Page 133 of Silent Target

Falcon’s attempt at humor vanishes. “That’s comforting.”

“He was the best marksman the First Circle ever trained.”

Caleb settles behind his rifle.

His breathing slows.

His face empties of everything.

Fear.

Pain.

Even anger.

“Not anymore,” he says.

28

CALEB

The first rule of surviving a sniper is simple.

Never be where he expects.

The second is harder.

Make him believe you are.

“Stay behind the support,” I tell Evie.

She catches my sleeve. “Caleb⁠—”

“Please.”

I almost never ask.

She hears it.

Her hand slowly releases me.

“I’ll stay.”

“Thank you.”

The tunnel falls silent.

Specter is patient.

He won’t waste ammunition or reveal his location to force a shot. He’ll wait until someone makes a mistake.

I’ve used the same tactic.

Shark eases beside me.

“You see anything?”

“No.”