Page 60 of Sanctuary

I took the weapon respectfully, feeling its perfect balance as I checked the action. “This is... exceptional.”

“Think you can handle it?” There was a hint of challenge in his voice.

I met his gaze steadily. “I am an expert with this same weapon. Longest confirmed kill within the agency, 1,850 meters.”

His eyebrows rose slightly. “That’s approaching world record territory.”

“I know,” I replied simply.

He studied me for a moment, then nodded once. “It’s yours for today. Along with this.” He handed me a Glock 19, which I quickly checked and tucked into my waistband. “Standard issue for clan security.”

As we gathered ammunition and additional equipment, the door to the armory opened again. Connor stood there, his expression unreadable as he took in the sight of me with the sniper rifle.

“Everything okay?” I asked, noting the tension in his shoulders.

“Fine,” he replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. “Declan’s just being... Declan.”

Rory snorted. “Meaning he’s being an ass.”

A hint of a smile touched Connor’s lips. “Something like that.” His eyes found mine again. “He’s bringing everyone up to speed in the study. We should join them.”

Once there, the atmosphere was one of controlled urgency. Everyone looked up as we entered, their expressions ranging from Kat being cautious, Wren upset and Declan to coldly professional.

“There you are,” he said, straightening. His eyes flicked to the rifle in my hands, his jaw tightening momentarily before he continued. “I was just explaining our defensive strategy.”

I moved closer to the map, studying his markings with a critical eye. “You’re anticipating a three-pronged approach,” I observed.

“Yes. Main force at the front gates as a diversion, with smaller teams coming in from the east and west.”

I shook my head slightly. “That’s standard procedure, but Matheson won’t follow it. Not for something this important.”

All eyes turned to me as I set the rifle down carefully and reached for a marker. “May I?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Declan nodded.

I circled several points on the map. “Matheson will send in at least five teams. Two at the main approach points as you anticipated, but he’ll also have snipers pre-positioned at these three locations.” I marked spots on the hillside overlooking the estate. “They’ll establish firing positions at least six hours before the main assault. And he’ll have a stealth team coming in underground.”

“Underground?” Rory frowned. “Through the tunnel system?”

“Exactly,” I confirmed. “Matheson has detailed intelligence on this estate, including the original architectural plans. He knows about the escape tunnel Tomas had built.”

Declan and Connor exchanged alarmed glances.

“And you’re just mentioning that now?! How do you know this?” Declan demanded.

“Because it’s what I would do,” I replied simply. “And because it’s in the intelligence package my contact provided. Matheson’s operation plan includes detailed schematics of the tunnel system.”

Connor stepped forward, studying the map. “If they’re coming through the tunnel, we need to rig explosives to collapse sections if necessary and lock the steel door from the inside. No one can get through that.”

“And we’ll need counter-snipers at these positions,” Rory added, indicating elevated points on the property. “Mia, that’s where you’ll be most effective.”

I nodded, mentally calculating angles and fields of fire. “The hayloft in the barn gives me the best vantage point. I can cover most of the approach routes from there.”

“I’ll be with her,” Connor said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. “Spotting and backup if need be.”

Declan looked like he wanted to object but seemed to think better of it. “Fine. Rory and I will coordinate the ground defense. The reinforcements should arrive within the hour—all former military, all clan-loyal. They know what they’re doing.”

“What about us?” Wren asked, speaking up for the first time. She avoided looking directly at me, focusing instead on her husband.

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