She hit him twice in the back, once in the head, and he slumped forward.
A tender tap on her shoulder. Caroline pointed toward the third jumper. He was just above the stadium’s upper tier, mere seconds from landing. If she missed, she’d kill an innocent for certain.
Her skin tingled, her breathing slowed. This was it. She had to take her shot.
She positioned the rifle against her shoulder, watched as the terrorist pulled a semi-automatic rifle into full view.
Now.
She opened fire—BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!—and the terrorist went slack, the rifle slipping from his hands.
She dropped to her knees. She didn’t need to turn on the comms. She could see the reactions on the faces of the spectators. The hounds of Hell had fallen from the now gray skies.
And she had taken all three of them out.
Her job was done, her mission accomplished.
Tank and several other BLACK OPS charged onto the field. Slash appeared from the other sideline, along with Cooper and Danielle. The team raced toward the three terrorists, their bloodied bodies a horrific sight.
Pandemonium erupted in the stands as the students and other spectators began fleeing toward the exits.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” roared the announcer. “Please remain seated. Everything is under control.”
No one wanted to stay in that stadium. The hounds of Hellwere upon them, and they were afraid. They were very, very afraid.
“Midshipmen and Cadets,” yelled the announcer, “you’ve received direct orders from your commanders tosit back down.”
An eerie hush filled the stadium as the students returned to their seats. Sydney and Caroline exchanged glances.
“Are you okay?” Caroline whispered.
Despite the intensity of the situation and the fact that she’d just taken out the last of the Haqazzii lieutenants, she felt solid.
“I’m good,” she replied. “I never want to end a life, but?—”
“They had assault rifles,” Caroline said. “They would have taken out thousands.” She pulled her sister into a hug. “You did good, Sissy. You’re an American heroine.”
“No.” Sydney shook her head. “I’m just doing my job.”
“Sydney,” Tank said. “The crowd is showing you some respect.”
Sydney and Caroline cast their gazes out. The entire stadium was on their feet and every single person in that arena stood there saluting them.
The sisters saluted back as three ALPHA SUVs drove onto the field. The parachutes were removed, the bodies loaded into the back of the vehicles.
The Blue Angels flight squadron blasted by in their signature Delta Formation, the roar of their jets a deafening sound as they thundered past.
As soon as the vehicles drove out, the announcer said, “At this time, the national threat has been eliminated. Details will be forthcoming. For the time being, the game will continue as scheduled. Mr. President, please make your way onto the field for the coin toss.”
TEDDY
Teddy jogged backover to the President and Greystone, still on the sidelines and surrounded by cadre of Secret Service agents.
“Mr. President, why are you still here?” Teddy asked.
“I refuse to leave,” he replied.
Teddy flicked his gaze to Greystone.
