Page 9 of Storm Warning

Noah skidded around a curve. “Problem?”

“For wanting to keep Christopher as leverage, the terrorists have given up too easily.”

Grant turned. “You and Riley took out at least six terrorists, possibly more. So did Teagan and Elias. That’s twelve. I lost count of the men we took out in and around the compound.”

“They shouldn’t know where we’re headed.” Noah’s expression was thoughtful. “If they do, Maddox might need to look into Matteo Garcia, our inside man.”

Riley stared. “You think the terrorists got to him?”

“Perhaps. We’ll see.” Noah’s phone signaled an incoming call. “You’re on speaker. Go.”

Seth’s voice filled the cabin of the SUV. “Are you clear?”

“Yeah.”

Silence, then, “Be ready for resistance at the jet. Jordan reports unusual activity in the area.”

“Do you think Garcia’s compromised?”

“Don’t know, but I don’t like this. My gut is telling me trouble is waiting for us.”

“Same. We don’t have a choice but to go to the airstrip. If Jordan tries to take off without us, the terrorists will know we made them and they’ll fire on the jet. I don’t want to face Maddox’s wrath if we allow catastrophic damage to his pride and joy.”

Seth groaned. “Enough said. Park as close to the jet as you can. Your job is to get the package on board the jet in one piece.”

Noah shook his head. “You don’t have enough firepower on your own. You need at least one couple with you.”

More silence. “All right. Who?”

Andre glanced at Riley, eyebrow raised. She nodded. “We’ll go if Grant and Rayne will handle the package.”

“Grant?”

“No problem, sir.”

“Copy that. Noah, park behind me on the tarmac. The rest of us will do our best to keep the enemy off Grant and Rayne long enough for them to transport the package to safety.”

“Yes, sir.” Noah glanced at the operatives. “Check your gear. Make sure you have extra magazines and that your comm device is working. If we’re right about us driving into an ambush, we’re in for a tough fight. We’ll need every advantage we can get.”

Riley and the other operatives slid multiple magazines for their rifles and pistols into their vests. Since Noah was driving, Violet grabbed his extra magazines from his Go bag and slid them into place in his vest, then she filled her own vest.

“One minute,” Noah warned.

Ahead, the private airstrip was dimly lit. Good for hiding the jet but bad for seeing if there were enemy combatants lurking nearby, waiting to attack.

Noah skidded around the corner and floored the accelerator. The SUV surged ahead, following closely behind Seth’s vehicle. “Watch for trouble.”

Grant took his Sig from his holster and held it down by his thigh. “Get ready, Christopher. Noah’s going to stop by the jet stairs, and we’ll have to bail and run. Think you can do it?”

“Yes, sir.” He paused. “What about Andre? Is he coming too?”

“I’m going to keep the bad guys from coming too close. Once you’re safely on board, the rest of us will follow.”

“Promise you’ll come?” Christopher’s voice quivered.

“I promise, buddy. Do what Grant tells you to do and everything will be fine.”

“Here we go.” Noah’s fingers gripped the wheel tighter and he slammed on the breaks. “Get ready. Three, two, one. Go, go, go!”