Page 12 of Firestorm

And with good cause. James told him about the cloaking software. “They need to install it right away. It will keep them from being tracked by radar, but after being spotted back there, they’ll know it was us who took the planes. The skies will be full of fighters soon enough. They’ll need all the protection they can get.”

He hated the negative connotation, but everyone flying should be aware of what was coming.

“I’ll let them know.” While Kirk walked his team through installing the software on their choppers, James slipped into the seat beside Sarah. She looked terrified and worn down to her soul.

“How are you holding up?” he asked.

She turned troubled eyes his way. “I’m so scared.”

He clasped her hand. “I know you’re worried, but just remember they took Blake because they wanted information about us, which means they need him alive.” He did his best to help her not lose hope. “I’m going to see if I can tap into the plane’s wireless satellite system to reach out to my contacts in Colorado and see if they have news.”

He squeezed her hand and then brought out his phone. It took some doing, but he finally got a connection to work. Before he typed, a message popped up on his screen. James scanned through it. “It’s from Dustin. He has a couple of sites in mind where they might be holding Blake. That’s good news.” James tapped out a response.

His answer came shortly. “Dustin’s team are going to check the sites. Hopefully, we’ll have news before long.”

Sarah’s smile transformed her face. He’d forgotten how pretty she was. Or the things he’d once hoped for. Was it too late? Would they have their chance at happiness however brief? Or would Pamphili take it all away?

???

Sarah stared out the window at the dark night beyond. They’d been flying for only a short period of time, but her hands still shook from the close encounter. After escaping the vast number of soldiers, she should be relaxing, yet she couldn’t.

“Bogeys. Coming quick,” their pilot called out. “Five fighters.”

James swung toward her. “We’ll have to do evasive maneuvers.” His jaw tightened. “The plane is carrying nuclear warheads. If we’re shot down—” The realization that they were a ticking bomb was frightening. He squeezed her arm. “Hang on tight. It’s going to get rough.” Then he rose and went back to the copilot seat.

Several members of the Strike Force headed up to the front of the plane to claim the seats there.

“What’s the plan?” Sarah heard James ask. She leaned forward in her seat, hanging on the conversation taking place between the men and the pilot.

“We separate. Force them to do the same. It will be easier to take out one or two over the whole five. This plane is equipped with enough firepower without the nukes to take them out. But if we take a direct shot—”

Sarah couldn’t imagine what would happen if that scenario took place.

“Let’s hope they know that,” James said.

“Yeah, well, these are the same people who used a nuclear strike to get rid of us.” Parallel lines formed between Lincoln’s brows. “This is going to get hairy. Everyone, grab hold of something and hang on tight.”

Sarah had time to grab the seat in front of her when the plane dipped hard to the right. She slammed against the window. Screamed.

James careened his way back to her side. “Hang onto me.” He tightened his arm around her. She grabbed his jacket.

The plane’s speed increased. The pilot flew on its side for a long while, then they heard a horrific sound. They were being fired on.

“They’re shooting at us.” Sarah reached for James’ free hand and gripped it.

Orbs of light flew past them. Sarah realized it was shots being lobbed their way.

The pilot jerked the plane hard to the left. Everything in the plane shifted. She slammed against James. He braced against the armrest while Sarah grabbed onto his jacket once more. The world around them blurred.

“What’s happening?” James called.

“One fighter is down. I’m circling around to see if I can shoot a couple more.” Lincoln spoke into his headset. “Abby, Deacon. Henry. How are we doing?”

“Bogey in my sights.” One of the pilots announced.

“A direct hit.” The female yelled through the staticky radio that was buzzing with activity.

The chaos happening around them was terrifying. Her breaths came in short gasps. Would any of them survive?

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