“All clear,” Knight said.
“All right, Sparky. It’s time to come out. If you’ll stand, I’ll lift you out.”
“Shadow will never get a steak again,” she muttered as he pulled a sopping wet Sparky from her hiding spot. “I have to shower. Do you know how disgusting these people are? They come out here to smoke. They’re fucking each other like rabbits.”
“Wait until we return,” Hollywood said to Sparky.
Sparky moved close and walked beside him. He removed his hat and held it, masking her light touch as she trusted him to get her back.
When they returned, Ice went nuts as he greeted her.
“Leo wants to go over the plans for tomorrow. Then, I’ll take you to the showers,” he offered.
“I appreciate it. Give me a moment. If I go in there now, I’ll stink up the room,” she said as she took Ice’s harness. “Thanks, Hollywood. You make a good guide dog.”
Hollywood glanced into their war room, finding no one there yet. He pulled out his phone and texted Addy.
Good morning, beautiful. You can’t talk about your panties anymore. My boss asked if I kept a banana in my pocket.
Good morning. LOL. Zeus says hello. We’re taking a morning walk before I get dressed. Can I tell you how much fun showers seem when you’re in there with me?
Grinning, he texted back.Grrrr.
Saint, Knight, Patch, and Taco entered the room.
“Leo will be a minute. He’s trying to reach Catherine,” Shadow explained as he placed several boxes on their makeshift table. “I brought dinner. We’ll need to come up with a plan before tomorrow morning.”
Everyone grabbed a box as Hollywood fed Apollo, and Sparky returned with her hair piled on her head and fresh clothes.
“You left me in a garbage can,” she seethed at Shadow. “You’re lucky if you get the pretty onion ring Ty places on top of the steaks. You’re getting a pile of Ice’s poo.”
“You know, I didn’t have any choice,” Shadow defended himself. “I warned you about it getting hot.”
“Whatever,” she muttered.
“All right, kids, settle down,” Leo said. “Let’s get to work.”
After Saint checked for any bugs, Cole placed the schedule images on the wall. The map of the terrain, where Sparky guessed the attack lay across the table.
Leo circled the area. “We can’t make it appear suspicious. Sparky, stay on coms while we check things out. I don’t like the veiled threats against Ice. I need all my men. Can you watch the place? Will Ice be all right if we leave you inside for up to eight hours? I don’t want you walking without one of us there. It has nothing to do with you as a female.”
“You don’t need to explain yourself. I get it and appreciate your thoughtfulness. I’ll take Ice out before you leave with Apollo. We’ll lock down here until I hear otherwise and will be your ears.”
“Thanks, Sparky,” Leo said. “Hollywood, I want you in the front vehicle with Apollo. Saint will argue two dogs will be better than one and if they refuse to allow you to lead, you follow. At the first sign of attack, I want you to spread out. Shadow and I will leave out and come from behind the rebels. Take note of who’s leaving the team. We’ll need to find out whether our friends end up on this supply run. We suit up with full gear, stay vigilant.”
“Don’t you want us to spread out more?” Saint asked.
“No. We have to cover our brothers. They have no idea about what’s happening. Most of all, cover your asses. It’s getting late. We need to get some shut-eye. Make any calls you need to make. Once shit hits the fan, we don’t know when we’ll get to speak with them again.”
“Did you reach Catherine?” Saint asked Leo.
“No. I’m calling PITA and asking her to check. Hollywood, make your call from your room. We don’t need any more bananas walking around here.” Leo winked at him.
“I’m taking Sparky for a shower with Apollo and Ice. What will you do with Sergeant Taylor?”
Leo scratched his jaw. “In two hours, Saint and I will take her to our plane. I requested an equipment replacement. She’ll be in one of the boxes. I’m flying her out to Serenity Mountain. I will use one of our military contacts to give someone higher up a heads-up. I don’t know this guy taking Rutherford’s place.”
A sound at the doorway made everyone turn as Sergeant Taylor shuffled into the room, holding her side. Saint rushed to get her a chair.
