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“Are you using live ammo?” I ask. Our rounds can’t penetrate the body like a bullet would, so taking two out with one shot isn’t possible.
“No! That wasn’t me. Someone else must have done it. Possibly Alpha Three.”
“Alpha Three, was it you who took the shot? What’s going on? Do you have eyes on the situation?”
“No, that wasn’t me. It was one of Jordain’s men. It doesn’t look like the two groups are working together. Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on.”
When the sound of gunfire stops long enough that I finally get a chance to peek around the tree and line up a shot, I’m unable to take it. My jaw drops at what I’m witnessing.
At least a dozen men are engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Julietta’s men being overpowered by Jordain’s.
Jessie stands up and looks over at me, shrugging her shoulders. “Should we get involved or let them duke it out?”
“I think we should make popcorn and enjoy the show,” Jerry chimes in, lowering his weapon so it’s not pointed at anyone.
I can’t make heads or tails of what’s happening, but I’ll gladly let Jordain’s guard battle it out with Julietta’s, reducing the number we’ll have to face once they’re done. “Whatever you do, stay sharp. This might be an ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’ scenario. I don’t want to be caught with our pants down if they flip on us.”
As soon as Julietta’s cadre of guards have been subdued, Jordain’s men turn to face us. Instinctually, I point my weapon in their direction. I’m not going to go down without a fight.
“Hold your fire, Knight! We are not here to harm you but to help!”
“Forgive me if I’m not quick to believe you. You’ve been scouting our property, sending in drones, trying to disrupt our communications, and never bothering to stop by for coffee.”
I hear the man chuckle. “You can keep your weapons pointed at us while we carry your enemy from these woods. Our hands will be full and unable to hurt anyone. Then we shall make introductions and have a cup of tea.”
It’s not the worst idea, but I don’t like it either. “Will you agree to surrender your weapons until this is sorted out?” If he agrees, it will go a long way in establishing a rapport.
“If you insist. Men, place your weapons on the ground and step back!” It’s nice to know that I’m dealing with someone with authority.
I speak softly so only my team can hear. “Alpha Three, keep your cover and your eyes out. If any of these guys make a move, knock them out.”
“Alpha Three copies. I’ve got your six. Well, from my position, I’m at your twelve.” Savannah giggles, and my mouth quirks up imperceptibly.
“Alpha Two and Alpha Four, please collect their weapons.” Jerry and Jessie promptly comply, gathering up nine guns in total. She slings four of them over her shoulders and walks back to her position. As she does so, I notice the weapons on her back aren’t your typical rifles. They’re lightweight rifle dart guns. Jerry returns with the remaining five of them, handing me two so that he’s not bogged down and has the mobility to point his weapon.
“After you,” I tell the leader. I’m ready for answers, but standing here in the woods isn’t the place to get them.
We surround them as they drag the bound men the final 300 yards to the clearing in front of the house. Savannah emerges a few seconds later, surprising all of them.
“Nice. I had no idea she was even there,” the man says with a smile.
I lower my weapon toward the ground. “I guess it’s time for introductions.” Before the man can give me his name, a car comes barreling down the driveway with his lights on full bright, blinding us in the process. Everyone flips up their NVDs to prevent damage to our retinas. It takes a minute for my eyes to adjust, but when they do, I watch as Kiernan and a man I haven’t seen in almost ten years get out of the SUV.
I immediately put Kiernan in my sights, and he raises his hands in surrender. “What’s with the hostility, Patrick? We’re here to save the day!” he jokes. I don’t laugh, and neither does anyone else.
“Now’s not the time for banter, Kiernan,” the older gentleman says. “My son-in-law has been through enough and doesn’t need to deal with your shenanigans right now.”
Trevor Caras approaches me and gives me one of those “man hugs” where you slap the back three times. Then he does something I don’t expect. He goes over to the man heading up Jordain’s royal guard and does the same.
“I see you got my message. Thank you for using tranquilizing darts, as I requested. These men were lied to and were just following orders. Though they were misguided, their hearts were in the right place,” he says, genuinely grateful.
“What do you plan to do with them?” I ask.
“We will return them to Cothena, where they will be reprimanded. But they aren’t the ones who deserve to be punished. The person behind all of this is. Where are my daughter and grandson?”
I point toward the house, “In the panic room.”
Trevor gasps, “You left them alone?”
