Page 7 of Death Wish

“I need to restock my supplies,” Jesse said.

Jake waved him toward the drug cabinets. “Take what you need. I’ll replenish from the storeroom anyway.” He handed Jesse a bag.

“Thanks.”

The other medic motioned for Simone to follow him to the other side of the infirmary. “Have a seat,” he said, indicating a chair near one bed. He sat on the bed. “So, Simone, you’re an ace computer hacker, huh?”

She shrugged. “I’m good, and I enjoy the challenge. What about you? How long have you worked for Fortress?”

“Several years now. I’m actually filling in for a medic out sick today. Normally, I’m assigned to the Wolf Pack as their medic.”

“You’re trained like Jesse.”

“That’s right.”

“Any words of advice before we fly to Mexico?”

“Yeah. Stay close to Jesse. Don’t tell anyone what you’re really doing in town. Never mention the name Fortress. We don’t have many friends down in that neck of the woods.” He thought a minute. “If you’re in a restaurant, don’t leave your drink unattended. If you do have to leave it, order another one. Assume your drink is drugged.”

And the fun just continued. She blew out a breath. “So noted. Anything else?”

“Know how to use a weapon?”

Simone flinched. “No. My weapon of choice is a computer. I leave the gun wielding to Jesse and his pals.”

“Consider carrying a knife or a stun gun.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Would you give your wife or girlfriend the same advice?”

“I have. My wife carries a small stun gun. She’s in medical school, training to be a doctor. Her schedule is weird and if I’m deployed, another operative might not be available late at night to pick her up or walk Lacey to her car.”

“Has she ever had to use it?”

“Once. Dropped the guy instantly, giving Lacey time to run to safety and call the police.”

Jesse rested his hand on Simone’s shoulder. “Ready?”

She nodded.

He held out a hand and tugged Simone to her feet.

“Stop by the weapons vault,” Jake said. “For Simone.”

After a curt nod, Jesse escorted Simone from the infirmary and into the elevator. They rode the car to a subterranean level where the medic guided her to one of the many rooms along a long corridor. The doors were steel.

“What is this place?”

“We have two floors of vaults filled with weapons and medical supplies. They’re kept well stocked.” He unlocked the door by using his key card, inputting a long string of numbers on the keypad, and having a retinal scan.

“Overkill?”

“Nope.” He opened the door and motioned Simone inside. “We have enough weapons and ammunition stored on these two levels to win a war.”

Simone stared in awe at the rows and rows of guns, ammunition, knives, throwing stars, and many other things she couldn’t name because she didn’t recognize them. Jesse hadn’t been exaggerating.

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