Page 34 of Scars of Fate

Disciplined.

Professionals.

“Two machine guns,” I said. “One on the north ridge. The second covering the eastern trail.”

Adam studied the terrain.

“You think they’re expecting reinforcements?”

I shook my head.

“No. They’re expecting us to panic.”

A bullet ricocheted off the boulder inches above my head.

“They’re going to be disappointed.”

Adam smiled.

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”

Behind us, Boone helped the elderly priest climb over the rocks while Janice checked the wounded.

The frightened little girl Wynn had rescued refused to release her hand.

I glanced back.

Wynn knelt beside another injured civilian, tearing a strip from her sleeve to bandage a man’s bleeding arm.

Even with bullets flying, she was taking care of people.

Some things never changed.

She looked up.

Her emerald-green eyes locked on mine.

She gave me the smallest nod.

Not fear.

Trust.

The kind she’d always placed in me.

The kind I wasn’t sure I deserved anymore.

“Lucas.”

Adam’s voice pulled me back.

“I need options.”

I forced myself to focus.

“The north ridge. Hawk and I can take it.”

“Too exposed,” Hawk answered. “But I’ve got a better idea.”