Valeria felt Dom’s presence behind her as she spoke. “We’ll be there.”
“Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we take down a traitor.”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
The police stationconference room hummed with tension at 0600 hours. Dom stood at the back of the room, studying the tactical maps spread across the table while police chief Heath Reynolds coordinated what would either be a routine arrest or something much more dangerous.
Valeria sat at the briefing table, her notepad open as she reviewed Rebecca’s evidence one final time. Dom felt a surge of pride watching her work. Gone was any trace of the uncertain rookie he’d first encountered. This was Officer Reynolds, competent and focused, preparing to take down a killer.
“Dalton’s residence is a single-story ranch house on two acres,” Heath announced, pointing to the aerial photographs displayed on the wall monitor.
Dom stepped forward, his military experience automatically cataloging potential problems. “Chief, if I may.” Heath nodded. “Those trees provide excellent cover for defensive positions. Dalton’s associates could pin down your teams in the open ground around the house.”
Gabriel leaned forward, studying the satellite images with new interest. “What do you recommend?”
“Staged approach,” Dom replied, moving to the map. “Then a coordinated breach from multiple angles to prevent escape routes.”
Twenty minutes later, a convoy of police vehicles moved through the mountain roads in the gray pre-dawn light. Dom rode with Valeria in her patrol cruiser, watching her drive with the focus of someone who belonged behind that wheel. Her hands were steady; her movements confident.
The Dalton residence sat at the end of a long gravel driveway, surrounded by towering pines that created natural defensive positions. The convoy rolled to a stop fifty yards from the house. Valeria killed the engine, her hand already moving to her service weapon. “Something feels off.”
“Stay alert,” Dom murmured, scanning the tree line. The morning mist clung to the pines, creating too many shadows. Too many places to hide.
Officers began exiting their vehicles. Dom stepped out, his boots crunching on the gravel. Valeria emerged from the driver’s side, her weapon drawn. The other units formed a loose perimeter.
Gunfire came from the tree line to their left. Professional mercenaries emerged from concealed positions around the property. Dom’s military training kicked in instantly, his body moving on instinct. “Contact left!” he barked. Dom counted eight tangos, all carrying military-grade weapons.
“Gabriel, south perimeter!” Heath’s voice cut through the gunfire. “Stone, take cover behind vehicle three!”
“Eight hostiles confirmed, entrenched positions, professional equipment,” Dom shouted.
The firefight intensified as the mercenaries tried to break the police perimeter.
“Blackthorne, suppress fire on the tree line! Gabriel, flank left while they’re focused on us!” Chief Raynolds commanded.
“They’re trying to funnel us into a kill zone!” Dom yelled.
Valeria was magnificent under fire, her shots precise and controlled as she worked to keep the mercenaries pinned down. Dom felt a surge of pride and terror, watching his mate perform while bullets whined overhead.
The battle raged for twenty brutal minutes. Two officers took minor wounds, but Dom’s tactical expertise helped the PD systematically neutralize the mercenaries.
“Tango down, northwest position!” Gabriel reported.
“Surrendering southeast!” called Officer Holt.
Through the chaos of muzzle flashes and radio chatter, Dom’s enhanced hearing caught the sound of a vehicle engine starting from behind the house. His wolf surged to attention.
“Dalton’s running,” Dom said, his voice tight with determination. “Back of the house, heading for the forest access road.”
Dom looked at the ongoing battle. They had five mercenaries down, three wounded but alive, and the remaining two were pinned behind the shed with Gabriel and Blackthorne closing in. The main threat was neutralized, but their primary target was escaping.
“Chief, Dalton’s attempting to escape. I’m in pursuit,” Dom said through his radio.
“Negative!” Heath’s voice was sharp.
Valeria keyed her radio. “Chief, we’re the only ones in position to intercept. If he gets away, this was all for nothing.”
