Page 21 of The Last Strike

James raised his weapon as he kicked open the door, and he had his finger on the trigger when the realization hit him.

He was staring Reed in the face.

“Hey, boss,” Reed said, sounding tired but forcing a smile.

James’s gaze swept over the two guards on the ground. Reed followed his gaze, his eyes moving slowly. “I figured you were here,” he said, turning to James. “They came to give me an intravenous line. I stuck the needle in them instead.”

James grinned. “Let’s get out of here!”

Reed turned toward the door, swaying. James put an arm under his arm, steadying him. They would have to take it slow.

As they passed the cells, James stopped when the woman called out, begging to be released. Her large eyes alternated between pleading with him and checking the door for more guards. She was scared, that much James knew. She ran a hand through her hair and James noted the ends were stained red but it didn’t appear to be her blood. He had to make a decision, and he prayed he would not regret this one.

“I can’t get you out of here, but you’re free to go,” he said, unlocking the door.

She looked between James and Reed. “I can find my own way out.”

James nodded and continued on.

“Keep moving, James,”Samuel said.

“Copy,” James replied, knowing that was a warning, not advice.

The lone man screamed to let him out, too, but James didn’t have time to stop again. He continued past, his sole focus on getting them out alive.

James scoped the hallway, figuring it was best to go out the way he came in so as not to get lost.

The hallway was clear and James ran forward, carrying most of Reed’s weight. He paused at the junction to the next hallway, taking a moment to catch his breath.

James looked over his shoulder, checking for guards, but instead he saw the woman he’d let out of the cell, creeping along behind them.

His first thought was to tell her not to follow, but then decided that arguing with her would only slow him down.

James focused on the task ahead: the Marble Hall.

Soldiers stood at each end, flashlights in hand.

James swore under his breath. He couldn’t move fast enough while carrying Reed. They would never get through undetected.

James steadied Reed against the wall. “Wait here,” he said and Reed nodded, his eyes half open. James watched him for a split second and realized he was almost asleep. Had he been given a sedative? James wasn’t sure, but he knew if he didn’t get Reed out within the next few minutes, he’d literally have to carry him out.

James took one last look at Reed and then raised his weapon. He crept around the corner and waited until the guards were looking in opposite directions. James darted to the first column and fired at the guard at the other end. Distracted, the guard closest to him turned in the direction of the fallen—away from James—and James fired two shots into his back.

He sprinted back to Reed. “Let’s go!”

They shuffled forward and made it through the Marble Hall.

They were so close.

Reed tripped on his own feet and James stumbled too, almost ending up face first on the floor. He caught himself just as the lights turned on and they found themselves fully exposed.

Reed groaned, covering his eyes with his hand.

James swore. Now they were in trouble.

“Come on, Reed. Let’s move!” James said, carrying more of Reed’s weight. He grunted as he all but carried his comrade down the hallway.

James could see the junction of the hallway—the last right turn he needed to make—and then the team could move in and help carry Reed out.

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