Page 43 of Fatal Intent

Jake’s expression grew grim.

If those men went inside the building and discovered their dead comrades, they would raise alarms all over the compound. While she believed in her teammates’ capabilities, 50 heavily armed cartel members to 9 operatives was pretty long odds.

The first guard went inside the building while the second one continued around the structure.

Looked like the decision had been taken out of their hands. They didn’t have a choice now. They couldn’t allow the guards to alert the others to their presence. Jake whispered, “Stay with the kids. I’ll take care of the guy inside.”

Which left her with the guard outside if he reappeared. Chances were good that he would retrace his steps. Someone must have tried to contact the two guards assigned to the children and, when he couldn’t raise them, sent more soldiers to check things out.

Jake covered the distance between the tree and the back door in seconds, paused at the door, then slipped inside.

Rayne set Jenna on the ground at the base of the tree and grabbed one of her knives. She’d use the Sig as a last resort. Gunfire would draw too much attention when they wanted to slip out of the compound without detection, if possible. “Will, sit next to Jenna and try not to move.”

“Where are you going?” he asked, panic in his eyes.

“Nowhere if I can help it. I have to be ready in case Jake needs help.”

Will dropped next to Jenna and wrapped his arms around her.

A minute later, the second guard reappeared and headed for the back door.

With no choice, Rayne ran after him. The guard was within a few feet of the door when Jake stepped into the doorway. He lunged to the side as the guard aimed his gun at the medic.

Rayne threw her knife. The blade sank deep into the guard’s neck. He stiffened, then slumped to the ground with a soft thud. He didn’t move.

Jake appeared in the doorway again. “Thanks.”

She gave a curt nod and jogged back to the children. “You guys all right?”

“Is he dead?” Will asked.

How was she supposed to handle this? She couldn’t lie to the children. They’d seen everything so lying would be pointless. Besides, she’d learned over the years that dealing in truth was much better than telling lies and having to remember what you said. “I think so.”

“Good.” Will’s hands fisted. “He was mean to Mom.”

Through their earpieces, they heard Seth say, “Team 1, go.”

“Copy,” Grant murmured.

Rayne’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. At least she knew he was safe for the moment.

Jake signaled for them to move out. Instead of going to their entry point, he hurried along the base of the concrete wall toward even deeper shadow until he reached a place along the top of the wall where a thick tree branch grew over the barrier.

He stopped under the tree branch. “Will, are you good at climbing trees?”

The boy shook his head, wide eyes filled with fear. “I’m afraid of heights.”

Rayne estimated the height to the tree branch. An easy leap from the ground for her. “Jake, you go first. Will might feel better having you with him. When he’s safe on the ground, I’ll hand Jenna to you.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve got this. Go.”

The medic got a running start and leaped, grabbing the tree branch. He hauled himself up, then lowered his mike bag to the other side of the wall.

Rayne set Jenna down again, wrapped her arms around Will’s lower legs and lifted him up to Jake, who reached down and grasped the boy’s upper arms. Once Will was on the ground on the other side, Rayne repeated the process with Jenna. This time, Jake climbed down from the tree with Jenna draped across his back, her arms encircling his neck.

Rayne backed up a few feet and sprinted toward the tree branch. She used her powerful legs to leap into the air and grasp the branch. Clambering onto the limb, she scooted to the tree trunk and lowered herself enough to make a quiet leap to the ground.