Page 223 of Silent Target

The helicopters land outside a private medical hangar surrounded by miles of wooded farmland.

No uniforms wait on the tarmac.

No government vehicles.

Only three ambulances without identifying markings and a team of medical professionals who don’t ask for names.

Cutter arranged everything.

A former special operations medic meets Rook at the helicopter.

“You were shot.”

“It missed everything important.”

The medic looks at the blood soaking Rook’s sleeve.

“I’ll decide that.”

Falcon leans toward Cobra. “I like him.”

“Rook doesn’t.”

“That’s why I like him.”

The medics begin separating us.

Rook and Falcon are taken first.

Mac tries to refuse a stretcher until his knees buckle beneath him.

Shark catches his arm.

“You can walk later.”

“I’m fine.”

“Wrong team for that lie.”

Mac allows himself to be helped inside.

Fathom carries the evidence case toward a secure room in the back of the hangar. Cobra walks directly behind him, one hand resting on the lid as if the files might try to escape.

Maverick, Rogue, and Reef establish a perimeter.

No one relaxes.

Not yet.

A medic approaches Caleb.

He looks at the blood covering his jacket.

“You’re next.”

“I’m fine.”

I fold my arms.