Page 148 of Fractured Future

Or I can at least try to.

For him. For us.

For our team.

CHAPTER 20

EMBER

BURN THE MONEY – YOUNG LIONS

Clusteredon the ground floor of an empty office building, I linger at the back of the group of black-clad operatives. It’s controlled chaos as weapons, bulletproof vests and instructions are handed out.

At the heart of the wild scene, Warner barks orders at each Sabre agent gathered around him. With the Anaconda Team and the Falcon Team—including Archer and his teammates, Josh, Kyle and Oscar—we’re a decent-sized group.

“We have ten minutes until we estimate the meeting will end,” he calls over the murmured conversations. “Let’s go over this one more time.”

When platinum-blonde haired Oscar fails to fall silent, Warner shoots him a cold look. This Warner’s a far cry from the man who held me tight not so long ago.

It’s odd to see him in his element. He’s worked for Sabre long enough for me to know he’s good at what he does, but reconciling this strict disciplinarian with the gentle man I know is tough.

“Sorry,” Oscar mutters.

“This is your first real raid, Falcon Team. Pay attention, and don’t fuck this up. You don’t want to piss off the bosses.”

There’s a chorus of nervous laughter.

“Believe me,” Warner continues in good humour. “It isn’t pretty when you do.”

While I have yet to meet the infamous Knight brothers or the family I’ve heard gossiped about so many times, their reputation precedes them. Sabre’s directors are equally respected and feared.

After looking at each of his team members to ensure they feel the gravity of Warner’s words, Archer defers to him with a nod. Since I beat his ass, he’s taken to taunting me about a rematch. Though never in front of his team.

“You will be around the back, covering the rear exits.” Warner’s gaze lands on each man. “I want all escape points blocked.”

The younger-looking Falcon member, Josh, awkwardly sticks his hand up. “Are we apprehending or… uh, shooting to kill?”

“Jesus.” Archer runs a hand over his exasperated face. “Did you idiots forget all of your training?”

“We only shoot to kill if there is no other choice.” Warner frowns at Josh. “You know that. Use of force is permitted when your life is at risk.”

With a nod, Josh lowers his hand.

“Hyland, Axel, Ember and I will make up the advance party,” he explains, hands clasped behind his back. “We will be covering the front entrance to catch attendees off guard when they leave.”

“How many are we anticipating?” Kyle asks in a gruff timbre.

“I counted approximately fifteen assailants entering the meeting,” Axel answers him. “Fewer numbers than before. Some are missing.”

“Why?” I speak up.

Looking back at me, Axel shrugs. “Unclear.”

The thought that we won’t catch all of Gael’s honeypots tonight, and some may be left to disappear, sets my teeth on edge. Word will soon spread. The cartel will know we’re gunning for them after we do this.

Tonight could be our one and only shot to gain an advantage over Gael and the intricate web that feeds his business model. We can’t reach him, but we can reach those who prop up his enterprise.

“Our priority is Blaine Madden and his three associates—two male, one female.” Hyland folds his bulging arms. “We need them taken alive.”