Page 13 of Last Chance

“Ready?” he asked. When she nodded, Sawyer stood, tugged Janie to her feet, and helped her to the ground. After grabbing his pack, he touched Brody’s shoulder.

The team leader signaled the others, and they set off at a fast pace. When Janie lagged behind, Sawyer scooped her into his arms again and picked up the pace.

“Why are we hurrying?” she asked. Was there some danger she was missing?

“We aren’t far from the Vatos Locos compound, and we’re still in the middle of their territory. Some of their soldiers are probably close by.”

She tensed. Oh, man. She thought after escaping the compound that her problems were over. Apparently not.

“It’s all right, Janie. I’ve got you.”

“You’re not safe. None of you are safe.” She didn’t want these kind and brave men to be targets on her account.

“Janie, look at me.” When she did, Sawyer squeezed her gently. “We chose to come, and I’m glad we did. Freeing you from Vatos Locos is worth every risk we’re taking. This is what we’re trained to do, and we’re good at it.”

She smiled. “Such modesty,” she teased.

“It’s a simple truth. We’ll get you out of here. You have my word. Trust me a little longer.”

Brent Maddox was no fool. He didn’t skimp on training. Brent trusted them with her life. She either accepted his judgment or she’d make the rescue underway even more difficult and dangerous for the men risking all to save her. The more she cooperated, the easier things would go for everyone.

Slowly, Janie relaxed against Sawyer. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You just left a terrifying situation, and you’re still not in a safe place. Plus, we’re strangers to you. Brent knows us, but you don’t. What you’re feeling is understandable.”

Tears burned her eyes. A terrifying situation was an inadequate description for feeling as though she would die any minute for hours on end. She’d never forget the experience and prayed she never had to repeat it.

The team ran along an unseen path from Janie’s perspective. Good thing these men were wearing NVGs. Perhaps later, Sawyer would have time to show her how they worked.

Soon, they emerged from the jungle into another clearing. Parked in the shadows of the trees were two SUVs.

“Logan, Max, check the vehicles and let’s get out of here.”

Fascinated, Janie watched as the two men circled the vehicles while looking at black gadgets. Curiosity got the best of her. “What are they doing?”

“Checking for trackers and explosives.”

Her blood ran cold. “Explosives? Seriously?”

“We’re in enemy territory. Anything is possible.”

Janie wrapped her arms around her middle. This was insane. Explosives? Trackers? If she’d escaped from Scar Face and his buddies, she wouldn’t have thought to check for hidden dangers.

Logan and Max gave a hand signal, and the rest of the team left the safety of the jungle to climb into the vehicles. Sawyer set Janie on the backseat of an SUV and climbed in beside her. Jesse, the medic, handed Sawyer a backpack, then took the shotgun seat while Brody climbed behind the wheel.

In seconds, the caravan drove through the clearing and onto a dirt path leading away from the area.

As they drove, the sun lightened the sky to a steel gray. “We may be in for a rough ride,” Brody said.

Jesse and Sawyer checked their weapons.

Janie’s stomach knotted. That couldn’t be good. Was ‘rough ride’ a euphemism for more danger? “What’s happening?” she whispered to Sawyer.

“Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.” He smiled. “Standard operating procedure, Janie. Don’t worry.”

“Easy for you to say.”

He chuckled. “We’ll handle whatever the Vatos Locos dish out.”

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