Page 42 of Fatal Intent
Knowing the pep talk was for Will and Jenna’s benefit, she nodded and bent to scoop Jenna in her arms. “Put your arms around my neck. Try not to squeeze too tight.” She winked. “I still need to breathe.”
The girl giggled.
Jake extended his hand to Will and helped the boy to his feet, steadying him when he swayed. “Whoa there, buddy. You okay?”
“Dizzy. The bad men didn’t bring us food today.”
Rayne and Jake exchanged grim glances before the medic said, “As soon as we’re away from the compound, we’ll give you something to eat.” He tilted his head a bit. “In fact, I think I have something the two of you might like.”
Jake dug into his mike bag, pulled out two suckers, and handed one to each of the children. “Try these. A quick hit of sugar will give you energy for a short time. We’ll feed you something more filling when you’re safe.”
Will and Jenna tore off the wrappers and shoved the candy into their mouths, the white sticks protruding from between their lips the only evidence of the treats.
Rayne grinned. “Better have more suckers on hand for the rest of us, Jake.”
“My mother didn’t raise a fool. I always keep a stash for my teammates. Suckers work for adults and kids.”
Jake walked to the door and peered up the hall, then motioned for the others to follow him. They made their way to the back door and stopped.
“What are we waiting for?” Will asked.
“For our team leader to tell us it’s safe to leave the building.” Jake crouched and turned his head so the children could see the comm device in his ear. “I can hear my teammates talking through this. If I tap it, they can hear me talk.”
“Cool!”
He chuckled. “Yeah, it is cool unless you’re trying to sleep, then it’s annoying to have someone talking in your ear all the time.”
That brought giggles from the brother and sister.
Seth’s voice sounded through their comm devices. “Team 2, go.”
Jake tapped his earpiece. “Copy that.” He smiled at Will and Jenna. “Time to go. You ready?”
They nodded.
The medic turned away from the children before palming his Sig. “Will, you and Jenna remain silent until I tell you it’s safe to talk.”
“Yes, sir.”
He glanced at Rayne, an eyebrow raised.
She nodded. She was ready.
Jake opened the door wide enough to peer into the darkness. “Moving out,” he murmured.
“Copy,” Teagan said. “You’re clear for now, but you need to get going. Activity in the compound is picking up.”
They left the air-conditioned building and stepped into the warm, muggy night. Jenna didn’t move as Rayne followed in Jake’s footsteps. Will stumbled on the uneven ground.
“Will, grab the back of my vest,” she whispered. “That will help your balance.”
“Sorry,” he whispered back and grabbed onto her vest. “I’ll try harder.”
“You’re doing great, buddy.”
Jake led the group to the lone large tree between the building and the wall. Seconds later, an armed guard rounded the corner and rushed along the back of the structure.
Oh, man. This wasn’t good. If the guard looked behind him, he’d see them for sure. Soon, a second man followed on the heels of the first one.
