Page 82 of Fighting for Family

“Watching,” he said softly.

“Ford’s leaving,” Taco reported.

The woman signaled him again and stopped to peruse the booths, buying dried fruit, nuts, and apricots.

“Damn it, Shadow. Are you sure she signaled you?” Saint said, growing anxious.

“Yes,” he said positively

A few minutes later, she roamed toward them and sat beside Sparky.

“Hello, Shadow,” she greeted him.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, Rayven. Last I heard, you ETS’ed,” he said casually.

“You know me. I didn’t like civilian life. They don’t let you kill people there,” she said glumly.

“What do you want?” he asked.

“I need you to walk away,” she said softly. “You’re in the middle of something and interfering with my contact.”

“The man killed soldiers. He helped kill my friend. We’re not letting him walk away,” he said, his voice on edge.

Rayven chuckled and shook her head. “What if I promise you he’ll be dealt with?”

“I haven’t seen you in years, and you show up demanding I walk away?” Shadow snapped quietly to avoid garnering attention.

“Listen, I’m not even supposed to be here. I’m risking getting my ass chewed for not following orders. Here’s the deal. Four months ago, we saw the attack. We stopped a second wave meant for your team. In the process, you lost a package. Unfortunately, one of my coworkers panicked and got herself shot in the process. Then I took one, landing me in the hospital. I’m currently on bed rest.”

“I can think of more pleasant places to rest,” he said, glancing at Saint.

She rummaged under her robe and pressed something in Sparky’s hand.

“Five clicks north from here, you’ll find an abandoned shack. I’ll be there at midnight if you want to make a trade. I give you my word, Ford and his lover, Maryam, will pay. I have something you consider very valuable, although I can’t promise the condition.”

She rose and walked away.

“Do you want me to follow her?” Taco asked.

“No. She’ll meet us like she said,” Shadow said, turning to Sparky and rising. He helped her to her feet and yanked the goats closer. He handed her the leads, took the sack, and headed out of the village.

They walked for some time before Shadow stopped and scanned the area to ensure they weren’t being followed. “What did she give you?” he asked.

Sparky pulled it out from her robe and held out her hand. “What is it?”

Shadow gripped it in his hand, staring at it. “It’s Grace’s rattle. She has Leo.”

Saint pulled up in the truck, and they loaded into the back. They raced to meet Doc and Whiskey’s plane. Ragu pulled out behind them, with Taco, Cole, the K-9s, and their prisoner. The team stayed silent until they reached the small airport.

Taco and Ragu raced toward the truck, realizing something significant happened. Cole stayed with Maryam.

“Who the hell was that?” Taco asked, breaking the tension.

“You won’t believe me, but it’s Rayven. The woman who taught me how to become a shadow,” Shadow explained. “She asked us to stand down.”

“Like hell,” Saint muttered. “Why does she want us to do that?”

Shadow held out his hand, unable to speak or dare to hope. “She has Leo.”