Page 238 of Bossy Hero

I recite the information to Patterson. By the time I’m done, Mia’s ready with more intel. She describes the layout of the main deck and a possible entry on the opposite side of the boat. Again, I relay the info to Patterson.

As annoying as it is to be a middleman, I don’t regret keeping him off our comms. My guard is still up, and while my gut isn’t throwing any major signals, it’s not calm either.

Besides, he annoys the fuck out of me. I get why Tomer’s always been irked by him. Totally relatable.

“Boss, we count three guards with rifles near where they’re loading the boxes. Scratch that. Make it five. They’re all patrolling that side of the deck and an interior section under some awnings. If we add those five to the six probably armed tangos loading the last boxes, I count eleven on this side of the boat alone.”

“Any on the other side?” I ask, not holding much hope.

“Huh. Just one guard with a rifle.”

My head kicks back with a hit of shock. “That’s our play, then. Is the team close?”

“Still about three minutes out. I’m connecting you now.”

“We need to hurry,” Patterson urges, clearly losing his patience. Not that he had much to begin with.

He attempts to stand, and I drag him back down.

“We’re holding.”

“That boat could leave any minute. We can’twait for SWAT.”

I shake my head. “Not for them. My team is close.”

“Your team?” Patterson jerks free of my hold. “What part ofwe cannot waitare you not hearing, Lancaster?”

This is why I don’t work with amateurs. I need to save him from himselfandLenkov’s henchmen.

If he runs in there half-cocked, we’ll all get killed. I’m about two seconds from zip-tying him to the railing or locking him in the trunk of his car.

While maintaining my hold on the detective, I tell Aaron where to park in reference to our position.

I cast a stern glare at Patterson. “We’re gonna be smart about this. You need to stay by my side so I can keep you safe. If you can’t follow my instructions to the letter, you can wait in the car.”

His already-wrinkled forehead crumples like a newspaper. “I’m the one with the badge.”

“When’s the last time you stormed the fucking Bastille? This isn’t a crime scene where the suspects have already fled. There are twelve armed men on that boat who will shoot to kill on sight. And those are only the ones we can see. With Katia, the baby, and a crew on board, he’s also got hostages. Your fucking badge means jack shit right now.”

Mia interjects, “Boss, you just lost your preferred entry point. They reeled in the gangway on the port side. Only the one crawling with guards is still accessible. They still have mooring ropes to bring in. However, they’re working fast. I don’t think you can wait for the team. If you intend to get on that boat before it leaves, the time is now.”

Fuck. We’re out of time.

Aaron’s voice comes through the comms. “Driving as fast as we can, Boss.”

Before I can spring into action, Mia says, “Hold up. We just got a better view. You can board from the stern.”

“In English,” I snap. Although I own a small boat, I’m not a fucking sailor.

“The rear of the yacht. There’s a platform and a staircase leading to the main deck. It looks low enough for you to climb on from the dock.”

“Copy.” I crane my neck and meet Patterson’s gaze, still hidden by the sunglasses. “Keep low and stay right behind me.”

“Finally,” he huffs.

I lead him swiftly through the parking lot to the dock, heading for slip eight. His steps aren’t as silent as mine, but I don’t have time to teach him how to be stealthy.

Un-fucking-fortunately.

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