Too many seconds passed.
“What’s the problem?” Stryker asked.
“The lock is rusted. I can’t get under the bar to release. I’m gonna have to shoot—I got it.” He opened the door.
“See you in a few,” Rhys said, before jogging toward the dumpster, fifty feet away.
Stryker and Sin walked inside. The back room was littered with boxes and plastic bags. Several rats scattered toward the front of the store.
“I’m in place,” Rhys said through the comm. “There are some monster rats out here.”
“Here, too,” Stryker murmured.
The door leading into the retail area lay propped against the wall. They entered the body of the shop. Used syringes and trash were strewn everywhere.
“I’m in place,” Brooks said.
After Stryker and Sin cleared the manager’s office and employee break room, they took positions in the manager’s closet, where they’d stay hidden until buyer and seller arrived.
“A white convertible pulled in,” Brooks said. “Wait. Not our guys. It’s getting back on the road.”
“Eyes on another vehicle,” Brooks said. “Heading toward the back. Two occupants. Rhys, you’re up.”
“Copy that,” Rhys replied. “Eyes on vehicle. Pulling up to the building. Killed the engine. Two men exited, one’s got a duffel bag. Neither is Farraday.”
POP!
“He shot the lock out,” Rhys whispered.
“Idiot,” Stryker mumbled.
The two men entered the back room. Stryker made out the words “shit hole” and “a shit-ton of opium”.
“Show time, ladies.” Brooks’s baritone voice rolled through the earpiece. “Another vehicle is heading your way. I can’t see inside. Tinted windows.”
A moment later, Rhys said, “Eyes on Farraday. Confirm, eyes on Farraday. He’s got two men with him.” A pause. “Farraday plus one moving into building. His guard is carrying two duffel bags. One guard, outside. He’s mine. On my way.”
“Here we go,” Stryker said.
“Let’s do this,” Sin said.
“Now!” Rhys huffed out.
POP! POP!
“One down,” Rhys said.
Stryker and Sin flipped up their night goggles and charged into the room, now illuminated by the dealers’ phone flashlights.
POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP!
Stryker took out the buyer and his guard. Sin shot Farraday’s guard and he dropped.
“What the fuuuuuuck!” screeched Farraday.
Sin blocked the doorway leading into the store. Rhys stood at the back exit. Both men turned on their phone lights.
Stryker pointed his gun at Farraday. “On your knees. Hands behind your head.”
