AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I used to worry about that, too,” Tai said, shaking his head. “But you know….”
“We’re not getting the band back together,” Bridger muttered to himself as Tai followed the team into the hangar.
Jane trotted alongside, hands stuffed into her jacket pockets, grinning.
He swiped a hand down his face and hurried after them. He couldn’t be the only one still grappling with the horrors of what they’d done. The innocents they’d killed on faulty orders. The lives they’d destroyed to line the Consortium’s pockets.
He was with Ortiz on this one. Just the one gig.
But did Mason mean button up this extortion case, or find Jason?
Jay-man. Had to be. Figuring out whether Billy Peckham was their perp would be a cinch for this group.
The group disappeared into the building, their voices fading. He might not plan to get back into the black ops business, but he was grateful his friends showed up.
Hands on his hips, he bowed his head.
Dear Jesus, thank you for keeping my friends safe through all the dark times, and thank you for calling on them to back us up. We surely could use the help. And Lord, if you could see your way clear to disabusing them of the idea that we’re back in business, I’d be deeply grateful.
His mind still on the surprise arrival of his team, he almost didn’t hear the soft ding notifying him of the incoming text.
Hammond here. Be advised. Unable to locate Peckham. BOLO issued. My office will keep you updated. Keep Miss Reilly safe.
Okay then. Good thing he’d set his plan in motion. And good thing he had four of the finest operatives he’d ever met watching his six.
29
“Don’t worry,”the man urged his accomplice over the phone. “This doesn’t change anything.”
He mumbled a few more soothing words and hung up, fighting the urge to hurl his phone at the massive living room windows.
The words were a straight-up lie. Bridger North flying in reinforcements changedeverything.
He’d heard the smooth engine winding up as the aircraft streaked down the center of the valley. He even stepped outside to watch it, appreciating the beautiful lines highlighted by the golden afternoon glow.
The only surprise was the cargo. Four others, instead of the two he’d been told to expect.
His body shook with fury. The plan had been foolproof. Until this.
He dug his fingers into the thick leather upholstery, biting back a wave of rage. After everything he’d endured, this had better work.
He threw his head back and opened his mouth, sucking in a lungful of air. It had to work. But if it didn’t, he had an exit strategy. The thought calmed him instantly.
Worst case scenario, his shining future blew apart. So be it. The fallout wouldn’t touch him. He could start again.
Rise again.
And their plan could still work. He hated to imagine failure, but really, for him it was a win-win. Besides, all great accomplishments required courage. Grit.
No matter what his parents said, he wasn’t a quitter.
Tonight, Zack Myles died. Jane Reilly, too, if necessary. Whatever it took. So what if there was collateral damage?
No one would suspect him. His alibi was in place.
The shining future he’d always wanted was so close he could taste it. All they had to do was continue the misdirection. And stay calm. The rest would take care of itself.
And if not, he’d survive. He always did.
