Page 50 of Cooper's Command

Nova gave his hand a squeeze. “I’ll see you on the flip side.”

“You remember the code word?”

“Hard to forget. And Coop…”

He smiled when she stared at him like he’d done a moment earlier. “Me, too.”

He turned, whistling for Whiskey. The canine loped over, immediately taking her position on his right side as they crossed over to the far wall, then out the door. No hesitation. No looking back. She’d have to thank him later for that. For trusting her. Trusting in the plan because… it was risky at best.

Nova rolled her shoulder, checking her weapons one more time. Hawk had gotten her a Kevlar vest, and she ran her fingers down the front, hoping she wouldn’t need it. Though, that was more wishful thinking because this op had firefight written all over it.

The comm in her ear buzzed, Cooper’s voice sounding a moment later. “Simmons is pulling up now. Looks like seven men with him. They’re fanning out as expected. I’ll keep thechannel open but for god’s sake, don’t wait until he’s about to fire before calling us in.”

Her ear piece cut out, but she knew Cooper was still there. They’d agreed she’d only be able to hear him, so she didn’t get distracted by all the other chatter — was able to focus on Simmons and how to keep him engaged. But everyone could hear her and she had to admit, it was unnerving. Knowing they’d all be listening. That they’d hear her breath hitch or any slight hesitation in her voice. She’d only ever had Tate as backup, when he’d shown up, and knowing she had an entire team watching her six…

She wasn’t sure how to feel.

Blessed she supposed. Or cursed if she got any of them killed.

Another click in her ear. Simmons was at the door.

Showtime…

Make that twelve large,heavily armed mercenaries guarding Simmons’ back. The last five arriving a minute later via a scrubby dirt track south of the building. Impressive numbers considering Nova hadn’t given him much time. Though, Cooper suspected the bastard had the men on speed dial for exactly this kind of scenario. And he bet his ass Simmons was banking on his team being more skilled than Nova’s.

Which spoke to how cocky and unhinged the guy was because he could bring two dozen with him, and Cooper’s team would still ensure Nova didn’t get so much as a scratch.

Not that she seemed worried about her own safety. In fact, Cooper knew, without a doubt, she would have preferred to have undertaken the entire op alone. Been the only one at risk of dying.

Not on his watch.

Bellamy shuffled in beside him, keeping Tucker hidden in the shadows. “I knew Simmons would come armed for resistance, but damn…”

Cooper snorted. “Fucker either leaves here cuffed or in a body bag.”

“Amen, brother.” Bellamy glanced at Ethan and Rusty, then back to Cooper. “It’s your girl’s life on the line, so it’s your call which group we sideline first.”

His girl.

Only now, it meant so much more than friendly razzing. And Cooper would be damned if he let Nova down.

“Definitely the newcomers. They aren’t your typical hired goons. Did you get a good look at their vests?”

“You mean the ones with grenades and K-bars?” Bellamy grunted. “I got a quick peak.”

“I’m thinking ex-military. Or maybe retired tactical officers who are loyal to Simmons. My gut’s telling me he’s counting on them to be his main line of defense. That he’ll use the others more for show.”

“South section it is. What about Emery’s request?”

“To leave some of them breathing?” Cooper warred with the voice in his head that warned him not to leave a viable threat on the board. “If we can take this first group quietly with non-lethal hits, we will.”

“And the obvious cartel assholes who are heading in with Simmons?”

“Whatever means necessary to ensure Nova keeps breathing.”

Rusty and Ethan nodded, then they all struck off. Sticking to the deep pockets hugging the building. Not so fast they’d make any noise, but they weren’t simply walking. They reached the corner, Rusty taking point. He pressed his back into thewall then darted out enough to take a quick peak. He made a few hands signals, then they were zipping around the edge and quick-stepping to the entrance.

The large metal door hadn’t even fully closed by the time they reached it, Rusty shoving his foot into the narrow space to stop the damn thing from slamming shut. Bellamy and Ethan went in first, clearing the small chamber then holding their positions as Rusty and Cooper darted ahead. They moved quickly to the adjoining door, listening for voices before slivering it open.

---