AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The light outside was too dim for Bridger to see the swarm of tiny drones—nicknamed ‘bees’ for their size and ability to gather intel—but he knew Tai was guiding them to the top of the building where they’d slip down the heater vent into the motel room. This method had worked for them multiple times in the past, but the stakes felt higher this time.
“Bees in position,” Tai said. “I’ve got eyes.”
Each drone was armed with a powerful micro camera, capturing every detail of the room.
“Got something.” Tai’s voice hitched as a small figure appeared on the screen. “It’s him.”
Jane practically shot upright in her seat. “Kellen?”
“Yep. Alone, too.”
“Thank you, Jesus.” Relief washed over Bridger, but there was no time to celebrate. Not until they had the boy.
“Kid’s just watching cartoons and eating ice cream,” Tai reported.
And suddenly, Bridger couldn’t stand the waiting. He wrapped his fingers around the door handle. “Let’s hit it.”
“Negatory, Oh, Exalted One.” Tai’s rebuke was cloaked in humor. As usual. “Chillax a sec. You’re hotter than a bake sale on the Fourth of July.”
Despite the tension, someone snickered over the comlink.
Bridger could hear the concern Tai wasn’t quick to show. His buddy was right; ‘Don’t run to your death,’ was a prized SEAL saying for a reason.
“Sure thing, partner.” Grudgingly, he nodded, even if every fiber of his being screamed otherwise.
Bridger let go of the door handle. What was he thinking? Tai still had to check for booby traps. Where was his brain?
It was with his heart, in that room with that nine-year-old boy who owned Jane’s soul. His second-in-command was right. He needed to chill.
“Green light, guys.” Tai’s voice broke through the silence. “Room is clear. Door is not chained. Repeat, chain lock has not been activated.”
A small blessing. Bridger could easily jimmy the door lock, but he’d rather not have to bust through the chain and frighten the boy any more than necessary.
Jane’s eyes snapped up, hope glittering like emeralds. It was time.
He swung the door to the SUV open. “Let’s go.”
Jane was out the passenger door before he even swung his legs out, leaving him scrambling to follow.
“Kate, you got our exit covered?” Bridger asked, his tone all business as he leapt from the SUV.
“Like I’d leave you hanging.”
“No. Just me,” Fenn chimed in, his playful tone at odds with the tension gripping Bridger’s chest.
Bridger ignored the byplay, focusing on Jane’s back as they made their way up the stairs. He could practically feel the desperation radiating from her.
“Remember, Cap, slow and steady.” Tai’s warning echoed in his ears, but Bridger couldn’t help the urgency that laced his steps.
“Trust me, I know,” he replied, gritting his teeth against the urge to push forward faster. “It’s not like I can slow her down.”
Jane’s heels hit the concrete steps, the sound echoing sharply through the air. Bridger was a breath behind, his focus razor-sharp on her movements.
Once they closed in on the door, Bridger pushed Jane gently behind him. “Entering now,” he told the team over the comlink.
“Wait for my signal,” he ordered Jane.
It took her a second, but finally she nodded, her gaze intent on the door. “Understood.”
