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Now isn’t the time. I lock thoughts about Lake and our possible future away then reach for the Glock holstered at my side. It’s not her hand, but it gives me something to hold. A reminder of the job we’re here to do. I eject the magazine, check to make sure everything is in order, then slam it back inside. We’re each wearing a tactical vest, Lake included, and I mentally picture the layout of the villa, along with all possible points of egress.
The op should go smoothly and I’m not expecting any trouble.
Famous last words, right?
The good thing is sat images show the villa is surrounded by foliage, so we’ll have plenty of cover. Maddox parks the SUV about one klick away, deep in the woods at the edge of a tree-covered hill. Everyone gets out, double and triple checks their gear, and then I turn to Lake and pull at the straps of her vest. It’s secure and when she looks up at me with so much trust in her dark eyes, my heart slams against my ribs.
“Stick close to me. You’re going to be fine,” I tell her and she nods.Damn, she’s a trooper.Even though Sailor and Maddox are right there, I lean in and press my lips against hers.Yeah, I’m declaring Blakely Sullivan is mine.Let the whole world see.
As we begin to hike through the trees, Sailor can’t hide her grin, but she doesn’t comment. I’m sure I’ll get an earful of teasing later, after the op, but for now she stays focused. Lake keeps up really well with my long-legged stride and when we reach the edge of the hill, we turn on our earpieces and do a quick comms check.
According to Ryan’s intel, Mila Ward is located in the northwest corner, second floor. Sailor will circle around and keep a lookout in front while Maddox will keep eyes on the back of the mansion and Lake. My job is to scale over the outside wall, cross the lawn and climb up to the window. Since it’s covered in bars, I’ve got a Metal Vapor Torch attached to my belt which is the next best thing to a lightsaber. It’s the size of a tactical flashlight, completely quiet during operation, and can slice through a half-inch steel bar in less than a second. The MVT works just as well underwater and I’m grateful to be keeping my feet on dry land today.
“Stay close to Maddox,” I tell Lake and she nods.
After Sailor, Maddox and I exchange a quick thumbs-up, I order Ryan to scramble the villa’s security feed. Sailor moves left and I take a few steps back. Then I make a running leap at the wall, throwing myself as high as possible. Turning my face, I slam against the stone and immediately find finger and toe holds. Tilting my head back, I scan the 15 feet of stone wall towering above me and begin to slowly and carefully climb up, wedging my fingers into nooks and crannies where the rock has chipped or broken loose over time. I heave my body up, find new holds and do it all over again.
The climb is a pain in the ass, but I’ve done worse. When I reach the top, I’m tempted to look back down to make sure Lake is okay, but I know that she is. So I roll forward, tucking my shoulder, and pop up into a low crouch, running toward the barred, second-floor window on my right.
I’ve got another climb ahead of me and this one should be easier. Reaching for the rope hooked to my belt, I unclip it. Eyeing the distance, finding the correct length, I toss it up and watch as it perfectly circles a wrought-iron fixture beside the window. After testing its hold, I start to pull myself up, flattening my boots against the wall to stabilize myself. When I reach the top, I step onto a small stone ledge and reach for the MVT.
So far, so good.Now let’s just hope Mila doesn’t freak out when she sees me breaking into her room.
After attaching the small fuel cartridge, I hit the button and a precise blast of flame cuts through the iron bar. I do all four corners then toss the entire frame down onto the ground below. Even though my work is done in virtual silence, the curtains are open and soon a woman with dark hair and eyes is staring through the glass at me.
“Mila Ward? Open the window. I’m getting you out of here,” I say in a firm voice.
She must be as ready as I am to blow this pop stand because she pulls the glass window open. “Who are you?” she asks in a low voice.
“Dash Slater. I’m here to rescue you.” I’ve always wanted to say that line. But as pretty as Mila is, she isn’t my Princess Leia.
“Let’s go,” she responds without hesitation and swings a leg over the windowsill.
I hold up a hand. “Do you have any Tantium Force here?”
“No. Caruso wants it, but it was stolen from me a couple of weeks ago by some very scary Russian guys.”
I give a sharp nod then help her over the ledge and onto the opposite stone fixture. “Hope you’re not scared of heights,” I murmur as I tie the rope around her waist.
“I’m more scared of Caruso,” she says.
“Okay, you’re going to step off the ledge and I’m going to lower you down. Once you reach the bottom, pull the knot loose. Ready?”
“Ready,” she answers, then steps right out into thin air.
I have to give her credit, she’s being pretty fearless. As quickly as possible, I let the rope slide through my grip and watch as Mila drops down in a controlled fall. The moment her feet hit the grass, she pulls the knot free and I draw the rope back up, hand over hand. After a fast check, I turn and begin rappelling down the side of the building. Once my boots hit solid ground, I touch my earpiece. “I have the package and we’re heading for the back wall.”
“On my way to the rendezvous point,” Sailor reports.
“In position,” Maddox replies. “All clear.”
I grab Mila’s elbow, pulling her down lower, and we race across the back lawn to the stone wall. “Same thing as before,” I tell her, circling the rope around her waist. “I’m going to help you over the edge and just walk your way down the wall, okay?”
“Got it,” she says and hops up on the wall’s ledge.
When I look over, I see Maddox waiting below, ready to assist. As I help Mila step over the side and get into position, it occurs to me that it’s extremely quiet.
Too quiet.
