lee came out, dressed in white t-shirt and jeans. He looked first to Briana then Shady, "You good?"
"I'm good," Boots responded. "You?"
He nodded, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before stretching out on the couch. Barney came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, checked on the ladies one more time then took the overstuffed chair and ottoman in the corner of the room to get a few hours of sleep for himself.