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“I’d make the necessary sacrifices.” Lopez’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Come, Gianna. We’ll put this behind us.”
“Not so fast.” Caleb gestured to the marked spot he’d shown Gia earlier. “Gia waits there. As soon as Jennie reaches her, then she’ll walk to you.”
A flash of irritation tightened Lopez’s jaw. He glanced at Juan, who gave a nod.
The bodyguard shoved Jennie forward.
“Slowly,” Juan warned.
“Go,” Caleb murmured to Gia, “and remember what we talked about.”
Every cell in his body screamed to pull her back. Shield her. Order Zach to take out the armed bodyguard while he dealt with Juan, then Lopez, and then the driver. Dump the bodies in Old Joe’s hogan and let the scavengers feast.
Instead, he let Gia go.
Jennie reached her. The women embraced, Gia whispering apologies.
“Come, Gianna.” Lopez’s voice cracked like a whip. “Our business here is finished.”
“We’ve got a helo.” Zach’s sudden warning crackled through the comms, sharp in Caleb’s ear.
Thewhop-whop-whopof rotor blades thundered, closing in fast.
“Incoming!” Zach shouted.
A helicopter crested the ridgeline. Two men dangled from the sides, AR-15s leveled, raining gunfire down the slope where Zach lay positioned.
“Gia, now!” Caleb roared, drawing his weapon.
He couldn’t focus on the threat from the sky.
His vision narrowed to the bodyguard pulling out his .45.
Training took over.
One shot.
Crimson burst against the SUV’s window.
He didn’t wait to see the man drop.
Gia.
She was dragging Jennie toward the car.
Not fast enough.
The SUV’s driver jumped out, closing the distance.
Caleb raised his weapon again.
Fired.
Two down.
“I’m pinned,” Zach gritted out. “Dammit.” A sharp grunt of pain followed.
“Fuck!” Danny’s voice over comms. “Taking fire from above!”