Page 37 of Hurting Hunter
"Perfect, thanks for the heads-up. We’re ready here. Heading to the warehouse soon," Hunter responded.
"Copy that. Stay sharp and good luck," Ethan replied. His chest was heavy with concern and pride. He ended the call, a wave of restless energy urging him to pace, but he remained anchored by the array of screens.
Switching back to Dani, his tone was resolute, driven by the dual forces of duty and deep-seated affection for Hunter. "Keep the line open, Dani. Any sign of trouble or interference, you let me know immediately. They're moving in now."
"Will do, Ethan. We’ve got this covered," Dani assured him.
Ethan leaned back, allowing himself a moment to absorb the gravity of the situation. His fingers paused over the keyboard, his eyes scanning the screens that displayed the moving parts of their carefully laid plans.
For the hundredth time in the past hour, he wished he was with Hunter out there in the field.
As he waited, a mix of scenarios played out before his mind’s eye. So much could go wrong, but he knew it was no use borrowing trouble.
He had to trust Hunter and rely on Kevin and his buddies to keep him safe.
Despite himself, Ethan rose pacing around his desk as far as the landline allowed him, driven by a relentless determination to see this through—not just for justice, but for the man he loved, fighting on the front lines.
Chapter 26
As they approached the secluded warehouse in the industrial outskirts of Seattle, the urban sprawl gave way to deserted streets lined with derelict buildings. Their target loomed ahead, a shadowy structure veiled under the cover of darkness, its decrepit state masked by the night. The warehouse stood silent and seemingly abandoned.
Wearing night vision goggles for the first time, Hunter felt an odd mixture of awe and discomfort. The world through the green-hued lenses was eerily vivid, every detail of the crumbling facade and scattered debris starkly visible. Although the technology provided him an unparalleled view in the darkness, the goggles pressed uncomfortably against his face, heavier and more constricting than any motorcycle helmet he'd ever worn.
Each step toward the warehouse ramped up the tension within him, a tightrope-walk between anticipation and apprehension. His palms were sweaty, his fingers intermittently clenching and unclenching as if trying to grasp the intangible threads of hope and fear woven through the night's objectives. His heart thudded loudly. He was eager for the rescue, yet dreading the unknown perils that lay ahead.
Hunter moved with deliberate steps, as did the other men, avoiding debris and trying to walk as soundlessly as possible. His body was taut with the strain of suppressed anxiety. The crisp night air did little to cool his heated skin or ease the flutter of nerves in his stomach.
Kevin, leading the way, raised his fist in a silent command. They all stopped, blending into the shadows as if they were part of the dark tapestry itself. The momentary stillness allowed Hunter to collect himself, his breathing deep and measured beneath the mask of technology strapped to his head.
With a signal from Kevin, they resumed their advance. Hunter's focus narrowed, his senses sharpened by the looming threat and promise of the mission.
Steeling himself, Hunter prepared for what lay beyond the threshold. This operation could mean freedom for those held inside, or it could spiral into disaster. Either way, he was committed, driven by a resolve as unyielding as the night was dark. Hunter's heart hammered against his ribcage, the rush of adrenaline sharpening his focus as they edged closer to the building.
The darkness enveloped the team as they drew closer to the building. Only the distant echoes of urban life punctuated the silence. The familiar weight of adrenaline surged through his veins as he navigated the terrain.
Ahead, a figure emerged. Another signal from Kevin halted their advance. Hunter struggled to slow his breathing.
The guard’s silhouette marked by a confident strut that seemed almost out of place in the desolate surroundings. His boots tapped a steady rhythm on the concrete. The sound was overly loud in the quiet of the night. Hunter's hands clenched at his sides. As he watched the guard move with an air of arrogance, a deep-seated hatred simmered within him. This man’s swagger spoke of someone who knew exactly the horrors he stood guard over and took pride in his role.
Just as the guard was about to turn the corner, Thomas—a former Navy SEAL and a buddy of Kevin—stepped from the darkness. His movements were fluid, practiced, and silent. On silent feet, he reached the guard and swept out his arm in an effective takedown. The guard crumpled and Thomas caught him beneath his arms before he hit the ground, before dragging him into the shadows.
Hunter watched, awe mingling with a fierce pride. It was like watching an artist at work. For a moment, his worries ebbed away.
The warehouse loomed ahead, its large metal door a barrier to what lay within. Hunter’s gaze shifted to Max, who stepped forward with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what to do. Max’s hands were skilled from years of necessity, his street-smart upbringing turning him into a master of silent entries. With a deft touch, he manipulated the lock. There was a soft click, barely audible, and the door swung open on creaking hinges.
Hunter held his breath; the sound had been like a shotgun in the silence. When nothing happened for seconds, they moved forward and went inside.
Inside the shadowy interior, Kevin approached. He moved with purpose, his voice low and soft and with a calm authority that settled Hunter’s nerves and reminded him of Ethan.
"Go left with Thomas and check the doors on your right side," Kevin instructed. "Max and Antoine will take the left. Pull your weapon. Do not shoot unless you have no choice. Stay low." His orders left no room for doubt or hesitation.
Hunter nodded and pulled the gun from his pocket. The cool metal of his weapon was a reassuring weight.
He waited as Kevin continued, "The rest of us will take the right corridor. Stay safe."
"You too," Hunter replied, his voice just as subdued.
As they split into their groups, Hunter’s steps were cautious, his senses heightened to every sound and shadow.
