Page 47 of Deadly Alliance

Chapter Eighteen

Shane workedovertime to keep a clear mind, round up the team and focus on the crowd fleeing the premises. Roz had immediately confirmed that she and Lucy had Emme with them and were on their way to the safe-house. Pax was down, but he didn’t know her status yet and couldn’t do anything about it. The rest of the team would have to take care of her.

Unfortunately, Dee, Bebe, and Beatrice were not responding. Owen was already on his way inside with Jace and Zin, trying to discern who were friends and foes in the running crowd.

The Admiral stayed by Shane’s side, examining the trickle of people on another screen, switching through the cameras. Zack and Lance were on the opposite side of the club which had a direct view of the secondary exits. Shane found it more and more difficult to remain calm and focused when every cell of his body wanted to jump into action.

Finally, Owen’s voice came in loud and clear. “We have Bebe and Dee. Something’s wrong. They are conscious but woozy as if they’ve been drugged. We’re getting them out now. Bebe can walk, but I’m carrying Dee. Jace has found Pax. We’re getting her out and to safety.”

Drugged? Not impossible, but very unlikely. The women wouldn’t have drunk the alcohol, mindful of keeping a clear head for any impending threat. If it wasn’t through the drinks, they were affected by another source.

But there wasn’t time to check into that yet.

“Will, I want Bea’s position now!” The laboured breathing on the line told him that Will was working hard on the task. Every second counted and could be the difference between life and death.

“Shane, I’ve pinged her location. She’s moving towards you, still at a walking pace. The connexion is sketchy, and I don’t know why. Something must be blocking the signal. Get moving. I’ll guide you from here.”

Admiral Feander didn’t say a word as he followed Shane out the small building where they had set up their equipment.

“Turn left. You’re parallel to the signal. I’ll let you know when to veer right to intercept. I’ve advised the other teams. Zack and Lance are on their way towards you.”

Now at a steady jog, Shane looked at Feander who nodded. The man was one of the most seasoned and experienced men he had ever known. There was no need to explain anything to him, especially since his wife’s life was on the line.

Shane was glad that the streets were mostly deserted at this time of the night, as more civilians could turn the situation sour fast.

“The signal has entered a building. I suggest you round the perimeter and enter by the side entrance. I’m checking the cameras in that sector, but I don’t have a visual. The target must have rigged the place, be careful.”

Shane turned towards the street and could see the building where the target had taken Beatrice. As he was about to approach, Feander pulled him back and pointed at the next building.

Without waiting for his permission, he opened the gate to access the backyard. Shane followed, but it took him a minute to understand what the Admiral wanted to do. They swiftly climbed over the fence, and on the side of the building was a small shed. As silently as they could, they got on the roof, which gave them access to the second story windows. Shane peeked inside, but there was no light. With his fingers, he checked for triggers but knowing they didn’t have much time, he forced the window open with the Admiral’s help.

The old window screeched as it opened. Weapons in hand, they made their way inside, listening for any sounds that could help them pinpoint the target and Beatrice.

Moving was tricky as the wood floor threaten to creak with every breath they took.

A loud thump followed by a feminine groan confirmed that they needed to head downstairs.

The Admiral went first, and they skimmed the walls, moving as fast as they could while keeping their presence a secret.

“You fucking bitch!”

The voice was not Beatrice’s. It sounded younger and royally pissed. The landing was clear, and Shane followed Feander down the stairs, making sure to place his feet in the same silent spot as he did. About two steps down, the Admiral gestured for him to watch his right. More noises came from that location, it was impossible to know how many people were in the building now.

Shane caught something moving, and he saw a woman walking across the room with a gun pointing down. As the Admiral took position on one side of the entrance, Shane slid to the other side, but not before getting a glimpse of Beatrice half sitting on the floor.

Another sound resonated, as the woman most likely kicked Beatrice. The situation could go either way, Beatrice’s life was hanging by a thread.

“You don’t even see how much you destroyed my life, do you?” The voice became higher, which didn’t bode well. The woman wasn’t stable. The Admiral indicated that he would try to find another point of entry inside the room and told Shane to remain in position. He couldn’t do anything from where he was, he would have to wait for the right moment before acting.

In his ear, he could hear Will giving instructions to the rest of the team. Zack and Lance were at the back entrance to the building but had to take care of a booby trap before entering. It was the same one that had injured Lucy when they took down Bolton. Nothing complicated, but time-consuming. It was time they didn’t have.

Owen and Jace were on their way back, but no way could they wait for them.

The Admiral was out of sight, and Shane hoped he had found another way in. Shane risked a peak as the woman was crouching before Beatrice, taunting her with her weapon. Beatrice kept her cool and it was apparent she was still under the effects of the drug and searching for a way out.

“I don’t know you! How can I have destroyed your life? You are insane.”

The woman snarled at her, backhanding her with her gun. “You. Should. Have. Chosen. Me!” Another hit. “You hired complete fools over the years, but never took a second look at me, bitch!”