Avery rolled her shoulders, blew out a long, slow breath. “As I was saying, Kessler’s transport got hit, but one of the Marshals managed to keep him breathing by mere inches. Once the CIA learned their insider in their weapon’s laundering case had nearly been killed, Deputy Director Hill issued an emergency override. Suggested they move Kessler to the Highland Veterans Hospital outside Astoria. But it’s not just a hospital, it offers executive trauma care, a fortified psych ward and long-term rehab, all of which is housed in a private, high-security annex physically separated from the main facility. We’re talking fences, badge access, private security firms walking the perimeter. Lach said it’s also known as the place where troubled assets go to die — quietly — and if that’s not enough, it’s got plenty of systems the Reaper can weaponize from HVAC to medical systems to elevators and lockdown protocols.”
Nick rubbed the bridge of his nose. “So, we’re supposed to believe that Kessler’s car gets hit, but the professional assassin Hill hired somehow misses the mark, and Kessler just happens to get transferred to a high-security nightmare less than an hour from where the Reaper’s already trying to kill us?”
“Don’t shoot the messenger, Colter. Though, I didn’t buy it either, and neither did Lach after I gave him some backgroundintel. He thinks the shooter was part of the theater so Hill could twist the narrative and get Kessler taken to a seemingly neutral facility where he controls the parameters. He’s basically hand-delivering Kessler to the Reaper. Lach believes Kessler arrived late last night.”
Nick shook his head. “I gotta hand it to Hill, it’s brilliant. Use the near-death experience to justify a medical placement, then push the interests of national security to manipulate the location. And all without actually getting his hands dirty.”
Avery shoved another piece of paper at them. “Once I got off the phone with Lachlan, I did some digging. I found a transport request stub with a medical routing code, but it was scrubbed before it hit regular federal systems, which doesn’t make any sense unless someone’s removing any kind of digital footprint tied to Kessler. I also discovered there’s a special security detail arriving at Highland Veterans Hospital at oh-four hundred tomorrow morning. Wanna bet who arranged for that?”
“Shit, it’s Hill’s own hit squad in case the Reaper misses the target. That, or a cleanup crew. Pick your poison. Either way, Kessler’s not making it to sunrise.”
Avery nudged Nick. “Guess you’re more than just a pretty face. And you’re right. If we want to reach Kessler before Hill has him eliminated, we need to hit the annex tonight — preferably while they’re making the security switchover when there’ll be blind spots.”
“That doesn’t leave any room for mistakes.”
“Then, I guess we won’t make any.”
Bodie grinned. “Looks like we have a ticking clock.”
Dalton tapped on the table. “I don’t suppose you have any blueprints? Even just aerial images of the annex would be helpful.”
Avery smiled. “I can help you out with that if Tierney doesn’t mind me using her computer.”
Tierney shook her head. “We should also go over the coordinates, check for alternate routes in and out. I’ll get you inside the firewall.”
They peeled off, heads bent in discussion as Tierney started tapping on her computer, had images and maps popping up on various monitors.
Nick knocked Bodie’s shoulder. “I don’t suppose you brought any toys along?”
Bodie laughed. “Traditional ones, sure. Along with some extra vests and plenty of ammo. Nothing special like what you usually carry, though.”
“Afraid I left all my CIA toys in my other pants. But old school works for me.”
Sloane stood there, watching Nick and his buddies move around each other — the unspoken shorthand, how they operated as a single unit. They’d switched into warrior mode, and Nick was definitely in his element.
The day wore on, the group readying for the upcoming infiltration, nothing sounding in the space except the hum of the computers, the metallic click of the magazines sliding into place.
Nick cornered her just before they set out, patting down her vest, checking her supplies before nodding.
She placed her hands over his, enjoying the heat that seeped out of him and into her. “I’ve done this before.”
“I know. Doesn’t hurt to double check.”
“Nothing’s changed. I’m still an operative. Still as lethal as I ever was.”
A deep furrow creased the bridge of his nose. “Everything’s changed. And I’ve always been protective. Now…”
She tiptoed up, kissed him. “Just do me a favor and be the guy who comes back alive, okay? Because I really need you to live.”
“Not tapping out now, sweetheart.”
Bodie cleared his throat behind them. “It’s time.”
Nick nodded, gave her one more quick check, then headed out. A chorus of frogs and crickets sang in the dark as they made their way back to their trucks. They loaded into three vehicles, then peeled out, Avery riding with Bodie, Tierney partnered with Buck, and Sloane riding in the back with Nick and Dalton.
They stuck to backroads, finally pulling off onto a darkened perimeter road that shouldered up behind the annex. They poured out of the vehicles, suiting up before quickstepping behind the cover of a cement barricade.
Dalton raised his rifle, sighted the area through his scope. “Avery called it. I’ve got only one guard on a sweeping rotation. Guy’s barely giving the shadows a second look.”
