Page 144 of Sheltering You

She answered Jeremy first. “Your mother and sister are fine.” Turning her attention to the older man, she added, “Peggy was coughing, and Leila has a cut on her head, but it didn’t seem serious. Otherwise, we are okay.”

“You’re sure?” Roger’s gaze flicked to his grandson. “Jeremy can take over for me.”

She hated to think of the teenager shooting anybody, even if he was capable. “I think Peggy needed fresh air, and Leila’s cut wasn’t deep. Summer and Camilla are in position. The rest have gone to the first floor. I’ll let you know if you’re needed.”

He seemed torn but stayed in position. “All right. Thanks.”

Jasmine headed down the ladder to the second story. She was on her way to the staircase when that telltale whistle had her diving onto the hardwood and covering her head.

The explosion came from the south side of the house, facing the water.

Camilla screamed.

Smoke filled the space, thicker as Jasmine crawled toward the bedroom where she’d left her friend. “Are you all right? Camilla?”

But there was no answer.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

The latest boom came from right on top of Derrick.

Followed by a scream. Camilla?

Jasmine shouted. She was upstairs, dealing with it.

These things weren’t bombs but flash-bangs, intended to create chaos but do little to no damage.

That was what Grant had said through the walkie-talkie, and Derrick figured he knew what he was talking about.

Still, he itched to run up there, to make sure everyone was all right. Which was exactly what the terrorists wanted. He stayed at the door, waiting for someone to breach it.

So far, so good.

Gunshots still came from above, a constant barrage.

How many people were out there? What was their plan?

Sophie had come downstairs with Leila. Then Eliza and Levi.

Zoë and Mom had followed.

Per Michael’s instructions, Sam had sent them all into the basement. With the explosions, it would be safer down there. Three of the four walls were built partially or completely into the hillside, where the only access came from the bulkhead doors on either side. The fourth wall had windows and a sliding glass door, but because it was beneath the patio, it was somewhat protected.

The women would take cover in the storage room in the back. They were armed, should anybody get in. They should be safe there.

Grant had talked about keeping all the women in the basement from the start, and Derrick had been all-in on that suggestion. Ultimately, Grant had decided he wanted their help fending off the attack.

Obviously, he hadn’t counted on the terrorists bringing rocket launchers.

Upstairs, Derrick assumed Summer was still shooting, as were Dad and Bryan in the attic. What was Jeremy doing? Couldn’t he help his mother?

Jasmine needed to get into the basement. Now.

“Hold your position.” Grant had maintained his calm demeanor, as if nothing had surprised him. “Mike and Dan, you have the north. I’ll be in position to intercept Khalid in thirty seconds.”

“Got it,” Michael said.

“In position,” Daniel said.