Page 38 of Fatal Intent

“No pressure,” Grant muttered.

The operatives chuckled.

Grant’s phone vibrated, indicating an incoming message. He and the rest of his team glanced at their screens to see that Zane had sent two photos. One was a satellite photo of the compound. The second photo was the same with the addition of infrared images.

The group studied the photos for a beat. “The kids are here.” Andre pointed to the building on the other side of the compound from the Fortress entry point.

“Agreed,” Seth said. “Jake, that’s the target for you and Rayne.”

Grant tensed. They needed someone to watch their backs, but the teams were short one member. With Jake and Rayne focused on the kids, that left seven operatives to handle the cartel members and rescue Sean and Tara White.

He grimaced. Although they had faced worse odds in the past, the stakes were high. Grant and his teammates couldn’t afford to fail.

Seth turned to Grant. “You and Riley come into the compound from the north. Iona, you and Elias come in from the west. Andre and I will come in from the east. Teagan, wait for my signal before you open fire. Monitor the structure with the children once the gunfire begins. Grant, do you have some surprises ready for the cartel?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent. According to the satellite image, the first perimeter is half a mile from here. Check your gear one more time.” After they did as he ordered, Seth said, “Split up and move out. Watch your backs. If you need help, sing out.”

Grant captured Rayne’s chin with his palm and turned her face up to his. “Be careful,” he murmured.

“You do the same.” She pressed a light kiss to his mouth.

Although reluctant to let her out of his sight, he released her and turned to his partner, Riley. “Ready?”

The computer expert nodded.

“Let’s go. We have parting gifts to leave for the cartel.” He had several explosive devices ready in his Go bag. If everything went according to Plan A, he would detonate the devices as a distraction when they fled the compound with the Whites.

Grant knew from long experience in the military and law enforcement, nothing ever went according to plan. That’s why he and his teammates had created four other plans to ensure their mission was a success.

So why did he feel as though he and the other Fortress operatives were walking into a trap?

CHAPTER TEN

RAYNE FOLLOWED CLOSEbehind Jake Davenport as he maneuvered through another area filled with trees and foliage. This close to the Los Lobos compound, sticks breaking or rocks shifting from the weight of the operatives was even more dangerous. Andre was right. The perimeter guards were heavily armed but spread out too thin to truly be effective.

Unfortunately, one guard was stationed at her and Jake’s designated entry point. No help for it. They’d have to take out the guard and hope he wasn’t scheduled to check in soon.

Jake held up his fist and crouched at the edge of the treeline.

Rayne knelt beside him and scanned the area. Three hundred feet ahead was the wall surrounding the compound. From here, she saw the roof of the building housing the children. So close, yet she and Jake had to deal with multiple guards: one at the wall, two patrolling the target building, and others roaming inside the compound.

She frowned. Los Lobos must have someone inside with the kids unless they were tied up or locked in a room from which they couldn’t escape.

Rayne leaned close to Jake and whispered, “Someone must be in the building with the kids.”

He glanced at her and gave a slight nod.

Good. At least he listened to her.

“Any ideas about how to get past the gorilla standing in our way?”

“Maybe.” She studied the guard for a moment. “Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be ready.”

She removed the hair tie at the bottom of her braid and shoved her fingers through her hair. She removed her thigh holster with her Sig and laid it on top of her Go bag. After Rayne hid her remaining weapons, she stood. “Bring my bag with you and have the shot ready.” After a debate, they’d opted to knock out guards in their path if they had that option. Even though they didn’t have restrictions to complete their mission, no one wanted to be part of a wholesale slaughter.

Rayne sauntered toward the guard. He didn’t notice her until she was halfway to him.