Page 73 of Lion’s Den

“Yes, sir.”

Dario broke into the conversation. “At the risk of sounding like a little kid, how long until we get there?”

His teammates chuckled. “Forty minutes,” Cam said. “Why?”

“Rain is moving in an hour from now. We need to get there, spring the kid, and book it out of the area.”

“Piece of cake,” Spencer said.

Cam smiled, glad to be back with his team. “I’m afraid they brought in reinforcements.”

“We’ll handle them,” Isaac said, confidence in their ability to handle the enemy in his voice.

“Of course we will,” Dario chimed in. “This is what we do, Cam. We find the lost and bring them home.” Left unsaid was their entire goal. Find the lost, dead or alive, and bring them home.

“Four-way stop ahead,” Spencer said. “Left turn.”

“Copy that. Keep us updated on the time until we reach our destination.” His teammates weren’t the only ones pushing to reach the site as fast as possible.

“Yes, sir.”

During the rest of the journey, Cam and the others drove in silence, except for Spencer calling out directions. Twenty-five minutes later, the medic gave directions to a small clearing to park behind a grove of trees.

With nothing else around, Cam maneuvered the SUV into the grove and turned off the engine. “Check your gear, then we’ll meet the others and cobble together a plan. Zane, any updates?”

“No satellite in place. Give me another eight minutes, and I’ll be able to help.”

“Copy that.” Once he and his men checked their weapons one last time, they climbed from the SUV and met Dario and Isaac in front of their vehicle.

Leaves on the trees fluttered wildly as the wind whipped around them, bringing with it the promise of rain. Cam eyed the surroundings. Once the rain began to fall, it wouldn’t take long for the trail to become a slippery and dangerous journey. “So, here’s what we’re going to do.” He talked for a solid two minutes, then paused. “Questions or suggestions?” When no one said a word, Cam gave a slight nod. “The Collector must suspect we’re on his trail. He’s ready for us. So, watch your backs. Let’s move.”

Leading his team single file through the grove toward the house and The Collector and his crew felt natural. Knowing Sedona was safe at the sheriff’s office gave Cam the freedom to focus on his surroundings and on protecting his team.

“Zane, you did research on The Collector’s habits, right?”

“Yeah. What do you need?”

He had this feeling. Cam hoped he was wrong, but his gut wouldn’t shut up about this being a trap. “Was one of Simpson’s tricks to set up a trap for those coming after him?”

“Yeah.”

“What traps does he use?”

“The kind your friend Dario would appreciate.”

Bombs. Great. Just great. “What about perimeter traps?” He held up his fist, stopping his teammates in their tracks.

“Landmines and other explosives. He’s also fond of grenades.”

Dario growled.

Yep, that’s how he felt. If The Collector was standing in front of him right now, Cam would be tempted to choke the guy. He’d seen too many good men die because of IEDs. He didn’t want to be responsible for the injuries or deaths of his best friends. “That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

“I bet. Look, there’s something weird going on here.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You didn’t hear this, but I hijacked a satellite link.”