Page 30 of Ground Zero

I chuckle too and stop. I stare for a moment into her eyes, and we both know it is time to get down to business.

Chapter 15

Live Oak, AL

June 2, 2010

Crockett

When the jet lands,everyone is ready to roll.

Nina and Meghan are at The Coop. License to Own and Micah are aware that they are on standby till further notice.

When the hatch opens, we are standing at the ready. I exit first. Good. The two black SUV rentals are here. I head over to the drivers and sign their papers as Mike, Jack, Jocko, and Dirk load the gear into the back. Mike, Dirk, and I take the lead, with Jack, Jocko, and Lucifer.

We head straight for downtown. We made good time.

My phone dings.

Come to

Nik’s MMA Gym

555 E Main Street.

I read it out loud to Mike and forward it to Jack. Then cue it up on the vehicle’s navigation.

Mike says, “That can’t be too hard to find.”

I smirk as the program responds with an estimated arrival time of three minutes.

I reply to Hardcore.

En route. Eta 3 minutes out.

When we pull into the parking lot, Mike drives to the storefront marked ‘Nik’s Mixed Martial Arts Gym.’ It is located in a small strip next to a free-standing Publix grocery store. There is a local donut shop, called ‘Do Donuts,’ on the opposite end of the gym, and a dance studio, named ‘I Hope You Dance’ in-between them.

When we exit the vehicles, Jack makes a smart comment about how these three things don’t go together, and Jocko responds with, “You gotta love small towns, man.”

I open the door to the gym and enter to find Hardcore standing next to two other men. One is in sweats, and the other is wearing a t-shirt that reads, “Do Donuts.”

The team files in behind me and stands respectfully waiting while I take the lead.

Before the small talk and introductions, I want to know, “Anything new to report?”

Hardcore steps forward with his hand out, and I shake it as he shakes his head. “No. I am glad you made it. I am ready to get going.”

I nod, then reach over to shake the closest man’s hand, introducing myself. “Crockett.”

“Justin Davis, Danger. Hooyah.”

I grin. “Ah. Good news.”

Hardcore nods as I hold my hand out to the other man. He takes it and pumps it. “Nik Smirnov. This is my gym.”

I nod as I look around. “Thanks for letting us use it. It is a good base.”

Then Hardcore turns his attention on the team. Dirk steps forward and, as they embrace, says, “I’m here for you, brother. Whatever you need.”

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