Page 41 of Silent Sins

As the team finalized their plans, Mason pulled Avery aside. “I don’t like putting Paul in harm’s way.”

She laid a hand on his arm, her touch sending another jolt of electricity through him. “I know. But he’s capable, Mason. More than you believe, I think.”

He held her gaze for a long moment, searching for any hint of doubt or hesitation. But all he saw was determination and faith—in Paul, in the team, and in him.

“Okay,” he said finally, his voice rough. “But if anything happens to him …”

“It won’t,” she said firmly. “He’ll have you.”

Great. Nothing like a little added pressure.

He watched as the team filed out of the room, their voices echoing down the hallway as they made their final preparations. He sank into a chair, his head in his hands as he tried to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.

He was about to lead his team, his brother, and a special agent––a beautiful, dedicated woman–– into the lion’s den. A fierce protectiveness bloomed in his chest, catching him by surprise.

He had feelings for Avery Ellis. Protectiveness. Yearning. Feelings that skirted suspiciously close to serious liking.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. They had a job to do, and he needed to stay focused. But as he stood to join the others, he couldn’t shake the feeling that everything in his life was about to change.

23

It wasn’t fearthat squeezed the air out of Avery’s lungs. Okay, it was fear, but not the usual kind. The fear that choked her was about the future. About her current willingness to ignore the law in order to solve a case.

Was this the battle her dad fought? Follow rules or save lives?

The team surrounded her as they approached the back side of the Rain Bay warehouse, its dilapidated exterior barely visible in the oppressive darkness, but all Avery wanted to do was turn and run. The night air hung heavy and still, and the only sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath the team’s boots. She tried to take a calming breath, but the unfamiliar tactical gear felt constricting, like a second skin that didn’t quite fit. Kate and Paige had insisted on the state-of-the-art outfit, but Avery couldn’t shake the feeling that she was an imposter playing dress-up.

Beside her, Mason moved with fluid precision, his dark form blending seamlessly into the shadows. He radiated a quiet intensity that simultaneously put Avery at ease and set her nerves on edge.

“You ready for this?” His whisper was barely audible, but it sent a shiver down her spine.

Avery swallowed hard, her mouth dry as sandpaper. She nodded, not trusting her voice to remain steady. The truth was, she felt woefully unprepared for what lay ahead.

What this one decision might cost her.

The entire team was outfitted in state-of-the-art black tactical gear, their clothing a mix of lightweight, breathable fabrics and reinforced panels designed to offer both mobility and protection. Each member wore night vision goggles and a built-in communication system, allowing them to stay in constant contact with one another. Their utility belts held an array of cutting-edge gadgets: compact flashlights, multipurpose tools, and small, high-powered cameras for gathering evidence. The only jarring note were the old-school headphones.

“Seriously, what’s with the retro headgear?” Avery whispered to Mason, eyeing the bulky headphones with skepticism.

Mason grinned, his teeth flashing white in the darkness. “Don’t knock the classics. Sometimes old-school is the way to go.”

Wow. The man even made dorky headgear cool.

Aside from the headphones, the advanced tech gear provided by the team was topnotch. She’d left her FBI identification and badge at the mansion, but not her Glock. The decision had been a tough one, but if it came down to needing to protect one of the team, she didn’t want to risk being un-armed. She wore a sleek, form-fitting black jumpsuit, its material designed to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture. Her hands were clad in thin, flexible gloves that allowed for maximum dexterity while still providing grip and protection. On her feet were black, lightweight tactical boots, their soles designed for silent movement and superior traction.

At their hips, each team member carried a handgun loaded with XREP electroshock non-lethal bullets. Her Glock carried the same rounds. These innovative rounds were designed to deliver a powerful, incapacitating electrical charge upon impact, effectively neutralizing targets. The weapons provided a crucial option for the team, allowing them to subdue any threats they might encounter within the warehouse without causing permanent injury or death.

Avery marveled at the cool composure of Mason and his team, their faces set with grim determination as they prepared to breach the building.

“Last chance to back out, Avery,” he told her, his voice a low rumble in her ear. “No one will think less of you if you do.”

Avery shook her head, her jaw set with determination. “Not a chance.”

He nodded, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “Alright then. Let’s do this.”

As they neared the warehouse, she lifted a silent prayer, asking for protection and guidance. She was doing the right thing. Bringing Rain Bay to justice was worth the risk. But a small part of her feared what they might find inside, especially if it implicated Ryan in any wrongdoing.

“You okay?” Mason’s voice, low and concerned, cut through her thoughts.

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