“Smooth.”
Caleb ignored that comment in his comms. On any other day he’d invite these guys for a drink after the operation, even if that drink was soda for most of them. But it was Christmas and he had no intention of this taking longer than necessary when he wanted to get back to Tessa, Pops and her father. And yeah, even Gus. He was hoping Noah would come with him and they could spend the holiday together—and maybe overwatch would join them.
They raced across the yard, entered through a side door and swept down the hall. Bare tile glinted in the light from side rooms. Sitting areas, library, and a fancy dining room he’d be scared to eat in. He’d spill Ketchup probably.
“Proceeding to study.” Noah’s voice sounded steady, like he did this every day.
“We need evidence, not just a kill.”
“Don’t need to remind me,” his brother said, slowing as they approached a door.
A guy like this should have security guards, but there didn’t seem to be anyone else here. Noah looked into the next room and flinched.
“Come in, my friends.” Kessler. That had to be him. No one else in the world sounded that smarmy. Like he’d already won.
Noah didn’t move. Caleb moved to stand beside him and saw the inside of the room. At least six children stood between the desk and Nathan Kessler. Kids who resembled him, and some of different nationalities. He’d collected a group of human shields, probably for just this eventuality. What a scumbag.
“You know why we’re here.” Noah stepped into the room, not aiming at any of the children. “You need to come with us.”
“So I can confess my crimes to the police?” Kessler laughed. He had bright white hair and a trimmed white beard.
“Send the kids away,” Caleb said. “Come with us.”
They needed to go through all the files on his computer and find any hidden caches of information here. A safe, like the one in the preacher’s office.
Kessler worked his mouth back and forth.
The kids stood there, staring at Noah and Caleb. Saying nothing, not moving. Most didn’t look terrified at all. Maybe this was a normal Tuesday in Kessler’s house. What a terrifying thought.
Outside the house, gunfire erupted.
Over comms Caleb heard, “The guards are on rotation. We have it handled.”
Caleb focused on Kessler again. “This is not about collateral damage. It’s about you, and how this is over for you. So quit hiding behind children and admit you’re finished.”
Noah pulled his gun, pointed it at Kessler and said, “You know who we are.”
“Both of you look like your father.”
Noah flinched.
Caleb pulled the trigger on his gun. Kessler cried out, falling back. Caleb ran to the desk and waved the kids out from behind it. “Go, everyone go. Run outside.”
The children scattered, older ones grabbing the hands of littles and all of them racing to the door. He turned to see what happened.
Kessler had a gun.
“Put it down, man. It’s Christmas for crying out loud.” Caleb wasn’t in the mood. He kicked Kessler in the head and the gun clattered across the floor. Blood coated the side of the guy’s head, thanks to Caleb’s well-placed shot.
Caleb’s brother flipped Kessler to his face and zip tied his hands behind his back.
“I’ll look around.” Caleb scanned the room. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he drew it out.
The screen said,
Safe in the floor, under the rug.
After the message was a series of numbers.
