Page 123 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

Crank tapped his mic. “Doc, you hear me? How we doin’ with locating the drug?” Fielding wasn’t that heavy, thank God, and the airfield was in sight. The drone of Chinooks spoke of their imminent arrival.

“Acquired. Medics on their way to you with shots. Enough for all guards, if we need them.”

“Copy that. And save a shot for Fielding. I don’t know what kinda shifter this bastard is, and I don’t wanna find out.” Two tranq darts would take down a human—he wasn’t so sure about shifters.

“Head for the sleeping quarters. We’ve got one hundred fifty prisoners to get the fuck out of here,” Saul told them.

“Copy that. Meet you there,” Brick called out.

Crank smiled to himself.I know whoyou’relooking for.

BRICK OPENEDthe door to the first sleeping block—and stopped dead to find silent figures standing close by.

Waiting.

Then his arms were full of a lithe, warm body. “I told you I’d have them awake and ready.”

Brick’s knees buckled, and he cupped Seth’s face, kissing him on the lips. “We’d better save this for later, okay? Let’s get you someplace safe first.” He peered at the faces lit by his flashlight. “We’re gonna head to the airfield. Anyone unable to make it that far?”

“We’re all fine.” The guy’s voice was deep. “And more than ready to leave this fucking place.”

Brick glanced at him, and knew in a heartbeat who was speaking. “Jake Carson, I presume. Dellan’s the spitting image of you.”

Jake’s face broke into a huge smile. “You know Dellan?”

“Can this wait?” Saul interjected. “We’ve got three Chinooks standing by, and we don’t wanna keep ’em waiting.”

Jake chuckled. “Isn’t it always the way? You want a helicopter to whisk you out of here, and then three turn up at once.”

“Where’s Jamie?” Saul demanded.

“Not in this block.”

“We’ll find him. In the meantime, stay close to Brick. You guys aren’t going in the Chinooks—you’re coming with us back to our camp.” Saul smiled. “Some people there who can’t wait to see you.”

Brick led the prisoners out, Seth by his side, Jake close behind them, and all around them was noise and smoke that drifted in the breeze, raised voices and thethrob-throb-throbof blades. From behind the building, a lone figure emerged, a rifle pointed in their direction, and as soon as Brick registered its owner as the enemy, he aimed his gun.

“Give it up,” he commanded.

The guard made no reply, but as soon as Brick heard the click of the safety, he acted instinctively and fired a single shot to the heart.

The guard dropped like a stone.

He tapped his earpiece. “We missed one. He’s been taken care of.” Then he realized Seth was staring at him. “Hey, if I’d known for certain he was one of the ones who treated you badly, he wouldn’t even have gotten a warning. I played nice.”

Jake chuckled. “If this is you playing nice, I’d hate to see you when you’re pissed.”

Brick hurried them along, stopping only when he encountered a prisoner who’d fallen, clutching his leg. He glanced at Jake. “Head for the airfield while I see to this guy. Seth, go with him.”

Jake nodded, then took the lead, Seth beside him.

Brick crouched down next to the injured man. “Can you stand?”

The guy shook his head. “You might have to carry me.”

Brick took a good look at his face, then tapped his earpiece. “Hashtag, you getting this?”

“Copy that. Enemy. I repeat, enemy.”

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