Page 63 of Security Breach

After getting a negative response, David called Ethan. “We’re under fire.”

“Copy. Where is he?”

More gunfire gave him a general location. He relayed the information to the police chief.

“I’ll come up from the south. Tell the others not to shoot me. I’m in uniform.”

“One of my brothers and Cal Taylor are in the woods, probably tracking. I’ll pass the word.” He glanced at Eli who fired his weapon when a shooter leaned out for a better line of sight.

Loud swearing followed by more gunshots.

David glanced at Eli. “Ethan’s coming up from the south. Civilians will come soon. We need to end this, fast.”

“Suggestions?”

“Get in your SUV and start backing out of the clearing as though you’re making a run for it with Emma.”

Eli scowled. “Bad plan. I’m not leaving you and your brother out here like sitting ducks.”

“We’ll use the vehicle for cover. When you draw him out, we’ll take him down. Head for the north end of the clearing and stop. Keep Emma as far away from the shooter as possible.”

A frown from Wolf Pack’s leader. “This isn’t my first rodeo, buddy. I’ll protect your woman. You and your brother look after yourselves. No heroics.”

David gritted his teeth. He’d do whatever was necessary. Glancing at his brother who signaled that he was ready, David motioned for Eli to go.

Wolf Pack’s leader maneuvered around the Montgomery brothers to open the driver’s side door and climbed behind the wheel to the accompaniment of rapid gunfire. “Hang on, Emma. We’re going for a slow ride.” After cranking the engine, he glanced at David.

David gave a short nod. “Levi, when we’re close enough, get into the trees and get a bead on this guy.”

“Copy that.”

Eli began to back slowly from the clearing, angling the SUV to best protect Emma, David, and Levi.

The shooter renewed his efforts to stop the vehicle. Bullets pinged off the hood and fender on the passenger side.

David kept pace with the SUV, hoping the shooter would make a mistake before an innocent civilian wandered into the line of fire.

When the SUV moved close enough to the tree line, David fired a volley of carefully aimed shots to provide cover for his brother who sprinted for the safety of the trees.

At the designated place, David signaled Eli to stop. He peered around the front of the SUV, weapon aimed. He scowled. He still didn’t have a line of sight on the shooter who continued to pepper the SUV with bullets. Soon, the compromised glass would give way, endangering Emma further.

After communicating with Eli via hand signals, David shifted to the back of the SUV in a crouch and peered around the back bumper when Levi fired a shot. His brother leaned out just enough to draw the other man’s attention.

When the shooter took the bait and leaned out to get a better shot, David fired. The shooter dropped to the ground, groaning and clutching his right shoulder.

“Shooter’s down,” David called as Levi left cover to secure the man’s weapon. “Watch for his partner.”

Elliot jogged from the tree line with his phone to his ear. A moment later, he said, “Ambulance is on the way.”

Cal and Ethan emerged from the trees, weapons drawn and aimed at the injured man until Levi cuffed him. The shooter spewed a litany of profanity.

David hurried to the SUV. “Emma.”

She dove into his arms. “Are you all right?”

He closed his arms around her and held her tight. “I’m fine. You?”

“I may be shaking for days, but I’m not hurt.” She glanced up at him. “I should have listened to you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to endanger anyone.”

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