Page 72 of Ground Zero

Cook studied her before nodding. “Keep looking. The answer is here somewhere.”

Morrison’s eyes narrowed as he continued to watch her.

As Cook turned back to address the room, Sheridan glanced around.

William sat in a chair near the door, ostensibly working on a laptop.

But he was watching her, and when their eyes met, something passed across his face.

Recognition. He knew she’d found the drive.

He’d been the one to leave it for her, hadn’t he?

The young IT specialist was trying to tell her something. But what?

Was it a warning? A threat?

Before she could process the revelation, Cook’s voice boomed across the room.

“Listen up, everyone.” He held up his phone, triumph blazing in his eyes. “We just got information. Maverick Adams has been spotted near the pier. Two tactical teams are already en route.”

Sheridan’s heart stopped.

Cook continued. “He’s considered armed and extremely dangerous. Rules of engagement are clear—take him alive if possible, but deadly force is authorized if he resists.”

Ty and Colton went still, their faces grim. They knew what “deadly force authorized” really meant.

Maverick wouldn’t be given a chance to surrender.

Ty straightened. “How reliable is this intel?”

“One hundred percent confirmed.” Cook already moved toward the door. “I want everyone ready to move in five minutes.”

Sheridan’s mind raced.

An undercover asset.

Someone had set Maverick up. But who?

Jake, who was conveniently missing?

Morrison, who’d hinted at Maverick surfacing?

Or someone else entirely?

She glanced at her phone. She still had no signal. No way to warn Maverick that death could be heading his way.

She had four minutes until they moved out.

That meant she had four minutes to figure out how to save Maverick without blowing her cover or getting them both killed.

CHAPTER 40

Maverick watched Jake disappear from the bookstore.

He waited another thirty seconds, then headed for the back exit.

He paused and peered outside.