Page 50 of Vicious Temptation

“All right.” The lead continues, turning to face us. “We go in, take control, and get those people out. Clean and fast. No mistakes.”

My attention shifts to the bank’s entrance. The glass doors are shattered, and beyond them, the interior is almost pitch-dark.

“Lights are out,” Ryan says.

“They want the advantage,” I reply, adjusting my grip. “They know the building. We don’t.”

Our lead nods. “Then we take it away. Night vision on. Stay tight.”

I lower my visor, and the darkness gives way as the interior comes into view.

“Stack up.”

We move into position behind him, weapons raised, each of us covering our assigned sector.

“On me.”

We breach the shattered entrance, glass crunching beneath our boots as we funnel inside. The sirens and shouting outside fade behind us, replaced by my team’s controlled breathing and the muted sounds from my comms.

We find the first casualty before we make it far. A security officer lies face down near the entrance, blood pooled beneath his head. I drop to the floor beside him and check for a pulse.

“Nothing,” I say, pushing myself back to my feet. “Security is down.”

“Copy. Keep moving.”

The lobby opens in front of us. Desks are overturned, papers cover the floor, and blood streaks a white column before trailing across the tile.

Whatever threat they made outside wasn’t empty.

“Clear left,” I say, sweeping my sector.

“Right clear,” Ryan answers.

We advance through the lobby, checking every angle and blind spot as we move. My pulse remains steady, my body falling into the rhythm drilled into me over years of doing this.

Movement draws my attention to the left corridor.

“Contact,” I warn.

A shot rings out, shattering what remains of the glass behind us.

“Cover,” our lead barks.

We break formation and take cover as rounds tear above our heads. I position myself behind a concrete pillar and lean out just far enough to search for the shooter.

“Left side, behind the column,” Ryan calls.

“I see him.”

I adjust my angle and wait. Another muzzle flash cuts through the darkness, giving me exactly what I need.

I fire.

The suspect drops, but a second later, he starts crawling toward the gun that fell beside him. I fire again before he can reach it, and his body goes still.

“Suspect down,” I confirm.

“Second contact, right,” Grey calls.