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“But Sophie tried calling him and he didn’t answer.”

“Because he doesn’t want her involved.” He smiled ruefully. “Too late for that.”

I nodded.

“And,” Code continued. “He’s going to think that Jasper Creek is as good a safe spot as any. Remember, he’s trying to stay away from the Russians, and he’ll want to get to his sister before they do. He’ll have no idea that he’s running right toward the hornet’s nest.”

His hand found mine, warm and steady.

"I’ve defended worse positions with worse odds," he said quietly.

"Have you?" I asked. "Really?"

He was quiet for a moment. "No," he admitted. "But we've got good people. And we're fighting for them. That makes a difference."

Outside the window, clouds stretched endlessly white. Somewhere behind us, Viktor Sokolov's plane was closing the distance, bringing violence to a town that had shown me nothing but kindness.

But waiting in that town were men who'd spent their lives defending people who couldn't defend themselves. Delta Force. Raiders. SEALs. Men who'd just been told their children were potentially in danger.

The plane began its descent toward Knoxville.

Two hours until boots on the ground.

The war for Jasper Creek was about to begin.