“That it?”
“No.” His brother’s voice dropped. “There’s also a basement.”
Damn.“Okay. Let’s pull over here. We’ll bring the others up to speed, and then go in and get Maggie out.”
God, he prayed she was in there. Prayed she was somewhere inside that house, and she was okay.
Eric pulled the car to the side of the road and shoved it into park. Riley barely waited for the tires to stop spinning before jumping out of the car and rounding the back bumper to access the trunk.
With a click of a button, Eric popped the lid so they could grab their gear and get ready.
Weapon in hand—and already wearing his protective vest—Agent Killion ran headstrong from his SUV, nearly beating the rest of the team who was actually parked right behind them.
“What’s the plan?” His voice was low. Deadly.
Right now they needed people who were willing to kill.
As the senior agent on the scene, it was Eric’s duty to take charge and give the orders, so that’s exactly what he did.
“All right, listen up. Derek confirmed this is the location from which the phone call originated,” Eric spoke while he, Riley, and Derek threw on vests and grabbed their guns. “He also found plans to the home’s interior.” He quickly ran through what D had told them about the old farmhouse. “From the looks of things, no one has lived here for several years, so we need to watch our step and be mindful of the structure’s condition. We can’t help anyone if we get hurt.”
“Eric,” Riley prodded.
He gave his partner a curt nod. “Luke, you and Brooke cover the back. Parker and Aaron, you two flank the sides and watch the perimeter. You see anyone trying to run, stop them.”
“This guy’s smart,” Riley added. “He’ll have no problem taking out anyone who gets in his way, so stay sharp.”
Looking like he was ready to bust through the damn door by himself, Noah asked Eric, “Where do you want me?”
Eric looked back at the agent. An almost understanding of sorts passed between them, and he said, “With Derek, backing me and Riley up.”
Normally, a civilian wouldn’t be allowed on an official DPD op. But the department had an agreement with R.I.S.C., one that gave the agent in charge the option to invite them to participate.
Aside from Riley, there was no one Eric trusted more to cover his six than Derek.
Giving a slight tip of his chin, Noah rumbled, “Let’s do this.”
With their weapons at the ready, the group approached the decrepit house with caution. Eric kept his eyes on a constant swivel, refusing to miss even the slightest sign of danger.
These men and women were putting their lives in his hands. He wouldnotlet them—or Maggie—down.
They got to the porch. Careful to watch the unstable boards, Eric motioned for the others to take their designated places around the house while he, Riley, Derek, and Noah made their way to the front door.
With Riley squatted down in front of him, Eric gave her the signal to open the door. The wood squeaked like a banshee, but given the condition of the place, it couldn’t be avoided.
They went inside, Riley covering low as he swept his weapon across the room at eye-level. Each team member had their pocket mags on, making the darkened place light up like a Friday night dance floor.
They cleared the empty living room first, followed by the half bath and what was left of the kitchen. Without a word, Eric motioned for Derek and Noah to take the upstairs while he and Riley approached what he assumed was the basement door.
The sound of his own blood rushing through his veins filled his ears as he reached for the antique knob. Eric turned the metal slowly, keeping his gun hand steady as he gave the door a gentle pull.
He was surprised to find it unlocked.
They were met with complete darkness, so he held his light in front to avoid tripping. Starting down the stairs, Eric noticed a second door at the bottom. This one much newer than the others.
Much, much newer.
“You seeing this?” Riley whispered behind him.
