Boone lowered the stairs, and the group hurried to the baggage compartment to gear up.
An SUV that X-Man had arranged earlier sat on the edge of the runway of the small, out-of-the-way airport. The team piled in and headed to the TVA abandoned site.
Liam prayed the entire way for a smooth mission. The most important mission of his life.
They parked a mile from the substation and moved on foot to the first structure on the list.
Peering into the window of the building, Boone shook his head. As a team, they moved to the next house, then the next, and the next.
A low growl of frustration vibrated in his throat.
Xander flicked his gaze to Liam. “Easy, Charlie One. We aren’t done yet.”
“Lead on, Charlie Two.” He’d given Rafe point since his mind wasn’t fully focused on the task. No way would he allow his distraction to interfere with Raven’s rescue.
The group moved as one through the ghost town without a sound.
Liam glanced at his watch. An hour had passed. “Three more structures left.”
“What about the tunnels?” Boone asked.
“Maybe for escape purposes, but from my research, they aren’t big enough to use as living areas,” Dax said.
“Charlie Mike.” Liam gave the order to continue the mission.
Rafe moved, and the others followed.
At the next house, Xander eased to the window and peered in. He whipped back and flattened against the side of the building, fisting his hand.
The team froze.
“Movement inside,” Xander whispered.
“Lima Charlie.” The information had come over the comms loud and clear. Liam turned to his men. “We’re going in quiet like planned. Charlie Two, Three, and Four, sides and back. Charlie Five, with me through the front. Locate Raven and extract. I don’t care who has eyes on her first. Get her and go. She’s our top priority.”
“Copy,” each team member acknowledged.
“Go.” Liam gave the command, and the men vanished into the background.
“Charlie Five, you ready?”
Xander nodded. “Lead the way, Charlie One.”
Liam picked the lock and moved into position.
Xander eased open the door, and the two snuck inside. After incapacitating and securing the single sentry at the entrance, they moved to the door the man had guarded.
Liam jutted his chin toward the access point. Xander nodded and pulled it open.
“Charlie Team, Charlie One. Heading downstairs.”
“Copy that, Charlie One. Team two infiltrating the rear of the building in three, two, one.” Boone went silent after the countdown.
Liam turned to Xander. “Eyes open.”
The pair descended and came to a concrete room. More like a prison. The two beds against the walls appeared to have been slept in.
Xander held up two fingers, indicating two people.
