Page 83 of Ghost

“Dude doesn’t have a family, so we don’t have to worry about that,” Rami said.

“Still.Let’s check it out.”

They moved swiftly through the house, which had to be over fifteen thousand square feet.They checked all six bedrooms on the second level, cleared the main level one last time in case someone had come in from outside, then headed for the basement.

“Why the hell does a single asshole have a house this size?”Zain scoffed.

“Small dick,” August answered.

Ghost snorted while Rami and Zain laughed.They followed the winding staircase to the lowest level.

“Clear it.”As soon as the words were out of Ghost’s mouth the guys moved like a calculated team of soldiers.Each one veered off in unison.

Ghost pivoted to the great room, which held a bar, pool table, stripper pole, and entertainment center.He stalked over the plush carpet, sweeping every nook and cranny before circling his way back to the staircase.

Zain met him there.“Bedrooms are clear.”

August came next.“Gym’s empty.”

Rami was last.“Storage room checks out.I found a bookcase in an office.I bet that’s the bunker access.”

Ghost’s shoulders bunched.“Show me.”

Rami led the way down a hall.They passed a few rooms before reaching an office at the end.A desk and artificial plants decorated the space.A large bookcase took up the farthest wall.

“This has to be it.”August stepped forward and examined the shelves.“There’s gotta be a lever or some shit.”

Ghost approached the bookcase, and Rami and Zain looked around the desk.

Pulling at books and wiggling knickknacks as if he were in a modern-day rendition of an Indiana Jones movie, Ghost’s patience thinned.“You sure Asher was telling the truth?I don’t see fucking shit.”

“Me either,” August grumbled.

“I’ve got something,” Zain said.

Ghost straightened from his bent position at the bottom shelf.“What?”

“There’s a button here.”A soft click sounded and the snap of a lock releasing echoed through the room.

“I’ll be damned,” August murmured.

Ghost gripped the edge of the bookcase and pulled.Half of the unit swung wide open.Another door met them.

This one metal.

Rami grunted.“Great.That door looks about as thick as August’s head.”

Ghost bunched his fists.Fuck.

August pressed his fingers against the metal.Above the handle was a keypad.

Ghost inspected the smooth panel.“Looks like we need a code.”

Zain elbowed him.“Or a grenade.”

Ghost swung his gaze to his friend to assess if he was serious.The determined glint in Zain’s eyes confirmed it.Zain fished into his vest and pulled out a metal cannister.

Ghost smirked.“Why am I fucking surprised?”