Buck glanced at Tierney, then back. “A squad of heavily armed men. At least some with tactical experience. Military-grade weapons with comms and drones. If you’re going in there, you’ll need backup. A lot of it.”
“Sounds like I got here just in time.”
Tierney looked at the other side of the hangar as Special Agent Avery Kaine walked through the entrance, dark-blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, dressed for a hard siege through the forest.
She stopped beside Dalton, smiling at him before facing the rest of them. “I heard you two ran into some trouble?”
Avery took the cell Bodie handed her, brow drawing tighter with every swipe of her fingers. “Shit. Don’t suppose you two can give us a quick rundown before Chase or Bodie have you on house arrest until neither of you look like death?”
Tierney gestured to Buck, and he gave them all a brief summary — the disturbed moss and branches he’d found earlier in the evening. How the man had stumbled into their campsite, told them to run before being gunned down. The unrelenting pursuit.
Avery nodded along, taking a few notes before shaking her head. “And they had a drone?”
“Camera strapped on top, with the red light blinking. I blew the fucker out of the air.” He grunted when he shifted on his feet, holding his right arm a bit closer to his chest. “I know you need to send in a team but…”
Greer sighed. “If we go in blind, it could turn into a bloodbath.”
Avery whipped out her cell. “I’ll have SWAT here ASAP. We’ll coordinate with Greer’s team — ensure we’ve got all the support we need before we breach. Foster?” She glanced over at the man as he stood just inside the hangar doors. “I don’t suppose you and your team would tag along in case we need your skill set?”
Foster grinned. “Already gassed her up. And Kash and Nyx are on their way in. We’ll be ready to go within twenty.”
“Excellent.” She walked over to Buck and Tierney. “Go get some rest. Greer and I will get your official statements in the morning, once you’ve had a chance to decompress. And try not to get into any more trouble before we’re back.” She turned, smiled at Dalton, again, then tapped her cell, talking to someone as she walked outside.
Chase hooked Greer’s arm. “Remember our deal.”
She snorted. “Hard to forget when you remind me daily.”
“I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but choose to ignore.”
“No bullets.” She knocked shoulders. “Unless it’s life and death.”
“It’s always life and death, and you’ll be staying in the chopper with me until the SWAT guys clear the scene.”
“You do remember I’m armed, right?”
“Love you, too.” He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “Buck? Do you and Tierney want to get patched up here or back at Raven’s Security?”
Buck grunted but motioned toward the main office. “Here’s fine.”
Chase directed them to another room, Rowan following after him. They ran through more vitals, pushing some meds as they poked and prodded, thoroughly cleaning every wound before finally stepping back.
Chase sighed, tossed the blood-soaked supplies in the trash. “You need to keep that wound clean. I popped a waterproof bandage over the stitches so you can shower. You can remove it after, but I want to check it daily for the next week, ensure it doesn’t get infected. And don’t go hitting anyone with that arm for a day or two.”
Buck snorted. “I’ll do my best.”
Rowan stepped up beside Chase. “Tierney’s ribs look like she went a few rounds with a truck, but nothing’s broken. Though, you’re both in the early stages of hypothermia, so… Go. Warm up and lay low, at least for the rest of the night.”
Buck placed his palm on the small of Tierney’s back, leading her over to the door. “If you want us to relax, see that Avery’s SWAT team collars those bastards. Otherwise, I’ll be sleeping with one eye open until I know we’re clear.”
Dalton stepped up beside them as they returned to the hangar. “Sounds like that’s our cue to get the hell out of here.” He waved them ahead. “Come on. You both look like you’re about to pass out.”
Buck flipped Dalton off before directing her toward the exit. They jumped into Bodie’s SUV, arriving at Raven’s Security headquarters a few minutes later. Bodie held the door, directing them to the guest suite.
Buck looked over at him. “You know my RV’s just outside, right?”
“It’s hard to miss, but I’d feel better if you two cleaned up in here, just to be safe.” He backed up through the door. “I’ll grab some dry clothes from your motorhome, lay them on the bed. Wade’s got a fresh pot of coffee brewing, in case you need the added motivation. Just do me a favor and don’t break ranks until we know what we’re up against.”
Buck arched a brow. “Isn’t that why Dalton’s skulking around outside the door?”
