Page 24 of Xavier

I do as he says and turn off my car before meeting up with him at the front of the building.

“If I was correct, we should see them enter one of those buildings.” Hudson points down the street.

There are no cars parked in the parking lot or along the street, and the buildings don’t look safe. They look like they should have been condemned a decade ago.

Hudson and I walk along the tree line toward the warehouses to get a better view.

When we hear the roar of an engine, we duck inside the trees. A few moments later, the white jeep comes out of nowhere, heading toward us.

I move deeper into the trees. “Can they see us here?”

Hudson smacks my arm, getting my attention, before rolling his eyes.

“Okay, that was a stupid question. I know they probably can’t see us, but this is different from the missions we were on before. We had better intelligence.”

“Well, I did the best I could. I’m not Hacker.”

At the mention of our friend’s name, I smile.

That fucker could have every little bit of information about a suspect within a few minutes.

He’d have every known name, address, bank account, car, and wife or mistress the suspect has ever had.

The white jeep stops in front of the closest warehouse and the two men from the bait and tackle store get out.

The driver looks pissed while the passenger looks like he is just along for the ride.

They enter the rundown warehouse and immediately start yelling.

My feet are on the move before my brain can catch up.

“We need to hear what they are saying.” I whisper to Hudson, who is following a few steps behind.

“You need to be careful. We don’t have any weapons or backup.”

I spin around so fast Hudson almost collides with me. “I thought you were strapping up.”

“I said I was gearing up.”

I raise my eyebrow. “Same thing.”

“I’ve got my everyday carry on me, but nothing else.”

“One gun and that’s it?” It’s not like him to not carry a couple. Maybe civilian life has softened him a bit.

“Well, I got a couple more stashed in my car, but it’s not enough to wage a war with them.”

“I’m not asking to wage a war. I’m just asking for some cover.”

He nods. “Cover I can do.”

“Good.” I whisper as I move through the trees to get closer to the building.

Commotion inside the warehouse continues.

One of the men’s thick accent booms through the air. “We’re looking for Everett. Where the fuck is he?”

I glance toward Hudson to see if he knows anyone named Everett. He shakes his head.

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