Page 41 of Weston

“We need to go in now,” Wes stated as Corey wrapped his arm. “I’m not fucking waiting around. Anything could happen. The sooner we get Ellie back, the better.”

“Roger that, but they’re going to be expecting us, so we need to play this carefully,” Brand stated.

“I’m killing every last one of those fuckers,” Wes growled.

“Lock it down,” Corey warned under his breath.

“I’m past locking shit down.” Wes sat up straighter and tried not to grimace at the wet liner rubbing against his stump. “It’s time to finish this.”

No one commented, but Wes could see the support and fire flare in his teammates’ eyes. They were his brothers. They would always have his back. And, for that, he was forever grateful.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the small island where the pirates’ HQ was stationed. They debated where to leave the boat and eventually chose the same hidden cove as before. OnlyBrand, Chaz and Jayson had been there, so Wes fell in step behind them, relying on their knowledge of the area.

“It’s right over this hill,” Jayson told them.

“So do we have an actual plan orrrr…” Chaz drew the word out, looking around at the other guys.

“Let’s go with our usual game plan,” Brand answered.

“Blow shit up?”

“That’s Plan B,” Lex said.

“Oh, right.” Chaz checked his weapon. “Sneak attack?”

“Affirmative.”

“Cool.” Chaz slammed the magazine back into his Glock with his palm. “And if that fails, then we blow shit up.”

Yeah, they would definitely be leaving this place leveled and burning,Wes thought.

“We need to come up with some better alternate plans,” Xander said dryly.

As the house came into view, the group halted in surprise. The entire property was surrounded by a chain of men, all armed, standing within five feet of each other. Waiting for them.

“Well, fuck. They sent a welcome wagon and everything,” Lex murmured dryly. “And none of them brought cookies to the party.”

“How many do you count?” Brand asked, squinting.

“You need your glasses, Grand-paw?” Chaz asked. “Cuz I’m seeing at least fifty tangos.”

“I don’t need glasses to punch you in the face, Madden.”

Chaz stifled a laugh and Wes moved to the front of the group. “We’re going in through the front door,” he announced and stepped right into view.

“Oh, fuck,” Corey hissed, hurrying after his friend.

???

Wes read the situation easily enough. Each side wanted something and the pirates were ready to bargain. If that meant getting Ellie back unharmed, Wes would give them anything they wanted. Unfortunately, he had a pretty good idea what the enemy’s intentions were, because if it was just about revenge, they would’ve killed Ellie instead of taking her as a negotiating tool. His team would have to lie. Because striking a bargain would be impossible.

Wes led his guys out of the jungle. His teammates flanked him on either side as they stalked forward, looking deadly, yet in complete control. It was that moment in a film when the lead actors all walked forward in slow-motion and a fireball exploded behind them just for the hell of it, and no one flinched or turned to look back. Badass to the bone.

Except this was real life and no director would be calling cut.

“We tell them whatever they want to hear,” Wes stated. “Then kill them after we have Ellie.”

“Right. Just lay low, Murph. We aren’t giving them the warhead,” Brand murmured.

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