“Whatexactlyare you implying?” I say, my voice carrying a warning.
“Nothing,” Clover says shakily. “You just…you deserve better.”
“That is not for you to decide, Ashford,” I say sharply. “Focus on the mission. Because if it fails, I will disband this unit…by putting a bullet in everyone’s eye.”
I park the truck, glad to be outside. Clover spent the entire ride staring at me with a wounded look. All because I am doing my job by focusing on getting our friend back.
By the time we cut a path through the trees. I spot the faint outline of the abandoned house peeking between the trees. Moonlight catches on the broken roof tiles, and vines tangle around the structure like a curtain. The only sound is the screeching cries of the crickets and the rush of the nearby river.
I take the lead, Clover and Delta close behind.
There are multiple boot prints on the ground—more people than we expected. I count at least eight different-sized shoes in the mud.
Figures stir in the trees. Snipers. Around a dozen people are circling the area—their identity concealed by ridiculous plastic masks.
There are enough of them to make us break a sweat.
I draw out my radio and call in for back-up.
I signal to Grayson and Orion, lowering my hand slowly. Their eyes flick to mine, tight and uneasy.
“Twelve, maybe more,” I whisper, nodding toward the prints. “Spread out. No sudden movements. We shadow them until I give the word.”
Grayson’s jaw tightens, but he moves with practiced efficiency, flanking me as we creep closer.
The others fan out, slowly stepping forward, rifles trained on the building. Every snap of a twig beneath a boot sends my pulse spiking. I glare at the big-footed bastard, one of the Delta squad members—Ansel’s man. He gives me an apologetic nod behind his visor, acknowledging my anger.
I catch the glint of a scope. A man pauses, scanning the perimeter. He hasn’t noticed us yet, which is shocking considering the elephants behind me.
I motion for Grayson to approach.
“Rookie,” I murmur, eyes never leaving the rebels, “move to the east side. Signal with one tap if they split up.”
Grayson huffs quietly but obeys, disappearing into the shadows. I catch his silhouette freeze as he spots movement.
One tap.
They’re moving. Just as I predicted. Rotations.
I take a low crouch, gesturing for my team to advance. Orion’s team cleaves on the opposite side of mine.
“Ender, I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” Spider whispers. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be on Orion’s side?” I hiss. “Is this a joke to you, Halstead?”
“No, of course, not. It just didn’t feel right to go in there without clearing the air,” Spider says. “You mean a lot to me, Ender. And I know I don’t say it often, but I love you.”
I grit my teeth.
“Great, your words made me feelsomuch better,” I say dryly. “Now, shut it, before I cut out your tongue.”
I take the lead, shoving him behind me. My shoulders loosen when he stays back and keeps silent.
It’s like theywantto give away our cover.
Once we find Knox, we’re going to have a long discussion on boundaries and taking missions more seriously.
chapter
