Page 124 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“Copy that.” Brick didn’t hesitate. He fired a tranq dart into the guy’s neck with a snort. “Nice try.” He pushed the man out of the path of the oncoming stream of prisoners, then dashed toward the airfield, where Johan and others beckoned them up the rear ramp into the belly of the helicopters. As each Chinook was filled, it rose into the air, heading southeast.

Three trucks stood on the tarmac, and Brick pointed to them. “They’re for us.” Then he saw a familiar face and his gut tightened. Jamie was there.

Not now.Seth grasped Brick’s hand.You can explain it all to him later if you want, but right now let’s get away from this place.

But it’s my fault he got caught.

And because he did, he found his dad, so enough guilt, all right? You’ve both been through hell. It’s time to leave it behind and move on.Another squeeze of Brick’s hand.You’ve got other things to think about. Two mates, actually.

And the start of his new life.

SAUL TAPPEDhis earpiece. “Crank, where are you?”

“In the Apache, on my way to the FOB in Brunswick. Fielding’s come round, but he’s had his shots and he ain’t goin’ nowhere.” A chuckle. “He ain’t sayin’ much either. I gagged him.”

“Meet you there. And Crank? Don’t lay a finger on him, okay?”

Crank snorted. “Now would I do a thing like that? Not until he’s answered a few questions first. Over and out.”

Saul was going to ensure Crank wasn’t left alone with Fielding. Not that Saul hated the idea of a little retribution for the pain and suffering he’d endured on Fielding’s orders, but the bastard had information they needed.

He tapped again. “Anyone seen Milo Keppler?”

“Copy that,” Eve came back. “He’s in one of the Chinooks, and he’s with his mate.”

“Great. Where are you?”

“Heading back your way. I had to return a truck.”

He smiled. “I bet that was a relief for the drivers. Okay, let’s head back to the camp, pack it up, and get the fuck out of here.”

Then on to Brunswick where a certain Geran had a lot of explaining to do—and a location to reveal.

DELLAN DRANKwhat had to be his third cup of coffee since Saul and the men had left. He’d been surprised Horvan hadn’t gone with them, but he and Aelryn remained in constant contact, watching the mission unfold via drone camera. Horvan assured him that so far it had been textbook, but that hadn’t alleviated Dellan’s nerves.

Horvan stuck his head out of the command tent. “The trucks are on their way back here with the troops.” When Dellan stared at him, he smiled. “And your dad, Jamie, and Seth.”

Then he heard the sound of the trucks’ engines, and he could hardly breathe.

The trucks rolled into camp, and someone flicked on the perimeter lights they’d set up. The guys piled out, talking loudly and laughing, and for Dellan, it felt like a rerun of the Bozeman mission, the same sense of exhilaration that it was over and everyone was home alive.

He stilled.At least, Iassumethey—

No injuries or fatalities. For us, anyway. They never saw us coming.Horvan sounded pleased as fuck.

Dellan breathed a relieved sigh.Thank goodness.He watched as the trucks emptied, and couldn’t help smiling when Aric all but flew across the camp and into Brick’s arms. Judging by the way Brick wouldn’t let go of the guy at his side, Dellan reckoned it had to be Seth, and the joy shining from their faces brought a lump to his throat.

I guess I can meet my new half brother later.

Then his heart lurched at the sight of a familiar face.

Dad.

Jake spotted him a split second later, and his eyes went wide. He broke into a run, and Dellan hurried over to meet him halfway. They came to a stop a couple of feet from each other, and it was as if neither of them knew what to do next. Then Jake held his arms wide, and Dellan ran into them, tears streaming down his cheeks as Jake enfolded him, a warm, solid body that felt so fuckingreal.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Dellan croaked.

It didn’t matter that he was almost forty years old. It didn’t matter that he was male andeveryoneknew men weren’t supposed to cry. His dad was sobbing too, his tears wetting Dellan’s cheeks, and if his dad could cry like a fucking baby, then Dellan could too.

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