Page 145 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
"Need ten seconds," Cole adds, his measured tone betraying nothing of the pressure. "Security systems rerouting."
Through my scope, I catch unexpected movement. Slate grabs Tatiana's arm, pulling her away from her wounded guard. His movements have a smoothness I hadn't anticipated—not panicked civilian motions but controlled redirection.
"Slate is moving target east corridor."
I reposition for a better angle.
"Appears to be blocking her escape while pretending to protect."
Vanessa's rapid typing provides background rhythm through comms. "Security protocols breached, alarm systems neutralized, but backup generator activating in forty seconds."
Her conviction in her voice sends an unexpected wave of pride through me, despite the lingering weakness from her recovery.
"Confirmed kill." Damian's deep voice rumbles through comms. "East corridor intercepted. I have visual."
"Area secure for extraction," Remy adds, his usual calm professionalism evident despite the excitement. "Chaos, need that distraction now."
"Happy to oblige," Xander responds with barely contained enthusiasm.
A muffled boom shakes the building's west wing, followed by sprinklers activating.
"Oops. Might've overdone that one."
I settle into my new position, scope finding Kade's approach. The rain intensifies, requiring another adjustment. My breathing slows, mind absolutely clear. This razor-sharp awareness, it's what I live for. The only other time I feel this level of control is when I'm with Vanessa—
No. Concentrate.
"Primary target secured," Kade reports as he zip-ties Tatiana's wrists through my scope. "Extraction route compromised. Need alternate exit strategy immediately."
"We have company, northeast entrance. Additional security, four men, tactically equipped."
I track them through my scope, the assessment automatic. Distance. Wind speed. Rain trajectory. Angle of fire.
"Appears they've detected primary breach."
My finger touches the trigger, identifying optimal kill shots for each threat. Four targets, four shots. Simple math. Beyond the facility perimeter, the flashing red and blue lights of police vehicles reflect off the wet pavement, announcing their arrival.
The rain intensifies, sliding down my neck as I maintain position. Perfect stillness despite the growing urgency.
"Extraction window closing in sixty seconds," Cole reports. "Alternative route computations complete."
A security guard raises what appears to be a radio. One press and our entire operation faces compromise.
My decision takes milliseconds.
I shift aim to the emergency generator I'd identified during initial reconnaissance, mentally adjusting for the increased wind. Inhale. Half-exhale. Squeeze.
The rifle barely moves against my shoulder as the round travels exactly where intended. A shower of sparks erupts from the generator, followed by immediate darkness across the entire complex.
"Night vision protocols, twenty seconds until backup systems engage."
I break down my rifle setup while issuing instructions. Each component slides into my specialized case, movements economical and exact. No wasted motion.
Vanessa's voice comes through my earpiece, her rapid breathing making my pulse spike despite years of conditioning. She's still rattled but functioning.
"Service entrance southwest corner shows minimal security presence. Sending coordinates now."
"Copy."
