Page 73 of Tough as Steele

Different emotions flashed in his eyes, but he nodded. “That sounds better, but I don’t know these guys from Adam. Not sure I can put my life in their hands.”

Londyn believed this was the way to go and searched for some way to convince him. “The oldest Byrd brother, Aiden, is a former SEAL.”

Nate ran a hand over his face. “Fine. But they’d have to keep quiet about the detail, and I don’t want them doing anything more than we ask. Plus, they need to get to work immediately. I want to interview Helen ASAP.”

“I’ll get it arranged.” She dug out her phone. “And pray that they’re available at such short notice because I really don’t want to go anywhere our shooter could be lying in wait.”

18

Nate parked three blocks from Helen Russell’s apartment in a trendy neighborhood in Beaverton, the memory of the bullet that had razored over his head only a few hours before flashing in his mind. Over Londyn’s head too. His heart constricted. Tight. Now wasn’t the time to allow his emotions to flare up.

Now was the time to think logically and keep her safe. To scour the area. But what could he see? If the shooter was watching through his scope, Nate had to rely on the Nighthawk team’s abilities to ferret him out. He trusted Londyn’s assessment of the team, but his SEAL days kept him on high alert.

He looked at her, wishing he could insist she stay in the car. “Ready?”

She nodded, her eyes narrowed and fearful, but she raised her shoulders and took a long breath. Her phone chimed, and she glanced at it, frowning.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I set a twenty-four-hour countdown alarm at Mimi’s house. We just hit that mark. I’ll set another one, but I sure don’t like not having much to go on after twenty-four hours.”

He understood. Completely, but he wouldn’t comment, as it would do nothing to move them forward.

She stowed her phone and stepped out. She immediately headed toward the four Byrd brothers standing in a protective alcove of a nearby building. Nate followed, searching the area, even when he reached the other men.

Many officers would resent the guys for leaving law enforcement, but Nate didn’t mind. Especially since they’d had a good reason. The oldest brother, Aiden, a former ATF agent, had donated his kidney to their dad, and the other brothers worried Aiden might lose his one functioning kidney on one of the many dangerous ATF raids. So they formed the agency to lessen the danger to him. Nate had to respect such honorable sacrifices. Sort of like the sacrifices Londyn’s sister and cousins were making for their family business.

Nate recognized the men from their website pics. Aiden stood tall and broad-shouldered between Drake and Clay. They were equally fit and looked alike, with dark hair and similar facial features. Facing them was Erik, the odd guy out with blond hair, and he resembled Sierra. Thankfully, the brothers were available right now, but they were starting a new job on Monday and couldn’t commit their services beyond tomorrow.

Londyn shook hands with the guys. “Thank you for giving up your weekend for us.”

“Glad to help,” Aiden said. “We don’t much like hearing that a woman has been kidnapped. If we can help bring her home, even as a small part of it, we’re here for whatever you need from us.”

“But you’ll keep this quiet,” Nate stated, making sure they knew this point wasn’t optional.

“Hey,” Drake said. “We get it. When we were in your shoes, having a team like ours running interference for us would be the last thing we would want. We’d never live it down.”

“Exactly,” Nate said, pleased they understood.

“Glad we have that settled and can move on,” Aiden said. “We’ve surveilled the apartment complex and the area surrounding it on foot, making sure to evaluate a bit further out than your shooter’s known distance. We also did an aerial surveillance. No red flags.”

“And the occupant just came home,” Erik said. “She was alone.”

“I knocked on her door,” Clay said. “Pretended I was lost and made up a name to ask if she knew where my fictitious person lived. She foolishly pulled her door wide open, and I got a look at the kitchen and living area. Didn’t see other people, but I can’t vouch for the bedroom.”

“We’ll take up stands nearby,” Aiden said. “Brendan’s a former sniper, and he already has us in sight.”

Erik handed Nate and Londyn comms units. “To keep in touch with us.”

“Sounds perfect.” Londyn pressed the earbud in her ear.

Nate followed suit. “Remember, we don’t want you to intervene.”

“Can’t promise that I won’t take action if I see a shooter planning to take someone out,” a voice came over the earbuds.

“That will be Brendan,” Erik said.

“Fair enough.” Nate searched the area for Brendan, but if he could spot him, the guy wasn’t doing his job right. “We all have comms units, and you can alert us of a shooter before that becomes a problem.”

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