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“It fell out of a tree onto Sorina’s shoulders,” Samuel says confused. “What’s the big deal? It’s just a snake.”
“No, it’s not just a snake,” Vlad says drawing his knife from his boot. “It’s
a black mamba.”
“So?” Hyde’s voice is strained.
I fight to control the panic rising inside me. “Black Mambas are a resident of Africa, not here. Someone put it here. There’s no way this thing was just living in these woods.”
Sorina’s hand flies to cover her mouth.
This is either a huge coincidence, or we are more fucked than we know.
15
~Lily~
“What’s it going to take for us to catch a fucking break?” Dresden’s anger is at a whole new level. “We need to search the woods, Lily.”
“We can’t. There aren’t enough of us. The house would be vulnerable and out there, they’d be able to pick us off.”
He growls, pacing back and forth on the porch. It’s the first time the team has been alone since we got here. Everyone’s emotions are running in overdrive and we’re accomplishing nothing.
“So, what do we do, just sit around and wait?” Samuel asks.
“No. Dresden and I need to look into the rings we’ve taken out over the last year. Only a few people were left alive by Interpol request. We need to find out what happened to them.” I run my hands through my hair and sigh. “But we all need to chill the fuck out. We’re running on emotions and if we don’t get back to the team we were before this case, we’ll get everyone killed.”
“She’s right,” Vlad says, reaching out to take Sammi’s hand. “We all have something to lose, but we’ll lose it quicker if we don’t focus.”
Sammi stares into his face, her eyes and features full of affection.
Well, that’s an odd pairing.
“So, what do we do, Viper?” Samuel takes a hesitant step forward.
“One person on patrol, every night, starting tonight. I’ll take tonight. Full weapons when you’re on duty. Tiger,” I looked sternly at Samuel. “I want you to cover both Blake and Sorina tonight while I’m outside.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tiger?” Vlad tilts his head to the side an amused smile on his lips.
“After the tiger snake. Large, fast, and very venomous. The kid killed Maria and probably saved my life and was quick enough to subdue a black mamba without getting him or Sorina bitten. He’s part of the team.”
Samuel’s grin is blinding— ear to ear with pride shining in his eyes. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“If you call me ma’am again, I’m going to punch you. Viper or Lily. I’m only nine years older than you for fuck's sake.”
The team chuckles and we make our way into the house. I’m in for an argument about me taking a patrol. The team knows better than to second-guess my decision. Blake and his family on the other hand . . . they get their kicks fighting with me about shit.
Everyone is seated at the dinner table, eating silently. Blake looks up as we walk in, but I move straight for the bedroom. The sun is almost down and the sinking feeling in my gut won’t quit. If there’s someone in the woods, then the safe house is compromised. There’s no way in hell that particular snake just happened to find its way into Maryland. Not unless it broke out of the Aquarium.
My back aches, the stitches itching like crazy as I pull on my black leggings and a long-sleeve black shirt. I’ll be glad when this shit is completely healed. It’d be nice if Maria was still alive. It’d give me great pleasure to return the favor with my own knife.
Throwing my duffle bag on the bed, I put on my shoulder holsters and lock each 9mm into place. My whip clips easily to my belt, along with my hunting knife. I sling my sniper rifle over my back and carry my shotgun. It’s overkill, but taking chances isn’t an option anymore. We’ve taken things too lightly in the past and it’s gotten people damn near killed.
Shit, my boots are in the living room.
Everyone turns in my direction as I flop on the sofa and tug on my combat boots.
