Page 45 of Key Of Dreams

“We’re out as soon as we catch the sniper. That’s our deal,” Falcon reminds him. Yakubu nods that he understands this. It’s one thing to take on a mission to save lives, but we’re not getting in the middle of their war. Storm isn’t an army. It’s a rescue team.

* * *

For two days, Falcon, Rebel, Phoenix, Wire, and I have been through every street where the parade is supposed to take place. We positioned men at every angle for the best view, and Wire’s been around the perimeter twice to make sure we haven’t missed anything.

I’ve been able to call Maya a few times, and each time, we end our conversation with the words “I love you.” She doesn’t ask where I am or what I’m doing. She knows it’s not something I can share. I call her one more time before we’re set to get ready for what I hope is our last day here in Carinol.

“Hey, baby. How’re you doing?” I ask.

“Missing you.” She sighs, sounding sad.

“Fingers crossed, babe. I’m hoping today’s the last of it,” I tell her. I thought that would perk her up, but it doesn’t. “What’s wrong? And don’t say nothing, because I can hear it in your voice.”

“Kailyn’s quiet, which means she’s worried, and she knows more than I do. I want you and the rest of the guys home safe. Whatever’s happening, it’s all going to happen today and I’m not going to be able to rest easy until I know it’s over,” Maya says quietly.

“Maya—” I try to interrupt, but she cuts me off.

“I know this is who you are, and I accept that. I don’t want you to change. Not even a little bit,” she says. “I need to learn to deal with these tough moments. I’m just not used to it. I love you so much. Every night, I sleep in your T-shirt so I can keep you close to me. Catch those bad guys and come back to me. Promise?”

“Yeah, baby. I promise,” I murmur. “Be home soon. Love you, Maya.”

“Love you double, Conall.” She’s the only one who makes my name sound like a beautiful melody when she says it.

* * *

Kevlar vest on. Gun strap secure. Two guns on my belt, one in my ankle holster, and two knives tied to the other ankle. I climb into the driver’s seat with Falcon by my side and wait for President Obi to get in.

“You ready?” Falcon asks.

“Want this done,” I grunt.

“We all do,” he says. He adjusts his earpiece and motions for me to do the same and get connected to the rest of the team. “Eagle eye, how’s it looking?” His question is meant for Wire.

“Fucking packed street with the entire country in attendance. Nothing out of the norm,” Wire responds.

“Phoenix, you set?” Falcon inquires.

“Yep. I’ve got my men working the streets and rooftops.”

“Rebel—” Falcon calls out to Rebel, who responds immediately.

“All set. Men are all ready for whatever goes down,” Rebel says. “Fuck me, that doesn’t look right!” We can hear his feet hit the pavement. “Above the bank, flashing. Someone’s up there,” he adds as he runs.

“Phoenix!” Falcon shouts.

“On my way,” Phoenix replies, and we can hear him running to meet Rebel.

Falcon gets out of the vehicle to tell the driver of the car behind him of the change to keep President Obi hidden and that we’ll be back. He jumps back in, and Falcon and I race through the streets to get to Rebel and Phoenix, all the while having Wire transmit what’s happening from his viewpoint.

“Rebel, he sees you. He’s going to make a run for it. He’s heading back into the building. Phoenix, take the back way. Cut through the alley on your left, two blocks from where you are. Shit! Reb, he’s aiming for you from the fifth-story window. Duck! I said duck!” Wire shouts, nearly breaking my eardrums. That’s followed by machine gun fire.

“Fuck! I’m hit.” We hear Rebel groan, then it sounds like he slams against a wall and drops. I’m speeding through the streets. Wire’s telling me where to turn to avoid traffic. I pull up to the bank with a screeching halt just in time to see Phoenix at the window, taking down the shooter with a hit to the shoulder, causing him to drop his gun.

Falcon rushes to Rebel’s aid while I race up the stairs to help Phoenix. When I get to the two men, Phoenix already has him on the ground. “I got him. Go help Rebel.”

Falcon and I help Rebel into the SUV and get him back to the president’s palace, where the doctor is on standby. The Carinol army has stepped in, and several of the soldiers are carting off the shooter. Our main focus is Rebel.

The parade goes on as planned. Phoenix, Wire, and I did our part. Falcon stayed with Rebel while the doctor removed the bullet from his gut and stitched him up.

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