Henry retrieved the gun, checking it quickly. "She has a point, Walker. Three against two are better odds."
Walker wanted to argue, to protect her, to keep her as far from danger as possible. But the tactical part of his brain recognized the logic. "Can you shoot?" he asked Sabrina.
"Dad took me to the range every month after he installed the new security system. I'm not expert level, but I won't accidentally shoot you."
The hint of dark humor surprised a smile out of Walker. "Fine. But you stay behind cover at all times."
He grabbed another gun and handed it to her, making sure it was ready. “Henry, kitchen. Sabrina, behind the table.” He moved to the table and toppled it over.
Walker took the position by the window, ready to engage the intruders before they even reached the cabin. He checked his ammunition, and the backup knife strapped to his ankle.
"Remember," he told Sabrina, "Stay down. If I tell you to run, you run. No arguments."
Her eyes met his, fierce and determined. "Just don't get yourself killed playing hero."
Before he could respond, something crashed through the front window—a small metal canister that immediately began spewing smoke.
"Gas!" Walker shouted. "Bathroom! Now!"
They scrambled toward the small bathroom, the only room without windows.
Henry slammed the door behind them, stuffing a towel along the bottom to block the gas.
The small space forced them close together, Sabrina pressed between Walker and the sink as Henry wedged himself against the door.
Walker's body shielded hers instinctively, one arm braced against the wall above her head.
"What do we do now?" Sabrina whispered, her breath warm against his throat.
Walker could hear movement outside—boots on the wooden porch, voices muttering commands.
"We wait," he said quietly. "They'll expect us to be unconscious or disoriented from the gas. When they come in?—"
"We ambush them," Henry finished.
"Walker," she whispered, her hands coming up to grip his shirt. "If something happens?—"
"It won't," he cut her off, not wanting to hear whatever goodbye she might be preparing.
"But if it does," she insisted, her eyes holding his in the dim light. "I need you to know that I never stopped thinking about you. All these years."
The admission hit him with unexpected force. Before he could respond, the front door crashed open, followed by heavy footsteps.
"On my mark," Walker breathed, readying his weapon. "Henry first, then me, Sabrina stay put until I call."
Henry nodded, taking position. Walker shifted to the side of the door, every sense alert.
"Three... two... one..."
Henry yanked the door open, firing immediately at the first figure he saw.
Walker followed instantly, taking down a second intruder with two precise shots.
The night exploded into gunfire and shouting.
Walker rolled across the floor, taking position behind an overturned chair. "Two down!" he called to Sabrina. "Stay put!"
A third man appeared in the doorway, weapon raised. Walker fired simultaneously with Henry, and the man crumpled.
