Page 17 of Whispers and Warriors
Liam tossed her a jacket, his expression set in hard lines. “Let’s go. Alex and Chris are waiting in the truck. Grab what’s in here, but we’ve taken the rest and some additional things thanks to our nameless host family.”
They moved as one, their motions entirely in sync, born of necessity and trust. Bash took point, his gun drawn as he scanned the hallway for any sign of trouble that really couldn’t be there that soon. William and Liam flanked Emma, their presence a comforting wall of protection.
As they hurried down the stairs, Emma’s mind raced, trying to calculate their next move. Would the woman and three children really be safe? Should they leave? Could she leave knowing she’d put them in danger?
Emma froze, but Bash swept her up in an instant, scooping her against his chest as he moved. The Bash she’d first met would have chastised her for slowing them down, and he would have been right. However, the way he held her close, she knew those days were long gone.
The cool night air hit her like a slap as they burst out of the safe house. True to Liam’s word, the others were there, and Ranger was already in the truck, sitting in the space between the seats up front as if waiting for Liam to get in.
She was with them, but she was lost as they shifted into their roles and become the unit of men that had saved her, not just the men she loved who loved and made love to her.
Alex’s fingersmoved with practiced precision as he worked to swap out the license plates on their getaway truck. His brow furrowed in concentration, the task at hand consuming his focus despite the underlying urgency of their situation.
The metal clinked softly as he worked, the only sound in the otherwise still night air. His hazel eyes darted back and forth, constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble even as his fingers flew through the familiar motions.
“Come on, come on,” he muttered under his breath, the words a mantra to keep his hands steady. Every second counted, and he couldn’t afford to fumble now.
Changing the plates would throw off any pursuers, buy them precious time to put distance between themselves and the danger snapping at their heels. Alex knew he had to get it right—all their lives depended on it.
With a final twist, the last screw clicked into place, and Alex stepped back to admire his handiwork. It wasn’t a perfect disguise, but it would buy them some time and was just another debt they owed the man and his family for the borrowed plate.
In this game of cat and mouse, time was their most precious commodity. Alex allowed himself a small, grim smile at the thought. Let them chase ghosts and shadows. He and his team would already be long gone, vanishing like smoke on the wind. It was a deadly game of chase or tag they played, but one Alex was determined to win at all costs.
The truck looked different now, just another nondescript vehicle blending into the night, with the paint job William gave it the day before. With any luck, Bardinis’s men would drive right by, unaware their quarry had slipped through their fingers once again.
He turned at thethumpingof approaching footsteps, his hand dropping to the gun at his hip. But it was just the others emerging from the house, their faces taut with tension. Alex’sshoulders relaxed a fraction, though his expression remained stoic and focused.
“Nice work, Alex,” Chris said, appearing at his side with a bundle of clothes in his arms. “These should help us blend in even more.”
Alex took the offered uniform, the fabric rough against his skin. It was a far cry from the comfortable clothes they’d worn at the haven, or their standard issue gear, but comfort was a luxury they could no longer afford. Survival was the only thing that mattered now.
They would no longer look like U.S. Military. His heart clenched at the thought as he stared down at the damn-near poop colored jumpsuit and matching jacket. Glancing at the other four, he saw they were pulling the same horrid clothing over their uniforms.
“Gifts from our hosts. It’s not just military and American’s he’s hosted. We’re still a day till the ferry and only a hour drive from it thanks to driving inland for so long and then out of the way to stay safe, but it’s time to put some distance between us and that prick.” Chris nodded at Alex as if to hurry him along.
It took him three seconds to tug on the ill-fitting jacket and tuck his hair under a hat.
“Truck’s done. We ready to roll?” he asked, meeting Chris’s steady gaze.
His leader nodded, and Chris’s voice was calm yet authoritative as he outlined their next steps. “We’ll take the back roads down the mountain,” he said, his eyes never leaving the road. “Less chance of being spotted that way. But we need to be prepared for anything.”
Alex nodded, his mind already racing with contingency plans. “We should have a backup route, just in case,” he suggested. “And maybe a distraction, something to throw them off our trail if it comes to that.”
Chris considered this for a moment, then gave a curt nod. “Good thinking. Work on that with Liam, see what you two can come up with.”
In the back of the truck, Liam leaned forward, his expression serious. “I might have an idea,” he said, his voice low. “But it’s risky.”
Alex turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. “Risky how?”
Liam hesitated, glancing at Emma and the others before continuing. “It would involve using one of us as bait. Drawing their attention while the rest of the group makes a run for it if we get caught.”
A heavy silence fell over the truck as they all considered the implications of Liam’s words. Alex’s gaze automatically sought out Emma’s. He couldn’t bear the thought of any of them being put in harm’s way, least of all her. If he needed to protect her by leaving, he’d do it.
But before he could voice his intentions, Chris spoke up. “It’s a last resort,” he said firmly. “We stick together for now. But if it comes down to it, I’ll be the one to stay behind.”
Alex opened his mouth to protest, but Chris silenced him with a look.
“I’m the leader,” he said simply. “It’s my responsibility.”
