Page 142 of Storm Warning

A slight nod. “I called Nico and left my phone on while we hashed out the details of the latest plans. They’re ready when we are.”

“Suggestions on how to use their skills in the best way?”

“Either have them infiltrate the compound with the rest of us or have them monitor the compound at large. They’re all excellent shots.”

“But?”

“If I were you, I’d ask them to join the party inside the compound. The more boots on the ground and the more weapons in our hands, the better for our mission.”

“Copy that, sir. Zane?”

“What do you need?”

“Contact Nico and ask permission to link our loop to theirs and bring you in.”

“Hold.”

Less than a minute later, Nico’s voice came through their earpieces. “Nico in position on the north side of the compound. Orders, Seth?”

“Wait for my signal to infiltrate the compound. Our goal is to get into that lab and destroy any viruses we find. If we run across Garcia and Mendoza, that’s all the better.”

“Copy that. Waiting for your signal.”

While the discussion between Nico, Zane, and Seth took place, Andre scouted ahead, marking the sixth tripwire he’d found. He was afraid for Riley and the other women of Artemis. He shouldn’t be. Those women were more dangerous than any operative Echo had worked with. They were amazing and a real asset in the field.

He walked closer and closer to the compound and stopped feet away from the treeline to avoid being seen by roaming guards. After memorizing the guard pattern, he returned to his teammates.

Seth turned toward him. “Sit rep.”

“I ran across two more tripwires.”

Grant grunted. “They need a new defense. The tripwires are effective if you’re a regular Joe. Otherwise, they’re simply a nuisance. We’ve evaded them for the past half mile.”

Noah frowned. “It’s a warning, one we should be mindful of. The closer we are to that compound, the less I like this mission.”

“We have to continue on.” Seth looked at Andre. “Any signs Obsidian Storm is aware of our approach?”

“No, sir.”

“Nico, is your team ready?”

“Affirmative.”

“All teams go in three, two, one. Execute.”

Andre, Noah, Grant, and Elias followed in Seth’s footsteps as he made his way through the woods and fog until they nearedthe treeline. Crouched behind cover, they studied the guards’ patterns.

Andre looked at his tactical watch. “Five-minute intervals. Tight timeline.”

“That’s what we have, so we deal with it.” Seth watched the guards for a moment longer. “The guard at the south corner is bored. He’s spending more time looking at his phone than watching for threats.” He glanced at Andre. “You and Elias go first. Stick together like glue. Remember, Obsidian Storm’s aim is to cull you from the herd so a couple of their members can grab you. They’ll try to do the same to Riley.”

“Copy that,” Riley whispered.

Iona broke in. “Artemis goes in three, two, one. Rayne, go. Riley, go.”

Andre’s gut knotted. Man, he hated this. Of all the missions to handle, he couldn’t think of anything worse than going after a deadly virus or poison. He especially feared for Riley’s safety. He and Riley were the prime targets.

Brent rested his hand on Andre’s shoulder and squeezed. “Stay focused. Trust your training.”