Page 41 of No Going Back

All eyes turned to the comments on screen.

“Reborn rises again.”

“Reborn unites the world. We have the money and the means to spread the word of the New Dawning of Allah far and wide. Join us.”

“Reborn will not be defeated. They took our brothers, but our family remains united in completing our work.”

“The war is coming. The time is near. Those that chose to attack us shall be punished.”

“There are plenty more, all within the last twenty-four hours.”

“Still nothing about when or where an attack might happen?” Steve asked.

“No. But the chatter suggests they’re gearing up for something soon.”

“I have advised command,” Sam said, “and every military base in California is on high alert. It’s shit timing for both teams to be in play, but nothing we can do about that. The only good news is that there has been no mention of you guys in this latest chatter.”

“Doesn’t mean they won’t try and find us,” Dex said tightly.

“I agree.” Sam’s face was grim. “Look, I know you are all concerned about Reborn coming after us personally, or even the people we care about.”

“Can you blame us?” Ryan said.

“No. But you have to trust that we have this under control. If I believe there is a credible threat, I will have anyone closely connected to the team moved on base for protection.”

“Can’t we just do that now?” Tyler finally spoke up. It wasn’t just Kelly. It was Mira, Sophie, Steve’s wife Diane and their daughter Megan. Were they all in danger? The thought of anything happening to Mira was more than he could bear.

“Yeah, I could. But everyone has lives to live, and we have no idea if or when Reborn may strike, or whom or what they will target. Do we pull everyone on base indefinitely? Take them away from their lives?”

“Reborn came after Dex and Kelly at their homes before.”

“They did, but we took down that cell. The leaders are behind bars. There is nothing to suggest that this new network knows where any of you live. You all have the best security at your homes, and we will know if there are any breaches. But if any of you want to have family members moved on base, then I would be happy to arrange it.”

Tyler dragged a hand over his face. Mira would do what she wanted to do. She was a grown woman. He had no right to demand she stay on base, protected.

“You’re right. This whole thing just sucks. When we captured Lazir, I thought it was over. But they just keep coming back.”

“We cut off their money source, then it won’t be so easy to come back. That’s why this Aziz lead is so important. We get enough to tie Aziz to Reborn; we will take him down.”

The team remained silent. Reborn had become their nemesis. One that all wanted to neutralize permanently.

“OK, I’m expecting confirmation about Gomez within the next couple of hours, so you should be wheels up this afternoon. I’ll let you guys go, so you can get ready. Dex, a word.”

The team got up, moving out to prepare the tactical gear they were going to need for the op. Tyler watched Dex retreat to his office. Why was he suddenly on edge about every conversation? It was normal for Sam and Dex to talk privately. Happened all the time.

“Good to go?” Mackie snapped Tyler out of his thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m set.”

“This thing with Reborn sucks.”

“It does.” Tyler got busy checking his gear.

“What’s going on with you? You are not yourself. Did something happen with you and Mira?”

Tyler stopped what he was doing and faced his friend. “Drop it, Mackie. There is no me and Mira.”

When Mackie spoke again, his voice was low. “Don’t fucking lie to me. We’re friends. I ain’t judging. I ain’t looking for details. But you are off and we can all see it.”

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