Page 11 of Hero Unbound

Someone on the property. I’ll handle it.

I’m coming as backup.

Theo didn’t argue. The chance that these were some kids from a neighboring town was pretty high. But in case it wasn’t, having Lilah there wasn’t a bad plan.

He texted the other person he wanted to have his back in a situation like this. His dad.

Nobody’s planning another SERE exercise, right? I’ve got an unsub on property. Just FYI.

No doubt Dorian had been sleeping, but he responded within a few seconds.

I’m coming. Put on comms before you check it out. If you don’t, there’s no way I’m talking your mom out of coming, crossbow in hand.

Ray was damned near infamous with her crossbow.Theo grabbed his high-end comm unit that could be attached to his ear for hands-free communication. He wasn’t surprised to hear Dorian already on the other end.

“Tell Mom to stand down. It’s probably just some kids.”

“She’ll stay home.” There was background noise behind Dorian. He was picking out his weapons.

Theo put on his clothes and grabbed his own Glock G19 out of the locked safe. “We both know she’s only staying home because Amari would follow if you both left.”

Dorian grunted, agreeing without words. Theo’s baby sister had a knack for getting herself into—and, in her defense,out of—trouble.

“I’m going out, Dad. I spotted a cell phone light down by the new shed near my house. Like I said, probably kids, but I don’t want to take a chance on them spooking the animals. Lilah is on her way too, so don’t take her out by mistake.”

“Roger.” Dorian’s voice held just the slightest bit of breathlessness, which meant he was sprinting through the woods, choosing the direct two-mile path from their house on foot rather than taking a vehicle and giving away the element of surprise.

With anyone else, it would be evident they were running at high speed, but Dorian remained in top shape even though he was in retirement age.

Warriors never actually retired.

Theo kept all the lights off in his house as he slipped on his shoes and moved quickly downstairs. He set his comms unit to provide text updates to Lilah and was out the door and moving along the tree line in under a minute.

He circled wide, looking for any sign of multiple intruders. If this was an enemy of his dad’s—or anyone connected to Linear Tactical—they wouldn’t be here alone.

He did a full large loop around the barn and shed, stopping regularly to listen to what the night might tell him. But either the night wasn’t giving up any secrets, or it didn’t have any to give up. The critters and creatures continued their normal noises. No one was around.

He touched the button at his ear. “Nothing on perimeter. Moving in toward the shed.”

“Watch your six,” Dorian said. “I’m three minutes out.”

No text from Lilah, but she was driving in from town. Theo kept his Glock pointed at the ground in front of him as he moved silently toward the shed. He hadn’t seen the light again, but that didn’t mean anything.

There was definitely someone else around. Theo could damned well taste it.

And if it was someone withmalicious intent for anyone in this town, they’d have to go through him first. Oak Creek was his home, and he had no problem being the first line of defense.

As he circled around the shed, he saw the fresh footprints. The rain earlier that afternoon helped distinguish them from the older prints.

“I’ve definitely got an unsub out here.” He looked around from where he crouched on the ground. He didn’t see anyone or anything out of the ordinary. He kept himself still, once again letting all his senses reach out around him.

He remained silent until a few minutes later Lilah’s voice came through his earpiece. “Okay, I’m on-site. Heading in from main office on foot.”

“Roger,” Theo said quietly. “Dad?”

“Coming in from south.”

A shift in the shadows over by the shed caught Theo’s attention. Someone was moving—sneaking—dressed in dark clothing to blend into the night.

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