Page 38 of Truth is the Ultimate Weapon

“You don’t have to,” Nash said, offering her a comforting embrace. “Coy isn’t saying this is case closed, but that the evidence is pretty suggestive. We only know what we know at this point, and that’s to be extra cautious where he’s concerned and protect you along with everyone else.”

“He’s right,” Coy said. “Right now, it’s about keeping everyone safe and flushing out the enemy. We’ll worry about the rest later, okay?”

Charlotte nodded as Nash brushed away a lone tear that managed to escape her.

“Can we count on you?” Coy approached Charlotte with gentle inquiry, mindful not to insinuate any wrongdoing or question her integrity.

“If you’re asking me if I can kill a dirty son of a bitch to save any one of our lives without hesitation, the answer is yes.” Charlotte nodded in agreement, swiftly checking her weapon and visibly shifting her demeanor, pushing aside any emotions that threatened to cloud her focus.

“Okay then.” Coy acknowledged her decision with a hint of pride in his expression. “Kenz?”

She nodded, “Ready. Nash, you fall behind Dev and Char. I’ll tail you and watch your back.”

Coy moved with precision and coordination, each member falling into their designated roles behind him as if they had rehearsed a hundred times before. Their steps were measured and deliberate as they advanced, and he led them towards the barn, the source of the commotion that had caught their attention. Despite their practiced movements, he could feel an undercurrent of tension pulse through the air, a silent reminder of the danger that lurked nearby.

As Coy led the way, his senses were attuned to every sound and movement around them. He kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, his focus unwavering as he guided the group towards their destination. Meanwhile, Diesel took up a protective path between the group and the distant tree line where he’d already alerted to danger, his senses keenly alert to any potential threats lurking in the shadows. His growls and behaviors didn’t seem like much more than a distraction to the untrained eye, but Coy read that dog like a book and knew their enemy was all around them.

As they approached the barn, the sense of impending danger seemed to intensify, hanging heavy in the air like a thick fog. Coy could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, a constant reminder of the risks they faced. But he pushed aside his apprehension, his determination to protect his team driving him forward.

With each step, they drew closer to the barn, the urgency of their mission driving them onwards. Coy's mind raced with possibilities, his instincts on high alert as he prepared for whatever dangers lay ahead. He knew that they would need to stay focused and work together if they were to emerge from this situation unscathed.

As they reached the barn's entrance, Coy signaled for the team to halt, his hand held up in a silent gesture. He listened intently, straining to pick up any sounds that might indicate the presence of their adversaries. In the distance, Diesel let out a low growl, his instincts warning him of imminent danger.

Upon Coy's nod, the team geared up to enter the barn, their weapons poised for action. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed, prompting them to seek cover behind a nearby flatbed trailer piled with hay.

“What the hell was that?” Kenzie whispered.

“Not sure, but it came from the barn.”

“Why? Why are they here? You think they have Glen with them?” she questioned.

“That’s my guess.” Coy shared, “If this is about land, they need to make it look like an accident or natural.”

“But the kidnapping is on camera.” Nash pointed out. “Why fake his death now? It’ll be obvious it’s a setup.”

“Not if we’re the only ones who know about that grainy security feed,” Coy warned.

“Shit. They think they got away with it. That nobody saw them escape the hospital with Glen.” Kenzie realized. “They’re going to kill him. They have nothing to lose if they don’t know the truth and all this land to gain.”

“Not until you’re out of the way,” Coy added. “Let’s not forget that Glen is only half their problem. Stay alert. You’re wearing the largest target here, Kenz.”

“You remember that guy who showed up at Owen Bridges the night he was broken into?” Nash questioned.

“The guy that showed up with the window?” Coy asked.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the guy in the video pushing the wheelchair,” Nash confessed. “He seemed familiar, and I couldn’t place him.”

“So, it just popped in your head… right now?” Coy asked.

“It did. I was in such a hurry to get the information to you. It’s just been sitting at the back of my mind, nagging at me… It finally clicked.”

“The man with the limp.” Charlotte rolled her eyes in frustration, “I hadn’t even pieced that together. He’s right. I didn’t find him familiar; the image was too fuzzy, but I saw the limp, which means…”

“Someone from your father’s security detail took my uncle,” Kenzie spoke up on her behalf, her voice soft yet firm, devoid of accusation.

Charlotte nodded, “Another piece to the puzzle just fell into place.”

“You understand that…”

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