Page 38 of Lethal Deceit (Hightower Security #2)

As I watch Samantha depart with Adena, my anxiety cranks up a little.

“Is that a good idea?”

His brow creases.

“You don’t trust her?”

I jam my hands into my pockets.

“To a certain extent. But we’re literally at an airport. The cops are still looking for her.”

“You think she’ll escape through the window again?”

I scratch my head, thinking of what will happen to Brooke if Samantha disappears.

“The thought did cross my mind.”

Silas starts to smile, but it vanishes before it’s fully formed.

“Adena isn’t going to let that happen. We’re all doing everything we can, and we won’t stop until we have the situation resolved.”

I choke on a bitter laugh at his detachment.

“My sister isn’t a ‘situation.’”

His expression turns grim.

“Poor word choice, but I stand by it. We need to keep our cool.”

I sit on one of the barrels and glance at the laptop.

“So, what’s the plan?”

Silas shifts closer and gestures to the location of the rental Jake found. He traces his finger over the map onscreen, zooming in on the narrow access road and the thick tree cover surrounding the property.

“It’s Everglades terrain. Swamp on three sides, one approach in. Luke and Caleb will provide overwatch and intel. We’ll go in quiet, stay dark, and get her out fast.”

I nod, but my pulse kicks up. This isn’t a stakeout. It’s a snatch and run.

Silas doesn’t blink.

“We’ll figure out everything else on site.”

“And Samantha?”

His face tightens.

“That’s the final piece of the puzzle. We’re trying to figure out how to make the exchange without any casualties.”

The wor.

“casualties”

makes my blood pressure spike.

“But you have the money sorted out?”

His nod is clipped.

“Delilah’s ready and awaiting orders.”

I don’t know whether to thank him or thank God Hightower is involved.

“What if they’re just waiting for the money to come in? If they hurt Brooke…”

The thought is so overwhelming that I can’t finish my sentence.

“That’s where timing comes in. She can’t transfer the money without possibly causing some red flags. We have to get Brooke out before the bank investigates.”

I swallow.

“And the cops are called?”

“Right.”

My mouth twists to one side.

“I am not letting my sister go through what I did. Doesn’t matter if Verity and Reese are on board.”

“Then we need to pray it doesn’t come to that.”

Pray. As if I’m not already.

I give him a weak smile.

“Any other sage advice?”

Silas lifts his chin and squares his shoulders.

“If you find a moment to pray with Samantha, do it. She needs you.”

When I’m too stunned to reply, he turns away for a moment, allowing me to pull it together. Then he says.

“As soon as Jake gets back, we’ll head out. In the meantime, I could use a hand.”

I clear my throat and follow him to an old utility room. Inside the door are multiple bags and equipment, along with two cases of bottled water and a block of plastic-wrapped granola bars.

“Unless this drags out past tonight, this should be enough,” he says.

I grab the case of water and follow him back to the entrance.

“How likely do you think that is?”

He picks up a bag and shrugs.

“Hard to know.”

“But you’ve done this before?”

I’m sure I spy a faint flickering of annoyance on his face before it vanishes.

“More times than I can count. So has Caleb, and Luke is one of the most experienced contractors on my team.”

“Contractor?”

He nods and walks back to the utility room.

“Hightower manages too many security details for our core team to handle. I need people I can trust on call. Luke is one of them.”

I heft the granola bars and wait for Silas to grab the bag before asking him a follow-up question.

“He mentioned something about Samantha becoming a team member?”

Silas’s lips quirk.

“He’s always thinking three steps ahead. It’s what makes him so effective.”

“And Jake?”

He laughs.

“He’s what I call a ‘fixer-upper.’ He’s had it rough, but with God’s grace, he’ll get there.”

“You employ a lot of car thieves?”

Silas reaches for another bag, one I didn’t see.

“It’s a useful skill that we utilize out of necessity.”

I frown at the disclosure even if I appreciate that he’s being frank.

“When this is over, I’d like to meet the rest of the team. Say thanks.”

He smiles.

“How about we meet you at the Lighthouse Bar and Grill?”

My eyebrows hitch.

“You know about that?”

“Caleb mentioned you came to the aid of a damsel in distress. Seems to be a theme for you.”

I don’t sense he’s mocking, so I shrug it off.

“Just doing my job.”

He drops the bag at his feet.

“You checked in with your CO recently?”

I grimace and shake my head.

“That’s the last thing I’m thinking about now.”

His gaze drifts from me to the tarmac outside, his eyes narrowed as if he’s trying to see something in the distance.

“But he’s expecting you at the base?”

“Yeah. Two hours ago.”

He leans against the steel door and works his jaw.

“Leave it with me. I’ll see what Justus can do.”

“Justus?”

He smiles, turning to look at me.

“My father. If anyone can buy you a little time, it’s him.”

I blow out a breath.

“Thanks. I mean… for everything.”

His smile slips from his face, and his words lock in just how dire the situation is.

“Save your thanks until after we get Brooke back.”