Page 143 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
"Ghost confirming target vehicle approaching from the eastern entrance. All units maintain position." Kade's voice cuts cleanly through the comm channel.
"Frost, you have overwatch authority."
My finger moves to the trigger, muscle memory taking over as emotion retreats behind the clarity of the scope.
A gust of wind drives the rain against the side of the building, the tempo increasing against the metal vents beside me. I reassess wind variables. 4.1 knots now, slight westerly shift. The precipitation thickens the air, limiting visibility to roughly 81%.
"Be advised, weather degrading. Still operational."
I twist the focus ring on my scope, sharpening the entrance area.
Through the crosshairs, the sleek black Bentley rolls to a stop. Right on schedule. The vehicle gleams despite the rain, water beading off its polished surface like it's rejecting even the weather's intrusion.
"Target vehicle arrived."
My breathing slows automatically, each inhale measured against my heartbeat.
Vanessa's voice fills my earpiece, rapid and exact. "Camera loop engaged. You've got seven minutes before their backup system kicks in."
Her tone is all business, but I catch the subtle vibration beneath her words. The sound pulls at something in my chest. She's holding it together, but I can hear the strain she's carrying.
Does she regret saying it? Regret my silence?
I push the thought away, concentrating on the driver's door as it opens. Tatiana emerges, platinum hair perfectly styled despite the weather. Her movements are fluid, each step deliberate as her security detail forms around her.
"Target has three security personnel. Primary carries left side holster, secondary right ankle. Third looks civilian, but stance suggests combat training."
My assessment flows automatically as I track each figure, mapping threat levels and optimal neutralization sequences if needed.
Then he appears.
Slate.
His lanky frame moves toward Tatiana, laptop bag clutched against his chest. Even through the scope, nervous energy radiates from his movements, the way his eyes dart around.
My trigger finger twitches involuntarily, the pressure increasing slightly against the metal.
The man who gave Tatiana the tools to hurt Vanessa. Who built the systems that nearly killed her.
Variables shift in my mind, measuring the distance, accounting for wind and rain. A clean shot would be simple. Ethical complications aside, eliminating Slate would remove a significant technical asset from Tatiana's operation—
"Frost, I'm reading elevated heart rate," Cole says through comms. "Everything okay at your position?"
The question snaps me back, my breathing pattern correcting instantly.
"Position secure." I force my finger to relax against the trigger guard. "Continuing surveillance."
"Slate identified with three cases, entering the north corridor."
My breathing slows to match my heartbeat as I track their movements through the scope. Rain slides down the back of my neck, but I remain perfectly still.
"Target at twelve o'clock, forty-seven meters from the entry point."
Slate walks too close to Tatiana, his body language broadcasting anxiety. Amateur. If his stress is visible through a scope in the rain, her security team certainly notices it too.
Kade's voice comes through the comm. "Moving to intercept position. Three minutes until window."
I adjust my scope, tracking Kade's progress as he approaches from the east entrance, his movements blending perfectly with the maintenance staff. His cover is flawless—clipboard in hand, uniform meticulous, gait casual yet purposeful.
