Page 37 of Chain Reaction

Out of everyone in the group that had started at Blackout with Jake, Atlas was the one Jake trusted the most.

Atlas was brooding with a killer sense of humor. Always a hit with the women. He was from Montana and loved line dancing.

Maverick Adams was the toughest computer genius Jake had ever met. He knew his way around electronics and tech better than anyone, and the Washington, DC, transplant seemed like the boy next door.

Hudson Roberts was all muscle and brawn. But beneath that tough exterior, he was also smart with great instincts. He hailed from Upper Michigan, where he’d been an avid ice hockey player before joining the military.

Kyle Harrell of Nashville, Tennessee, was Mr. All American. He’d actually played football for the Navy. From the day they’d met, Jake had thought the man should be a diplomat.

Unfortunately, he felt certain one of them couldn’t be trusted.

There were small things that added to his suspicions.

Like when they were in training together, someone had gone through his things. He had a certain way of arranging his clothes and his toiletries. They’d been disturbed.

He’d found a handwritten note someone had dropped saying “Meet me at seven at our place.” He’d tried to figure out what that place was so he could investigate, but he’d had no luck.

Jake’s gut told him that one of them was up to something. He just didn’t know who that person was yet.

“Atlas, this is Raven,” Jake started. “Raven, Atlas.”

They said hello to each other.

Atlas didn’t know about his history with Raven—and he wanted to keep it that way. The fewer people who knew his business, the better.

“Sounds like you’ve had some excitement.” Atlas gripped the wheel as they headed down the road.

“You could say that.” Jake told him a little about the situation.

Atlas let out a whistle. “Didn’t expect something like this on little ol’ Lantern Beach.”

“None of us did,” Jake said. “I’m surprised you haven’t been called in to help also.”

Atlas had been a CIA operative with specialized training in psychological warfare.

“Colton has me working another case.” He didn’t offer any more details.

Colton Locke led Blackout along with Ty. The two seemed to make a good team.

Jake watched Raven’s reaction as they pulled up to the gate of the Blackout headquarters. Her eyes widened with surprise. The placewasimpressive. Even Jake had been shocked when he’d first arrived.

A three-story building stood at the center of the property, looking more like a stately beachside hotel. Two wings stretched from the main lobby. Dormers were built onto the roof, gray siding covered the walls, and a large covered porch welcomed people who arrived.

Inside, there was a gym, cafeteria, apartments, and offices. The lobby had a fireplace. The apartments were small but comfortable and ample, some larger than others.

On the property, there was an obstacle training course, a shooting range, and a couple of other outbuildings. Woods ran along the south side of the land and the Pamlico Sound stretched to the west.

Jake parked and turned to Raven. “In other circumstances, I’d show you around.”

“I understand.” She glanced at the main building again. “Maybe another time.”

For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to have an opportunity at another time. He knew that probably wouldn’t happen.

But, for some reason, the thought had him a little too intrigued.

Right now, they had business to take care of. That was what he needed to focus on.

CHAPTER 17