Romero offers his two cents. “Carnage was prepared. Either for rival gang attacks or law enforcement raids.”
Fowler chimes in next. “Let’s not forget he was also planning an STK mutiny. He had plenty of fucking enemies. For all weknow, the gas was only his first layer of defense. Even hazmat gear might not be enough to get us to him alive.”
I squeeze the bridge of my nose and grit out, “Jesus fucking hell. They walked into a trap. No doubt Carnage is ready to wait us out until the end. We caught him off guard when we showed up at his fortress today, and he’s making his last stand.”
McBride smacks his lips, then cusses under his breath before saying, “Boys, we laid siege on the Alamo. And handed that sumbitch twenty more hostages in the process.”
If they’re alive, I think. But don’t say.
I’m not putting it out in the universe or challenging fate. That was Andrews’ mistake this morning. One I won’t be repeating.
Charlie Three is already lowering into the driver’s seat. “Let’s go back to the rig and see if they caught anything on chest cams from those agents before losing signal. We can’t do anything without more intel or reinforcements.”
He fires up the ignition, and we fly out of there almost as fast as we came in.
Anticipating our approach, SSA Chase is waiting for us when we pour out of the van. Her fists are on her hips, and her jaw is set in stone.
She’s fucking pissed. Join the motherfucking club.
I wonder how long they were blind to what was happening inside.
Behind her, a string of ASACs, SSAs, tech analysts, and the SWAT commander descend the stairs.
Somewhat ignoring us, the SWAT boss addresses his people. “We lost comms. What’s the status?”
Charlie One speaks for the rest. “That’s why we came back. After clearing the first floor with Alpha, we lost comms.”
He keeps talking, but I stop listening when SSA Chase waves me over. McBride and Andrews trail a few steps behind me. She notices their approach and holds out her palm to stop them.
Fucking hell. Bad sign.
Sucking it up, I erase the distance to Chase in three large strides.
She gives me no warning before sucker punching me with her words. “Right after we lost comms, Carnage called to tell the negotiator his demands. He wants to see you and Lila. Alone. Or he’ll execute all twenty agents along with your sister, the surgeon, and a nurse he brought in to help with his surgery. Which we interrupted today, it seems.”
He wants Lila up there? I’ll go, but not her.
No, no, no.
A haze of fury cyclones around me, making my vision blur. My pulse pounds violently in my temples. As I picture Lila standing somewhere in that bloody compound, my innards retract and cramp like I’m being pierced with a thousand icy daggers.
“No,” I grit out through tightly clenched teeth.
That’s the only word I can get out through the vitriol clogging my windpipe.
Her features soften incrementally, which is the warmest she’s ever been with me. “The ASAC already made his decision. I had no choice. Lila will be here in ten minutes.”
And I see red.
FIFTY-EIGHT
Negotiating with a carnation
LILA
Well,well, well. So Silas–CarMax–Carnitas, or whatever he wants to be known as, won’t surrender until he sees me.
Whatever.Bring it on, Carnation.
