"We can't abort," Tam's voice cuts through, resolute."But we need a new approach."
I begin formulating options in my mind.The north face has a maintenance door according to the blueprints Thane's contacts provided.If we could create a diversion at the east entrance where I'm currently positioned...
"Magnus," I hiss, "what about the maintenance entrance on the north side?If we split the team---"
"Too risky with these new players," he interrupts."We need---"
His voice cuts off as a soft beep sounds in my ear, followed by Bert's urgent tone."Multiple heat signatures converging on the east perimeter.Kirk, they're heading directly toward your position.I repeat, they're moving toward you."
Mhac na galla.I flatten myself as much as humanly possible, but this mission will go sideways in the worst way unless I do something.I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this, but I will not let my team down.So I tell my mates, "Everyone go silent.Keltie, move your team to the positions we rehearsed."
"Aye," Keltie confirms."We won't go in until we see your signal."
I slip away and find my gear exactly where I'd left it, then get everything set for the stunt of a lifetime.This is no ordinary mission.I'm in my element now.Adrenaline pumps through my veins, sharpening my senses as I move silently through the underbrush.The gear I've retrieved includes a specialized grappling hook, lightweight climbing harness, and a small array of distraction devices that Keltie designed specifically for this operation.
I pull the night vision goggles over my eyes, and the world transforms into shades of green.The approaching heat signatures become clear now---four men moving in a diamond formation, sweeping the area systematically.Professional.Dangerous.Exactly the kind of challenge I live for.
"In position," I whisper, so softly I barely hear it myself."Beginning diversion in thirty seconds."
I dinnae wait for confirmation.There's no time.The approaching team will discover my hiding spot in less than a minute if I don't act now.I pull out the first of my distraction devices, a small canister designed to emit a brief, bright flash followed by a low hum that should draw attention away from my team.
With practiced precision, I toss it to land about fifteen meters to my right.Three seconds later, it activates with a flash that would be blinding to anyone not wearing protective gear.As expected, the approaching team immediately redirects toward the distraction.
"East team diverted," I breathe into the comm."Proceeding to phase two."
Chapter Forty-Three
Kirk
I waste no time, using the momentary distraction to slip away from my hiding place and rush toward the eastern wall of the compound.Years of free climbing and stunt work have made my muscles respond automatically, finding handholds in the rough stone that most wouldn't notice.The grappling hook makes a softthwipas it secures itself to the top of the wall.I test it with a sharp tug, feeling it catch securely.Then I glance back to ensure I'm not being watched and begin my ascent, every movement swift but controlled.This is what I do best---moving through spaces others can't, finding paths where none seem to exist and taking wild chances.This is all for the greater good this time.
I reach the top of the wall in seconds, pressing myself flat against it as I survey the compound below.From this vantage point, I can see the inner courtyard, dimly lit and patrolled by two more guards.Kenny is being held somewhere inside Cairntorran, according to our intel.I need to climb up to the second floor, east wing, third room from the end of the hallway.
Getting in is the easy part.
"I'm on the wall," I whisper into my comm."Interior has two visible hostiles.Proceeding to entry point."
I detach the grappling hook and secure it for my descent on the inner side of the wall.As I prepare to drop down, I catch sight of something unexpected---a third guard, previously hidden in the shadows beneath a stone archway.Mhac na galla.The intel was off.
"Update: third hostile identified," I inform the team."Adjusting approach."
"Abort if necessary," Logan reminds me."We can try another---"
"No time," I cut him off."Kenny's been in there too long already."
I monitor the patrol pattern for another minute.The third guard is on a different rotation than the other two, creating a small window of opportunity when all three will have their backs turned.It's not much, but it's all I need.I slide down the rope in one fluid motion, my boots touching the ground with barely a whisper.As I detach the line and flatten myself against the nearest wall, I remind myself to breathe quietly.The darkness wraps around me like a second skin, a welcome ally in this treacherous game.
My heart pounds, but my hands are steady.This is what separates professionals from amateurs---the ability to function when your body's screaming at you to run.The adrenaline sharpens my senses rather than dulling them.As I track the guards' movements, I count the seconds in my head.Twenty-three seconds until the next opening.Twenty-two.Twenty-one.
"East entrance is unguarded but likely alarmed," I whisper."Going in through the servant's window as planned."
Logan's voice crackles in my ear."Satellite shows heat signatures concentrated in the north wing.Be careful, Kirk."
"Always am," I lie, smirking to myself.
When the count hits zero, I dart across the open space, my footfalls imperceptible on the flagstones.I had scoped out the manor three days ago, thanks to the intel Thane provided.I've memorized the entire physical layout of Cairntorran Manor by heart thanks to Keltie's guidance.She is an amazing lass.
Though not as amazing as Gretchen Carver.No one could outdo her.
