Page 54 of Jameson

“So, the new plan?” Kai prompted.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Based on yesterday, we need to attack the monster away from the dam wall.”

“You need more precision—” Greer interjected “—if you want to get that device inside the monster.”

Maxim nodded slowly. “We could fire it off a gun.”

“A crossbow would be better,” Greer said. “I have a good tactical one that my dad made.”

“That’s a good idea.” Maxim nodded, and you could practically see his mind ticking over. “I can modify it.”

“If we need to be away from the dam wall, you’ll need to fire it from the Talon,” Colbie said, shoveling eggs into her mouth.

I nodded. “Good idea. I’ll do it.”

“No, I’ll do it.” Greer lifted her chin. “I’m the best shot and it’s my crossbow.”

My gut rebelled. I didn’t want her anywhere near the monster. “No.”

She arched a brow. “Yes. You know it’s the best idea.”

“She makes sense, Jameson,” Colbie said quietly.

I blew out a breath. Greer and all my squad were looking at me. Dammit. My hand clenched on my coffee mug.

“Jameson,” Greer said.

“Okay,” I bit out. “But I’m in charge of this mission. You listen to me.”

She nodded.

I’d be right beside her. Every step of the way.

Kai sat back in his chair. “We need to lure the monster out where we want it.”

“Not poor Bessie again,” Marc said.

“I think our monster prefers human bait,” I said.

Marc nodded. “I’ll dangle from the rappel line under the Talon.”

“What?” Colbie said. “That’sinsane.”

Marc shrugged. “Zeke and I have dangled off the Talon loads of times before. It makes sense. Besides you’re the pilot. If I get eaten, it’s on you, sparrow.”

“Don’t call me that. Maybe I’ll let the tentacle monster eat you.”

“Nah, you’d miss my handsome face and wit.”

Colbie rolled her eyes.

I didn’t love any of this, but we needed to take the monster out.

One way or another.

“Okay. Maxim will modify the crossbow, Marc is the bait, and Greer will fire the device at the monster. The rest of us will provide support.”

Maxim stood. “Greer, if I can have the crossbow, I’ll get working rigging it so it will hold the electro device.”

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