Page 8 of Final Reckoning

“You don’t seem enthused.”

“It’s my job to poke holes in your plans and spot any vulnerabilities.” I shrug, seemingly indifferent to whatever he decides. “On paper, it should work, but I still don’t like the risk.”

“Always so cautious.” He gives me a faint smile. “The risk is worth it for a payoff like this.”

“Can’t argue with that.” Fuck, I need to get out of here. The need to warn everyone is a drumbeat inside my skull, along with my ever-increasing urge to blow Santiago away.

“But?”

I spread my hands. “This plan has a lot of moving parts. All it takes is one of them failing for the whole thing to blow up in your face.”

“Then make the plan better.”

Learning the specifics would be excellent. Instead of agreeing, I narrow my eyes at him. “I thought you said you were bringing in mercenaries. They should know what they’re doing.”

“They’ll be in charge of execution. Tommy and Tony are responsible for the initial plans.”

“They have any military background?” I already know the answer.

“No.”

“Whoever you bring in isn’t gonna like that. They’ll probably want to toss whatever you give them and come up with their own plans.”

Santiago gestures impatiently. “There won’t be time for that. They need to be in and out like lightning, before anyone even knows they’re here.”

“Have them send one man, or two, in advance. I can go over the plans with them, and a couple of guys won’t be enough to draw any attention.” And I might be able to identify them, which would let law enforcement pull up a list of their known associates.

“Yes. Good.” Santiago claps his hands once and rises. “I will let you know when they’ll be arriving.”

“Sounds good.” I hold the door for him, then follow him out, strolling casually to my bike. No rush, just another day.

Only once I’m well away from the compound do I let myself gun it.

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