Page 147 of Trapped Truth

After a tense wait, the first of our convoy begins to appear. On foot, the newly amended Falcon Team emerges into the grassy clearing surrounded by a thick copse of English oaks. The helicopter must’ve turfed them out close by then made a hasty exit.

Hyland scans us individually, taking extra time to study me. When he nods and smiles, I relax a bit. By comparison, Hudson is a carved wall of tension. He flanks Archer, Oscar and Gunnar as they enter our huddle with their weapons extended in warning.

“We good?” Archer shouts.

“Coast is clear,” Warner replies. “We’re secure.”

“Any trouble?” Hudson calls out.

“Not a peep.”

“Good.” Grimacing, Hudson cracks his scar-twisted knuckles. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

The growl of approaching engines causes everyone to stiffen, the sight of familiar vehicles instantaneously injecting me with relief. Our medical evac and comms systems have arrived. With this much tech and muscle, the raid should be a breeze. In theory. I’ve learnt too often that reality usually pans out differently.

Kade clambers from the next armoured van, equipped with an inconspicuous fake plate. He throws open the doors to release two of the female agents from my very first days at Sabre—Sabrina and Luda, if I remember correctly. Both grant me a nod of acknowledgement.

Two of Sabre’s trusted medics are nestled amidst medical supplies, prepared for any victims left to be liberated from Madden’s imprisonment. The third and final vehicle reveals Rayna and Fox surrounded by more blinking tech and humming machines than a single van should be capable of holding.

“Is that everyone?” Hyland’s olive-green gaze pans around our huge group.

“You want more?” Hudson baulks at him.

“Think I’m good, thanks. This is a hell of a raiding party.”

“We’re not taking any more chances.” Kade’s steely tone brooks no argument. “I want this clean and casualty free, people. We’re going to be done here and home in time for dinner.”

“Brooklyn cooking?” Axel snickers.

“Something like that.”

Rayna emerges from her techie nest, flipping freshly dyed lilac hair. “Hand these out. New long-range communication system. It’s been fully vetted and tested for today.”

“What’s the range?” Warner accepts his earpiece.

“A few miles, give or take. Farther than our old tech. I’ll be operating a drone overhead to provide surveillance support with an infrared camera attached while Fox is taking point on team comms.”

“Damn.” Axel whistles. “This is some James Bond shit.”

Groaning, Gunnar glowers at his twin. “You have no idea what’s possible out there.”

“Don’t be smug, bro.”

“Just saying.”

“Well, not all of us have the funding and budget for top-line tech. I bet mercenary wages are a hell of a lot higher than working for the public sector.”

“Our funding is fine, Axel,” Kade grits out. “Everyone focus.”

We pass the box of wires around, each taking a slim-looking mechanism to slot into place. After a quick sound check, the line is declared operational, and Rayna returns to her lair, leaving Fox to take the lead in communicating.

“We will approach on foot from the west through a couple miles of fields.” Hudson gestures into the woodland beyond. “Stay sharp, eyes open. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s security in the woods.”

“Approximately half a mile out, we disperse,” Kade continues. “Anaconda, take the lead, and rendezvous with our contact. You have a direct line of attack with Hudson. Falcon, you’re with me. Our priority is victim evacuation.”

“How many are we anticipating?” Archer remains stoic.

“Unclear.”