Page 71 of Hunter's Game
“Along with proof of which agencies are compromised,” Eden added, dropping another attacker with practiced ease. Blood painted abstract patterns on concrete as bodies fell. “No more shadows to hide in.”
“Then I’d say it’s time for the next phase.” Hunter’s smile was dangerous as he reloaded, the familiar sound of a fresh magazine clicking into place carrying over sporadic gunfire. “Unless you’d rather stick around and explain all this to whatever’s left of federal law enforcement?”
Eden returned his smile, feeling that familiar surge of electricity between them. Even in the middle of combat, his proximity made her skin tingle with awareness. “Not my style. Katherine?”
“Already ahead of you.” Her fingers performed one more keystroke, implementing protocols they’d prepared for exactly this scenario. “Contingency plans are in place. Multiple safe houses, new identities, everything we need to disappear until the dust settles.”
“And then?”
“And then we hunt down everyone who’s left.” Katherine’s voice held the same deadly certaintyEden felt burning in her own blood. “Every family member, every corrupt official, every person who helped build this empire of shadows. We burn it all.”
“Assuming we survive the next ten minutes.” Hunter nodded toward screens showing more tactical teams approaching, their movements speaking of serious combat experience. “They’re not playing anymore.”
Eden checked her ammunition, feeling that familiar pre-combat calm settle over her like a lover’s embrace. “Good. Neither are we.”
They began gathering essential gear, while Katherine’s programs completed their destructive work. Around them, the Blind Jacks engaged with the enemy, providing cover fire.
Gunfire and explosions created a deadly symphony throughout the compound that Eden had learned to read like music. Each note told a story of position and movement, of life and death decided in split-second choices.
“Remember what your mother wrote?” Katherine asked as they headed for their exit route, her voice carrying over the chaos. “About martyrs not getting to finish the fight?”
“Yeah.” Eden switched to her backup weapon as more attackers breached their position, the familiar weight settling into her palm. “Good thing we’re not martyrs.”
“No.” Hunter’s movements were fluid, almost graceful as he cleared their path. “We’re something much more dangerous.”
“We’re their worst nightmare,” Katherine finished, initiating the compound’s final demolition sequences. “And we’re just getting started.”
They escaped the compound while their planned explosives went off, destroying the computer servers and the information they contained. The explosions lit everything up in bright orange and red as they made their way through the smoke and confusion.
Behind them, the hired gunmen and corrupt agents were left to deal with the angry bikers and the compound’s security systems. The sounds of fighting grew quieter as they moved away, while bigger explosions continued back at the compound.
“Next stop?” Hunter asked as they reached their motorcycles, his hand finding Eden’s lower back in a touch that carried heat despite their tactical gear.
Eden shared a look with Katherine, seeing the same deadly certainty in her eyes that she felt burning in her own blood.
“We follow my mother’s trail,” she decided, letting her hand linger on Hunter’s chest as she checked his tactical vest one final time. “Find everyone who helped build this empire. Make them answer for what they’ve done.”
“Starting with your grandfather?” Katherine’s smile was sharp in the pre-dawn darkness.
“Starting with anyone who gets in our way.” Eden settled behind Hunter on his bike while Katherine mounted her own, the familiar rumble of engines mixing with distant explosions. “Family loyalty only goes so far.”
“Speaking of family.” Hunter’s voice held a sharp edge of amusement as more charges detonated behind them, painting the sky in shades of fire. “Think Romano was right? About them coming after us?”
“Oh, they’ll come.” Eden wrapped her arms around his waist as they roared into darkness, letting herself feel the solid warmth of him even through body armor. “The families, the company, whatever’s left of federal law enforcement…they’ll all want their pound of flesh.”
“Good.” Katherine’s satisfaction carried clearly over their secure comms as they left the burning compound behind. “That’s exactly what your mother was counting on.”
Eden smiled as they rode away from the chaos. Ahead was an uncertain fight against enemies who’d built their power over generations. Behind them, the burning compound proved this conflict wouldn’t end peacefully.
Sarah Mitchell had left them more clues and information, guiding them toward a confrontation years in the making, but Eden took comfort in theknowledge that she wasn’t alone. She had Katherine and Hunter, who cared for her despite her past, and a purpose beyond just getting even.
This was a fight they would win.
Hunter squeezed her hand through their gloves, and Eden moved closer, savoring their connection as Katherine led the way into the night.
Eden knew their enemies would hunt them relentlessly. She welcomed it.
The road ahead promised danger, but Eden had never felt more alive. The real battle had only just begun, and this time, they would write the ending.
