“So, less than a week.”
“Something like that.”
“Sloane still threatening to kick your ass?”
Nick grinned. “Only when she’s not threatening to put a bullet in it.” He sobered. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t life or death.”
Tierney scrubbed her hand across her face, edged closer to Buck as if the man grounded her. “Five minutes, but just because I’m listening doesn’t mean I’m agreeing to anything.”
“Understood.” Nick looked over at her. “Rowan.”
Rowan inhaled. This was it. Her one chance to convince Tierney they were worthy of her time, her skill, or they’d have to attempt the trek alone. Bodie placed his hand on her back in a silent show of support as she outlined the entire situation — ended with how they needed her help to access the grounds, save her father and gather enough proof they could burn Veridian to the ground.
Tierney barely moved throughout the exchange, the occasional twitch of her eye her only reaction. She raked her hand through her hair once Rowan had finished, looking as if she wanted to pull some of it out. “If you knew what this trail was like, you’d find another way.”
Bodie took over. “According to Sloane, there isn’t one.”
“Then, I suggest you let it go. Or wait until you can launch a full assault because trying to scramble up the rock section in the winter’s suicide.”
Bodie held firm. “Sloane seems to think you’ve done it before.”
Tierney pursed her lips, rolling her shoulders a bit as if her skin didn’t quite fit. “Doesn’t mean I want to do it, again.”
“It’s extremely important.”
Tierney huffed. “Didn’t you smell the rain outside? Storm’s coming in.”
Rowan inched closer. “All the more reason to leave now. Before it hits.”
Tierney shook her head. “I don’t guide people up there. I only go alone and only when…” She blew out a shuddering breath, a couple tremors shaking through her. “I’m not an operative anymore. That person died with the rest of my team.” She headed for the door. “I’ve listened. Now, I’d like you all the leave.”
“Tierney.” Buck jogged the few steps over to her, gently hooking her elbow before she cleared the door. “I know this is a huge ask but… They’re holding her father.”
Tierney spun. “You think I don’t know what it’s like to be the one praying for someone to rescue you? To stare at the door and wonder if it’s ever gonna open? To have to make peace with the fact you simply weren’t worth saving?”
Nick bolted forward. “That’s not true. We looked. For weeks, but…” His voice faded, the reality of the situation hitting hard. Weighing down the air. That regardless of his intentions, she’d been left behind.
Rowan glanced at Dalton. Body rigid, jaw clenched, he looked as if he’d crack if anyone tried to move him — exerted a counting force. While she didn’t know the parameters of his mission, she knew he’d been left behind, too. Had been presumed dead until that serial killer case with Greer and Chase had uncovered the truth. That Nick had been the one to rescue him.
Five years later.
That a lesser man would have given up hope. Become one with the shadows.
Rowan stepped toward Tierney. “We can’t force you to go — wouldn’t. But if there’s a chance my father’s still alive, we have to try. It sounds as if our chances would be exponentially better if you’d take us there.”
Tier drew herself up. “It’s not that I don’t want to help you, it’s just… I lost my team once. I can’t do that again.”
Buck maintained his grip. “You’re not going to lose us.”
Tier tugged at his hold, pressing her arm against her chest when he let go. “You can’t promise that.”
“Yeah, I can because you know me. You know what I’m capable of, and I’m personally vouching for everyone else.” Buck eased forward. “This isn’t just about helping us, it’s also about reclaiming a piece of your soul. That’s why you’ve been risking the trail, scouting the perimeter, looking for some kind of weakness. You knew there was something evil inside, and I think you need to rescue them, too. To save them the way you’d needed to be saved.” He leaned down until his face was level with hers. “We’re giving you the chance to be the one who opens the door.”
Tier’s chin quivered as she gazed around the room before focusing on Buck. “And if you’re wrong?”
“I’m not, but if something does happen, it’s on us. We know the risks, Tier. We still need to try.” He brushed his fingers along her jaw. “But we won’t make it without you.”
Tierney closed her eyes, pressed against Buck’s palm before backing up through the door. She took a couple deep breaths, then lifted her head high as she stepped backwards onto the porch. “What are you waiting for?”
