Page 58 of Fighting for Family

“They’re arguing,” Shadow said. “Ford doesn’t seem happy. Can Bear access the listening device we planted last night?”

“He says the signal’s blocked. They’re not taking any chances,” Saint said. “Damn it. We need to know what they’re saying.”

“I can get closer,” Cole insisted.

“You step one single toe out of line, and I’ll pummel you myself. We can’t afford any mistakes. Bear has the tag number on the car. He’s running it now,” Saint said calmly. “It’ll give us a place to start.”

“It’s a woman,” Cole said, surprised. “She’s dressed in the same gear as all the others. No wonder no one noticed her comings and goings.”

“Do you recognize her?” Taco asked.

“I’m checking the photos while they’re occupied in the barracks. If Bear can enlarge them, maybe we can identify them. Did you notice she avoided the security cameras? She stays in the black areas,” Cole reported.

“Do you want to take her?” Shadow asked Saint.

“Not yet. She has one more visit before Doc and Whiskey arrive. Taco will follow her, and we have the plates. We can snatch and grab once we find her connections,” Saint said firmly. “Maybe Ivan can take our guest to Siberia.”

“Why can’t we grab Ford? He’s a bully, but I’m sure you know enough intimidation tactics to get him to talk,” Cole asked, pointing his camera toward the barracks.

“We want the bigger fish,” Saint informed him. “Ford will lead us to them, but I doubt he knows more than when the attacks take place and when to drug the K-9s. He won’t know the person calling the shots.”

“I want him to pay for my friend’s death,” Cole seethed. “Then, for his part in Leo’s. “

“Uh, guys. I have company,” Taco said softly. “They’re hanging back enough to avoid detection. I’ve taken a few circles, and they’re following me.”

“Shit,” Saint muttered. “Can anything else go wrong?”

“I can take the other truck and intercept them. We can box them in and find out what they want,” Shadow suggested.

Saint’s deep sigh came over the coms. “Taco, lead them to the village or something. Park your truck and act as if you’re returning. Don’t fuck it up and get taken. We’re running out of time. Shadow, get the other vehicle and follow whoever leaves the unit.”

“I don’t like this,” Shadow said. “We never separate.”

“What choice do I have?” Saint barked. “We need to get this handled.”

“Taco, do you have your tracker?” Shadow asked, sounding concerned.

“Yeah,” Taco said, his voice turning to mission mode.

“Say the word, brother, and I’ll be there,” Shadow vowed.

“I’ll handle these assholes,” Taco assured him. “Figure out who the fuck we’re dealing with and let’s make them pay.”

“Hooyah,” Shadow agreed.

“Cole, keep your eyes glued to those barracks,” Saint commanded. “I want to know if a fly shits on the roof.”

A dog barked, making Saint cover his ear. “Damn it, Cole. Shut Striker up.”

“It’s not Striker. It’s Apollo,” Cole said, running. “Something’s happening with Sparky.”

“Shit,” Saint said, taking off toward the area they left her. “Sparky, report,” he demanded.

Silence met them on the other end.

Cole and Striker arrived first, his K-9 running to where Apollo alerted. Silencing the dog, he drew his gun and moved closer, searching for his teammate.

Sparky lay on the ground, breathing heavily.