Page 39 of Coveting Catherine

“Good job, PITA. Doc, you stay here with her and Melody. Saint, contact Agent Rhodes and Victoria. Relay our positions and we’ll contact them once we have prisoners. Inform Victoria to let her men know they have company,” Leo directed.

Shadow helped remove Melody from under the sweatshirt to wrap her in another blanket. He spoke softly to the little girl. Kassie snuggled further in Chase's arms and didn't miss the anger radiating from his body. Saint flashed the light in the bag to grab water for Kassie when it landed on the one face she didn’t anticipate seeing. Kassie launched herself in Ash's direction. His hands flew to his face as the heel of her hand met his nose.

“You jerk. She's my friend.” she furiously whispered. A set of arms encircled her by the waist and pulled her back.

“Easy PITA. Ash told us everything. I need you to stay here with Doc,” Leo demanded while Ash held his nose and stomped on the ground while simultaneously attempting to stay quiet. Rollo let out a low growl.

“No, Chase can't stay here. Catherine's hurt. You'll need him to assess her condition before moving her. She was conscious and talking when I left. I have no idea how long …” Kassie's voice trailed off as the adrenaline started to leave her body.

“She's right, Leo. I need to go with you. We can't afford to split up,” Chase spoke up.

“PITA and Melody?—”

“I'll stay right here. No one's followed me other than you. I have my knife and Rollo. Get my friend,” Kassie assured them.

Chase leaned down to her ear. “We'll return for you and Melody. No matter what, you need to stay put. If I come back and find you gone, I'll consider Ivan's advice.” He kissed her nose as the team passed them, commanded Rollo to guard, and then reluctantly let her go.

She snuggled with Melody under a bit of brush she saw when the light flashed. Rollo stood on alert in front of them listening to the sounds of the woods. Cursing herself for not asking for a flashlight, she lay in the darkness waiting for the team to rescue Catherine.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

Leo squatted in the woods, waiting for his men to report they found their positions. Saint took down the guard in the back as Shadow slipped inside. Doc waited beside him for Shadow to report back. Taco, and Ash covered the front with him.

Shadow's voice came over the coms, “Boss, the package was delivered to the lower floor. They’re getting ready for a party. Guest of honor to arrive in thirty.”

“Hunker down, boys; we'll see if Santa comes early,” Leo commanded.

The team waited.

Twenty-five minutes later, the blades of a helo sounded in the sky. The sun rose from the east, giving off enough light. Ash and Taco made out the men exiting the helo.

“It's Santa himself,” Ash informed the team.

“I have a clear shot,” Taco reported.

“Negative, stand down. We need Santa with a bag and elves,” Leo readied himself. “Doc, stand by for the signal.” He approached the house.

Shadow's voice broke through the coms, “Boss, they’re spreading gasoline. The package is tied to the men our elf wrapped earlier.”

Leo's body relaxed as he adjusted his plan. “What’s the condition of the package?” he anxiously asked. A movement from his left revealed Ash running out of the woods toward the house. “Ash, SITREP.”

Silence filled the air. “Taco SITREP.” Leo cursed under his breath as he frantically scanned the location for Taco.

“I can't let her die. Rahimi texted me the location when we arrived. He's waiting on me.” Ash confessed into his coms. He glanced in his former leader’s direction as he spoke while he waited for the door to open.

“Shit,” Saint cursed. “I have the target in sight.”

“No. Ash, relay what you see.” Leo ordered.

“Rahimi, I'm here. Let her and the kid go. The other woman you hold upstairs, she’s worth a fortune. If you contact her husband, he'll transfer the money immediately,” Ash said, sounding desperate.

“Fuck,” Shadow muttered.

Leo's mind raced. Why did Ash mention Kassie? Especially, when he knew her, and Melody stayed safely hidden in the woods. Why ask him to call Chase?

“I'll call him. I owe you two and can get you three more on the side. You don’t have to do anything. Or maybe four to your side and two on mine. After all, I'm taking a risk by giving you the information. If you don't believe me, send a couple of men to get her down here, and we'll let her speak with him,” Ash continued to speak as Leo used a stick to mark how many people Ash indicated to the team.

“Do you have eyes on the package?” His voice came out professionally, but his gut churned as he listened carefully.

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