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“Whose territory is this?” I ask Ivo as we drive toward Tanya’s location.
“Comet International’s private land, according to Joshua’s research,” he replies.
Behind us is an envoy of cars—Ivo’s people and a few other teams of Minor Arcana, and Sophie’s gang, almost in full force. They’re smaller than us but gaining allies quickly. Must be the lack of mistreatment among their ranks.
It took us a day to organize ourselves. Gathering resources and information took a bit of time, but I’m confident we will end the cult tonight. No more immortality for the monster who haunts Tanya and paralyzes Jenya. They deserve a fresh start, free from the villain of their past.
“We’re expecting a fair bit of resistance,” Ivo continues. “This appears to be the headquarters of another security firm Comet International works with.”
“I thought we destroyed most of Crossfire?” I rummage into the backpack at my feet and fish out my iPad. I pull out the satellite images of the place we’re about to raid.
“Crossfire was specifically hired for the hospital. The ones we’ll face are part of the owner’s private security.”
“Where’s the other part?”
“With his brother, who’s currently away abroad. In Belarus, I think. In any case, we’re not just facing a couple of old guys. This will be a fight. Are you sure you want to be here?” Ivo asks.
“Yes. This is my fight. I will load the explosives as you clear the buildings. Is your team coming with me? I have five metal cases that need carrying.”
“I still think it’s a bad idea to bring explosives into a potential gunfight.” Ivo shakes his head.
“They’re in bulletproof cases. It’s as safe as it can be. Plus, I will stay away from the fighting. You know I can’t fight to save my life.” I move the static image around my screen. The main building is right at the back of the property. I bet it’s where they’re keeping the remains of the cult.
“Those guys from last week will probably disagree.” Ivo smiles my way.
“Oh, that was all Tanya. I would be long dead if it wasn’t for her and her shelf.” I chuckle, some of the tension leaving my shoulders.
She’s a fighter. We will find her alive and well, with Jenya under her protective wing. All will be fine.
When we’re close enough to walk to the compound but far enough not to be seen, we all park and gear up.
I’m in my black jeans and a black T-shirt. The day is warm, so I didn’t want to overheat in a coat. Ivo nudges a bulletproof vest my way. I hate the feel of them. They restrict my movements and make me feel trapped.
“It might save your life.” He throws it my way, refusing to acknowledge my hesitation. As I turn around, I can’t see anyone without one, so I put it on.
As Ivo’s team put the bulletproof cases with explosives on their backs and I secure my own, Damien and Sophie join us at the side of the road.
“My people are split into two groups. We’ll go in first and clear the side building here and here. Damien and I will lead Team 1, and Jett and Angela will lead Team 2.” Sophie jabs a finger at the printed satellite image of the property. “What do you want us to do with people we come across? I prefer to avoid killing unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
I nod and look at Ivo, who is shaking his head.
“They’re trained security personnel. That hesitation may cost you your life,” he says.
“Exactly. They’re hired help. Their minds can be changed without killing them.” Damien joins the conversation.
There’s suddenly tension in the air. I won’t let this escalate. “How about this? Round up everyone you can and kill if your life is in danger. The Arcana will take all the prisoners as we’re paying for most of this operation.”
Ivo rolls his eyes but doesn’t say anything. He knows how we do things is important to me. And I’m not a killer.
“Okay.” Sophie seems pleased. “What’s the plan with the explosives?”
“Ivo’s team and I will be following one of your squads. I will prep the buildings as soon as they’re cleared. I can’t split in two, so I will be zig-zagging across the property to make sure explosives are placed before we raid the main building. It’s a safe distance away, so we can detonate from there.”
“Are you destroying it after?” Damien asks.
“I have enough explosives to knock it down, but if we deem it useful in any other way, it will stay. We’ll play it by ear.”
“All right. Mathias is going with you. He’ll tend to any injured people who get left behind,” Sophie adds.
