Page 85 of Fighting for Family

“Who do you work for?” Saint asked.

“Nobody you’ll know,” she said. “Do we have a deal or not?”

Shadow glanced at Saint, then the rest of his team. His eyes landed on Cole. “You lost your friend because of these people. You’ve heard Rayven. I can vouch I knew her when, and she’s damn good at her job. Can you live with this?”

“If it means we get Leo back one way or another, I will,” Cole said. “What’s the plan?”

The two women moved forward, pulling out maps and diagrams. The blonde woman leaned in, showing her ample cleavage. “Don’t mind the girls. I didn’t have time to change before I caught this one leaving the hospital by her window. Oh, how I’d love a sports bra right now. She didn’t tell me I’d be dodging bullets and running down a mountain.”

“Can you leave Lacey and Louise out of this for once?” Rayven snapped. “I told you to stay home.”

“Then how will you explain you’re at my house on the couch watching a movie with me? If I didn’t come with, you’d be in the slammer finishing your time,” she said.

Rayven winced and frowned at her words. “Go let the cute little doggie bite you. Then you won’t get bored while the grownups talk over things.”

The blonde stuck out her tongue and leaned against the wall as they discussed the mission.

When they finished, Shadow shook her hand. “We’ll release her as soon as we speak with Amena and get our package.”

“Don’t disappoint me, Shadow. I came a long way and risked it for you,” she warned.

They climbed into their vehicles and headed for the plane. Everyone needed the latest information and a plan. Tension mounted in the vehicles as the team sensed tomorrow might define their entire mission.

“What do you think?” Shadow asked Saint as he drove them back to base.

“Call Tex. See if he can find out anything about your friend, Rayven. He may not be able to say much, but we need to know what we’re walking into.”

“I’ll do it while you give Victoria and Ivan the plan. What about Jake and Joe?” Shadow asked.

“We’ll keep them away from the firefight. We’ll explain we need them to guard our escape route. Then, we’ll pick them up,” Saint said, hoping he kept them safe.

When they arrived, Hollywood and Cole prepped the K-9s. Due to his injury, Hollywood and Apollo needed to stay with the plane. Not trusting Rayven enough to leave Maryam unguarded, Apollo might come in handy. Rocker, Victoria, and Ivan would stand by as backup. Saint divided the team. He ordered Doc, Whiskey, Shadow, and Taco to enter the tunnels with Rayven and find her informant, Amena. Saint and the rest of the team planned to guard the perimeter and give them cover.

Two hours later, Shadow found Saint. “Tex checked on Rayven. She spent time in prison for killing her sister’s rapist. One day, a man visited her. The only person to visit in three years. The next day she got transferred to another prison. Then, she disappeared.”

“If it walks like the government, talks like it…” Saint frowned.

“Exactly. Tex assumes it’s a highly specialized team. Rayven has excellent sharpshooting skills. She might give Knight a run for his money,” Shadow said, watching Hollywood with Apollo. “Tex says if we run into any trouble, to call him. He contacted Ghost’s team, and they’re close by if we need backup. It seems we’re not the only ones with a stake in this.”

“Let’s move into position. Ivan will handle the drop-off once we’re secure,” Saint said.

“What about Sparky?” Shadow asked.

“She’s confirmed everything Rayven told you about the villages,” Saint informed him. “Sparky has done her job. Now it’s time for us to do ours.”

CHAPTER 27

The scent of sandalwood drifted to Leo’s nose as he squinted. The woman he’d come to know as Amena, lowered the oil lamp, letting him open his eyes fully.

“I brought you some broth and rice. Can you sit up?” she asked.

Nodding, he pulled himself upright with her assistance.

“I’ve done all I can for you. I’m told I must bring some men here, and then I will leave with Rayven,” Amena told him.

Leo took a shaky breath, still too weak to do much for himself. He touched the pocket of his pants, feeling for Catherine’s lock of hair, Derrick’s pacifier, and Melody’s picture. Disappointment filled him when he thought about losing Grace’s rattle.

He took Amena’s hand and held it to his chest and forced his voice to work. “Thank you,” he said slowly.