Page 91 of The Flame of Carson
Gage leaned over the island where she sat and rested on his forearms.“Kris, I’m not going to lie, I’m worried and so is she.We’re both worried about something happening to each other more than anything. It’s one thing when it’s some random psycho, but when said psycho also has the military training that Anderson has...that’s a whole different game altogether.You can only anticipate so far with someone like that.”
“Ethan didn’t tell me much about this except he was in the same unit you were in before you went to MARSOC.The last two days he’s been on the phone with Major McCandles and someone for the DOD.”Krista said.
“I’m not surprised.I have a feeling, now that we know who this is, he’s going to be getting reinforcement from the Corps.Or trying to get it.Last thing any of us want or need are civilian casualties here.”Gage smirked.
Before Krista could speak, Stacey walked in, having heard the conversation.“Like Gage said Kris, we are both worried.Other than that, though, we’re good.”
Krista stood and hugged Stacey.“I’m worried for you both and just glad that you’re all right after what happened yesterday.”
“Believe me, I am too.Luckily, I didn’t wake up in too much pain this morning.At least nothing a couple of Aleve didn’t take care of.”Stacey replied.
“Good.Now, that we got the serious shit out of the way, we can have a good visit before my check-up.”Krista stated, causing the three to laugh.
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Tony slammed on thebrakes as he pulled into Blackout.He and Eli hopped out of the truck and rushed inside.“You called Ethan already, right?”
“Yeah, he was calling the others.Except for Gage anyway.He wants Gage and Stacey to stay put but Gage knows something up, just not what.”Tony answered when the elevator doors closed.
“While you were calling Ethan, I called Harker and Fortner.They said they’ll get things rolling but to hold until they talked to Ethan.”Eli explained.
Tony nodded.His mind was already running a million miles an hour.If what he and Eli stumbled upon was right, they didn’t have much time.A small eternity later, the elevator opened, and the two men went thundering down the hall to Ethan’s office.They found the rest of Alpha team already there along with what Tony would guess were either MP’s or C.I.D.agents from the Navy.
“Tony, Eli, what do you have?”Ethan demanded, slipping into boss mode.
“Eli and I were doing cross referencing and by sheer dumb luck came across a series of encrypted messages.After more fancy geek work, we cracked it.The messages are between Anderson and an unidentified male.He only calls him “brother.”Tony started.
Eli took over, “The messages go back nearly five years as best as we can tell.Looks like they started around two years after Anderson was discharged.That’s when they started planning this.We haven’t finished going through all of the messages, but it was the ones exchanged last night and this morning that caught our attention.”
Tony handed Ethan the printed transcripts.He studied his boss and friend.Ethan read the messages exchanged.His Spidey sense was screaming now.His head jerked up and locked eyes with Tony and Eli.The expression on both men’s faces told him all he needed to know.“Eli, have to you told Harker and Fortner?”
“They’re waiting for your call Ethan.”Eli nodded.
“Tony, you, and Eli go get whatever gear you think you guys will need.I’ll call Harker, Fortner and then Wilson.Maybe we can get a bit of help from the Austin PD.Move!”Ethan ordered.
“Ethan, talk to us.What did they find?”Grant demanded.
“See for yourself.”Ethan said, handing the pages to Grant, then faced his guys.“You two call McCandles.Tell him to be on standby and I’ll be calling in half an hour.”
Grant held the papers so the others could gather around and read them.
Ander26: My risk was worth it.My targets are now sequestered, and Blackout is scrambling.
SmokSCRN4: Good job brother.Are you ready for phase 2?
Ander26: Yes brother.Everything is set for tomorrow night.The guard changes at 1900.I will move in from the rear as they are occupied out front.My targets will not see me till it’s too late.Shall I grab them both or just her?
SmokSCRN4: Just her.We will use her to guarantee compliance from not only Carson, but Blackout as well.Soon, brother, we both will get what we want.Keep me updated.
Ander26: Copy that.Happy hunting to you.Will update shortly.
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Stacey wrapped herarms around her as she paced the library.Three hours ago, she and Gage had been swept up by two men that identified themselves as MP’s, which Ethan told them were coming.Ten minutes after they arrived, she and Gage were driven to a safe house where Harker and Fortner met them.Now, it was her, Gage and the two MPs in the house.
