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Kimoto was one enemy you didn’t want to confront solo.
He exhaled heavily into the dark. He just had to have faith. Faith in his team, his training, and most of all, in the bond that had seen them through the black times. They would watch each other’s backs, like always.
It seemed like a minute later when he jolted awake to the sound of a floorboard creaking. He tensed, his senses on high alert as his eyes scanned the dark cabin. The place didn’t look like much, but the solar-powered security system was state-of-the-art. A mouse wouldn’t make it to the door undetected.
In the other room, Jane stirred, mumbling in her sleep.
He got up silently, moving to the window to peer out at the moonlit yard. They’d parked the Camry out of sight in the trees, but he searched for any signs of movement, any hint they’d been tracked here.
The woods were still. Peaceful under the bright moon.
Returning to the couch, he sank back down. He checked his phone again for any word from Jason. Nada.
Come on, buddy, he thought.Don’t go getting yourself killed out there. We’re coming. Eventually.
Setting the phone aside, he breathed deeply, trying to calm his thoughts. He stretched out on the lumpy cushions, staring up at the silvery shadows playing across the ceiling.
Taking down a few rogue agents was one thing. But up against the Consortium, a shadow organization of ruthless operatives and endless resources, what chance did they have?
Especially with Jason still out there, probably chasing their best assassin. Or was the cleaner chasing Jay-man?
Bridger clenched his jaw. No, he couldn’t think like that. Jason was the best, nearly equal to Mason in skill. If anyone could evade the killer, it was him.
Still, unease gnawed at Bridger’s gut. He should be out there, watching his friend’s six. Instead he was holed up here, wounded and waiting. Useless.
With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes. “Lord, please keep Jason safe a little longer. Guide us until we can join forces again.”
The cabin fell silent except for the soft sounds of Jane’s breathing, as moonlight spilled through the windows. Whatever showdown loomed with the Consortium, he’d keep Jason’s sister safe.
He clung to that promise as exhaustion finally claimed him.
20
Jane jolted awake,the remnants of a nightmare about Kellen still flickering through her mind. The cabin was freezing. The stale smell of smoke from last night’s fire hung in the air. Outside it was still pitch black. The dark, cold dawn only added to her depression. Even if they did locate Kellen, would she be there to raise him now, or would she be in prison, a victim of Pete’s careless web of lies?
Bridger’s deep murmur cut through the depressing thoughts. That’s what woke her. His phone.
She tugged on her yoga pants and stepped into the main room. Bridger was on the couch, a quilt around his shoulders, phone to his ear.
“Copy that. Great work,” he murmured into the device before hanging up.
He spread open the quilt invitingly, gesturing for her to sit next to him.
She complied and relaxed as he snuggled them both beneath the warm fabric. “Success,” he told her, beaming with joy from whatever conversation he just had over the phone. “Pete went for the bait. Kate and Fenn have him in custody. They’re on their way to the ranch as we speak.”
After all the worry, it seemed too easy. “Seriously?”
Bridger gave her a wounded look. “I wouldn’t joke about that.”
They had Pete. The words ricocheted off the inside of her skull a few times before the meaning sank in.
She smacked her forehead. “Right. No. Of course, you wouldn’t.”
She jumped up. “I need to see him. I’ll make him tell me where Kellen is.” Her brain was clearing fast now. They were four hours south of Redemption Creek. If they left now...
“Easy,” Bridger said, smile still firmly in place. “Tai’s on his way to fetch us in the helo now.”
“Can’t the FAA or the FBI track flights?”
