Page 114 of Caught in the Crossfire

Once he changed clothes, Linc glanced at Mason’s running shoes and found a pair of black tactical boots in the right size. “Use these. You’ll be at a disadvantage if Fisher and Patton are still wearing work boots.”

After switching to the boots, Mason stood. “Anything else?”

Linc opened a drawer and pulled out a small device. “Put this in your ear. When it’s time to activate the comm system, tap it and you’ll be connected to the teams. You’ll hear their orders and they’ll hear every word you say. No sharing secrets, buddy, or everyone will know. Remember that when you rescue Nicole.”

He slipped the small device into his ear and practiced turning it on and off. When he was sure he could operate the equipment, Mason glanced at the wall of knives. “I need two knives, one for Fisher and Patton to find and a second one to keep hidden.”

Linc handed Mason a sheath to strap onto his calf as well as a knife with a five-inch blade. “This is the one you surrender.” The instructor handed him a second knife with a four-inch blade. “A sheath is built into the inside ankle of the boots. Knives are close-quarters weapons. What’s the first rule of combat with a knife?”

Mason’s lips curved. “You’re going to get cut.”

“Be prepared. The second rule is that a gun trumps a knife every time. If your opponent has a gun, you’ll have to disarm him. We taught how to do that, Mase. Trust your training.” Linc gathered the weapons he needed from the vault and motioned for Mason to follow him.

Two minutes later, they entered a large conference room. With the exception of Nate, the members of Durango and Bravo were already studying a map of a campground.

Josh glanced up, noted Mason’s attire, and gave a nod of approval.

Mason moved closer to the screen. “Is that the campground where the Road Devils are staying?”

Josh nodded. “According to Tate Abrams, the Devils have been there for several weeks. The owner of the campground rented the grounds to them for six months. As long as they don’t damage the buildings, he won’t evict them unless we prove Nicole and Dawn are being held captive there.”

“Too late to do any good when we do,” Linc growled.

Durango’s leader inclined his head in agreement. “You still want in on this op?”

“Try to keep me out.”

Quinn smirked at the PSI instructor. “Have something to tell us, Creed?”

“No.”

Trent shook his head, his lips curving. “Don’t torture our weapons master. He’ll be an excellent addition to this op.” He turned to Josh. “When is Ethan due?”

“Any minute. He’s bringing a few officers with him.”

Mason’s gut knotted. He knew several of the officers on the force. Most of them weren’t experienced enough to survive what was to come without serious injury.

Nate walked into the room followed by Ethan, his brothers-in-law Nick Santana and Rod Kelter, and Stella, Nate’s wife. All of them were dressed similar to the Fortress operatives, including body armor and several weapons each.

“Sit rep,” Ethan said.

Josh updated him on what Fortress discovered about the campground. “The owner is more interested in the money than in kicking the Road Devils off his property. Zane found blueprints for the campground buildings and will monitor the grounds via satellite.”

“Have any good news to share with the class?”

“PSI trainees will assist law enforcement in guarding the perimeter. They’ll wear jackets clearly marked so the LEOs don’t mistake them for gang members. They also have body armor. We selected trainees with previous law enforcement experience for this mission to minimize the risk.”

“Excellent.” Ethan studied the map. “Zane’s sure this is accurate?”

“Yes, sir.”

The police chief turned and faced the room’s occupants. “Here’s what we’re going to do.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Mason rode shotgun in Linc’s SUV, tension building with each passing mile. Was Nicole still alive? “I should have heard from Fisher by now.”

“He’ll call. The delay gives our side time to get into position. We want to capture every man involved in the kidnapping.”

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