Page 3 of Midnight Escape

“Are you carrying?” Stone asked.

“Only my backup weapon in my ankle holster.”

“Standby.”

Danny wanted to reach out and choke Stone for that. He needed help now. Before the dot—which he expected was at least one ATV with the owner of this field aboard—reached them. And he believed the rider, or riders, would be armed. He focused on options of how he’d protect Wayne without cover. Except for something with a large gas tank on it.

“The sheriff’s ETA is twelve minutes. Boss and Sugar’s ETA is five, maybe four.”

While Boss—Ken Patrick, HIS Alpha team leader—and Sugar—Samantha Patrick, former team sniper—were perfect backup, five minutes—even four—might be too late. He held confidence in his abilities as an agent, but this situation might test him.

“Armed?” Danny asked, meaning his boss and former teammate.

Stone snorted. “What a stupid question.”

He’d realized that as soon as the words had left his mouth. Those two were always prepared. Especially after all they’d dealt with as agents.

Leaving the call open, Danny dropped his phone in his left pocket. The bird was the only possible shelter, but a stray shot to the gas tank concerned the hell out of him. Hoping the possible threat didn’t carry rocket launchers—aware of the damage one would do—they had to take the chance and use the helo as cover. At least on the step with the doors open as protection. Their calves would be exposed, but it’d have to be a risk he’d take.

“You don’t think that’s a nice welcoming party?” Wayne’s hopeful voice held a tinge of strength, which Danny should’ve expected since the man had been a Navy pilot.

“Doubtful.” Reaching down, Danny removed his weapon and checked the load. It shocked and pleased him when Wayne pulled a weapon from an ankle holster. He wanted to ask why his examiner carried a weapon on an examination, but he’d probably be asked the same question in return and wasn’t prepared to answer.

“The bird’s our only option,” Wayne calculated. “It’s not a good one.”

“Agreed. Landing in this open field seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“Hmph. No other choice existed.” Wayne snapped his clip back into his weapon and pulled back the rack to load the chamber. “That is, if you wanted us to survive.”

True, but he may’ve put them in a situation that reversed that outcome.

Engines revving drew closer and the two ATVs put distance between the vehicles, as if to surround them as only two threats could do. He and Wayne couldn’t play stupid like they had no clue where they’d landed, but Danny had to try something. They couldn’t run; they couldn’t hide for long, and he didn’t have a second clip.

“Use the bird for cover. I’m going to welcomeourguests.” Danny’s firm voice made no difference to the former naval officer.

“I don’t think so,” Wayne argued.

“I need you taking pictures of who’s approaching and shoot the pics off to the sheriff’s department before we engage.”

“I’d rather you went in the bird since I’m responsible for you.”

“But, we’re on the ground now. My agency is on the way and can handle what we can’t. Now, take the damn pictures.”

The reality must’ve penetrated Wayne’s mind. “You know they might kill you before I can get what we need.”

Danny didn’t have to be told that. Still, one of them had to do it and standing here wouldn’t provide enough time if a shootout or other unfortunate incident occurred. And, he’d be damned if he’d allow these men to get away with breaking the law and possibly murder. That shouldn’t be his first thought, but it bled into his bones as the threat approached.

Lethal determination wove up his spine as he could make out the figures of three men—two on one vehicle and one on the other. Time would tell how this interaction played out. He needed Boss and Sugar now.

“Go,” Danny ordered and tucked his weapon in his right flight suit pocket. Greeting the men with a weapon in his hand would surely bring trouble. More trouble than he wanted or needed.

“I still don’t like it, but I agree we need to do it.” Wayne shifted. “I’ll still be backing you up and will be back out here once I’ve sent the pics off.” His flight examiner hurried out of sight.

Narrowing his eyes, Danny made out the features of the men and their pissed expressions. His heart raced, and he took slow, calming breaths to keep control of his actions.

“I’m so glad you arrived.” Danny shouted over the noise of the four-wheelers with fake relief in his voice. He waved his left hand in a hello gesture, keeping his right hand on his pocket, so he could quickly retrieve his weapon if needed. “I’m sorry I landed in your field, but my helicopter died. I sure could use a ride back to civilization.” He hoped they hadn’t made out Wayne, so the two trespassers would have an advantage.

With no answer, Danny swallowed, itching to draw his weapon, and tried again. “We called base ops, and they’re on their way.” The men tensed when he’d told them someone knew where they were. “I’m sorry if I landed here. I’ll compensate for the crops I killed.”

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