Page 36 of Ground Zero

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place after that, and we determined that the women were being held in the farmhouse we have surrounded.

Chapter 18

5:15am

Crockett

"Check-in," I instruct my team, and they sound off in order.

Mike keys up, "Two, ready."

Jack says, "Three, ready."

Jocko, "Four, ready."

Justin, "Five, ready."

Brody, "Six ready."

Zane, "Seven ready."

From my vantage point up a tree on the perimeter, I look through my sniper scope and scan the windows with its night vision. The green glow shows there is no movement.

Nina's familiar, steady voice says in my ear, "Thermal indicates two are in the living room, and eight are in the master bedroom."

"Good copy," I respond. "Ten total inside."

"Affirmative." She confirms.

She adds, "Be advised, there is a vehicle approaching."

"Activate body cams, boys."

Nina tells me. "Confirmation of seven body cams activated.

A few seconds later, headlights illuminate the drive below, then go off.

She tells us, "Thermal indicates there are three passengers."

When the car comes to a stop, the occupants sit in the dark and wait.

Mike says, "I have visual on the three. Two men. One woman. The vehicle is a luxury sedan."

A few seconds later, Nina shares, "Heads up. There is movement inside the house."

I scan the windows again but see nothing.

She adds, "Two perps are moving freely. The other eight remain horizontal and stationary.

I reply, "Good copy. Five bad guys, eight hostages."

Nina adds, "Be advised. Another vehicle is approaching."

The headlights stay on, and when the vehicle pulls up next to the first one, Mike keys the comm.

"Vehicle one is a black luxury sedan."

When both vehicles' doors open for the occupants to exit, the interior lights illuminate the second vehicle.

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