Page 48 of Tag (The Golden Team #9)

Tag

T he sound of engines grew into a low, hungry roar, bouncing off the canyon walls.

Three vehicles, maybe four.

Fast.

Faron moved to the nearest window, scanning with his scope. “Two trucks, one SUV, all armored. They’re spreading to block the road.”

“That’s Sable,” I said. “She’s closing the circle.”

Aponi was already checking her mag, sliding it into place with a sharp click. “Then we open it.”

“Not without a plan,” I snapped. “They’ve got numbers, high ground, and momentum. We’ve got—”

“Three minutes,” Faron interrupted. “Max.”

I crossed to the back of the room, yanking the tarp off Miguel’s workbench. Beneath it sat a half-disassembled AR, a crate of ammo, and three flashbangs. Not much, but enough to make an entrance.

The engines were louder now, dust clouds rising outside.

“Aponi.” I didn’t take my eyes off the gear as I said her name.

She paused mid-check of her sidearm. “Yeah?”

“Now’s the time to tell me what we’re fighting for.”

Her gaze locked with mine. For a second, I thought she’d stonewall me again. But something in her eyes shifted—like the weight of it all finally tipped.

“It’s a kill list,” she said, low but clear. “Graves’ operations from ten years back. Names of every politician, corporate exec, and military contact on his payroll. Not just here—globally. People who can disappear whole cities if the price is right.”

Faron swore under his breath.

I felt the air in the room change. “Where is it?”

Aponi’s jaw tightened. “Safe. For now. But if he gets it back, he’ll erase every witness who’s ever breathed his name. Starting with me.”

That was all I needed to hear. “Then we make sure he never gets it.”

Outside, the first truck rounded the bend, headlights cutting through the dust. The SUV swung wide, blocking the only route down from the ridge. Doors flew open. Shadows spilled out—six, maybe seven operatives, all armed.

And then she stepped out.

Sable.

No helmet this time. Just that cold, fixed stare as she slung her rifle forward.

“Aponi,” she called, voice carrying across the canyon. “Last chance. Come with me, and they live.”

I felt Aponi stiffen beside me.

Faron glanced between us. “She’s not bluffing.”

“Neither am I,” I said.

I yanked the pin on the first flashbang and met Aponi’s eyes. “Stay close.”

The grenade clattered onto the dirt outside—

Light.

Sound.

Chaos.

We moved.