Page 9 of Death Wish

“I hope that’s what we’re seeing. Simone, stay inside until I tell you it’s clear.”

“Be careful, Jesse. I don’t want my boyfriend to have bullet holes.”

He chuckled. The little minx was enjoying herself. She was calmer than when they left Nashville.

The two vehicles parked near the bottom of the stairs, and four men climbed out. One man came to the bottom of the stairs. “My boss sent an SUV for you as a favor to Maddox.”

Jesse glanced at Jordan, who nodded. The pilot would monitor Simone. Jesse descended the stairs. “Thanks for the delivery this late at night.”

“It’s no problem. My boss says he owes Maddox and is glad to repay the debt.” He handed over two key fobs. “Steel plates run underneath and surround the vehicle. The glass is also bullet resistant. My boss transports his family in this SUV, so it’s safe. When you no longer need the vehicle, bring it back here. This airstrip is on the Reyes property. No one would dare come onto our land to bother the vehicle.”

Jesse gave a brief nod. “Tell your boss we appreciate the help.”

The four men climbed into the second SUV and drove away.

“Keep watch,” Jesse said to the pilot. He stepped onto the tarmac, grabbed a small plastic device from his pocket, and slowly circled the vehicle while watching the green chaser lights. So far, so good. The electronic sniffer didn’t detect any devices to track their movements or listen to their conversations.

Once he finished the circuit, Jesse slid the device away and crawled under the vehicle to check visually for a bomb. He trusted his boss’s judgment. Trusting the unknown Reyes with Simone’s life was another matter.

When satisfied that Simone would be safe, Jesse climbed to his feet and returned to the jet. “We’re clear.”

“I’ll help load your gear,” Jordan said.

Between them, Jordan and Jesse grabbed the bags and Jesse’s mike bag and carried them to the SUV. Once they loaded everything, Jesse returned to the cabin. “Ready to leave?” he asked Simone.

She rose and came to him, her gaze locked with his. “What about Jordan? Isn’t he going with us?”

He shook his head. “He’ll refuel the jet and take off to pick up Artemis.”

Simone scowled. “Who is that?”

“I’ll tell you about them on the drive to the safe house.” Was that a little jealousy he heard in her voice? A positive step forward if he was right. Then again, he was probably imaging things.

Once he helped Simone into the shotgun seat, Jesse turned and shook Jordan’s hand. “Appreciate the lift. See you soon, my friend.”

“Yep. Be safe, Jesse. People who sell out their country won’t think twice about turning on you and Simone.”

“We’ll be careful.” Jesse climbed behind the wheel and cranked the engine. He plugged in the GPS coordinates of the safe house into his phone and drove away from the airstrip.

“Tell me about this Artemis person,” Simone demanded. “What’s she like?”

“Artemis is a team of female operatives. Each member of the team is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, has sniper training, and can gut you like a fish in two seconds flat if you’re a threat to her or one of her principals. I think you’ll enjoy meeting them.”

“Why?”

He glanced at her. “They’re as tough as nails and feisty to boot. You have a lot in common with them, Simone. That’s an enormous compliment. They’re more than capable of protecting you and watching our six.”

“How many women are on the team?”

“Five, although I’ve heard rumors that Brent is considering adding a second all-female team. That way, members of the two teams will work together on assignments where many female operatives are needed.”

“Were these women military as well?”

“Some were. Some were law enforcement. Sometimes they go into an undercover assignment alone. Most of the time, their teammates are close or they take temporary jobs right along with the chief operative.”

“Are they good?”

“They’re one of the best teams I’ve ever worked with.”

---