Knox shrugged. "We were hiding upstairs, so we didn't see everything. But I guarantee you there are three bombs in there, and all four guards at the very least. It's possible there's a fifth—the driver. Now that I think about it."
Jason's peculiar look didn't waver. "Everything you're saying makes sense."
"Then what's wrong?"
"I don't know. You tell me. When you said you didn't know when the truck got there, you had a weird look on your face."
"Now you sound like Allie," said Knox. "You're trying to read my mind."
"No," Jason said again. "I just saw a concerning look on your face."
"Concerning?"
"Yes, as your friend, I'm concerned. Why didn't you see the truck get there? What are you not telling me?"
"Nothing that has anything to do with this situation. Come on. What else do we need? Does Rowan have the extra comms?"
"Stop changing the subject," Jason said. His eyes lit up. "Wait a minute . . . you were hiding upstairs in that dark office?"
"Yeah."
"With Allie?"
"Yeah, of course. Look, I don't know what you're asking. We werehiding. We didn't want to be seen, so we weren't looking out the windows of the office until we heard the voices downstairs and I heard that closet door open."
Jason started grinning. "I've known you a long time, Knox. Why don't you just tell me?"
"Okay, fine. I kissed her. You happy now? I kissed her during an operation. You going to fire me?"
Jason laughed. "No, not at all. Not even going to report it," he said. "Even with Allie as a distraction—and you have to admit she is a distraction—you're still twice the agent of anyone else at WhiteRock. Except me, of course." He couldn't stifle his laugh any longer.
Knox rolled his eyes. "I'm glad you're enjoying this."
"Oh, I am. I am. And for the record, I'm happy for you. She's good for you. Just keep your head in the game."
"You don't need to worry about me."
When they returned to room 336, Rowan's head popped over his monitor. "I have good news!" he practically shouted. Then he whipped his head to Allie, looking unsure whether or not he was supposed to share the news or she was.
Allie nodded to him. "Go ahead. Tell him."
He looked back at Jason. "There are only two guys in the truck now. They parked in the rear parking area, and there are some cameras out there. I've been keeping an eye on them."
"Where did the other two go?" asked Jason.
"Another car picked them up—a green Jeep. I didn't get a good view at the driver, and I don't know where they went. But the truck's still sitting there, all three bombs inside, and only two guards in the truck. The Jeep left the area. Sorry, I didn't have a way to track where it went."
Jason gave a slow nod. "Don't apologize. Good work." He scratched his jaw. "The two that left, plus the driver of the Jeep, that's three guys unaccounted for. That worries me a little. But we need to focus on the bombs, so let's stick to that for now." He looked at Knox. "Our job just got a little easier."
Knox glanced at his reflection in an oversized mirror in the lobby. He looked like a policeman. He and Jason were wearing matching security uniforms provided by Drakos. It wasn't a bad idea. Jason was afraid they might attract unwanted attention getting the guards out of the truck, but if they were dressed as hotel security, they could play it off as having to deal with unruly guests. They didn't want any resort guests calling the police.
Keeping a casual pace through the parking area, they played the part of resort security making routine rounds, until they came within ten feet of the truck. On Jason's mark, they rushed the truck from opposite sides, surprising the driver and his passenger.
They'd discussed a variety of tactics on the way to the truck, but time was a factor, so they quickly narrowed it down. Strong and quick—a show of force. Before the driver or the passengerknew what was happening, Jason and Knox threw open the doors and pointed their sidearms at the guards.
Jason and Knox both yelled, "Hands up! Let me see your hands!"
The initial shock froze both guards.
