The directive was clear and without question. The alternative plan simple. And each man on the team knew exactly what they needed to do.
“Delta Four,” Rocky spoke directly to Cade. “You got the shooter?”
“Affirmative,” Ellis confirmed.
“Copy that. I’ve got our guy out here,” Rocky referred to the guard standing near the building’s northeast corner.
“On my mark!” Their team leader called out. “Three…two…one!”
With the countdown having ended and their targets in sight, Rocky and the others pulled their triggers. Less than a second later, all four of the tangoes standing guard along the building’s exterior—along with the man who’d just shot and killed the unarmed hostage inside—were dead.
Several screams could be heard as the hostages began to panic. Though he only had a partial view, Rocky could tell the only remaining target had just stood from his chair.
Countless scenarios ran through Rocky’s head at once. The man could come out and surrender. He could take himself out before they got a clear shot. Or the one that had them all moving with purposeful caution…
He could start killing the remaining hostages.
Unwilling to let that last one happen, the six-man team moved in for the final kill.
“Anyone gets a clean shot, take it!” Christian ordered.
Seconds later, they heard Jagger’s taunting, confident tone…
“Gotcha.”
The bullet was silent as it pierced the air from Jagger’s MK 20 Mod 0 Sniper Support Rifle. Cutting a perfect hole through the south window, the 7.62 NATOrifle cartridge flew with deadly precision as it made its way into the remaining tango’s head.
Inside, Rocky could tell the hostages were frozen with utter confusion and fear.
“Go, go, go!” Christian shouted for the team to move.
No longer concerned with being heard or seen, Rocky and the others raced toward the building. As they did, Rocky, Cade, Liam, and Brody stopped to ensure the four tangos that had been guarding the perimeter were no longer a threat. With those four deaths confirmed, Christian and Jagger breached the building’s only door.
Rocky and the others were seconds behind.
“Easy, folks.” Christian was lowering his weapon and removing his helmet and shooting glasses as Rocky walked in. “We’re Americans, and we’re here to take you all home.”
Tears and wails of relief filled the small space as the hostages realized their terrifying nightmare was finally over. The Australian woman rushed Christian and Jagger, giving them hugs and thanking God for having answered their prayers.
“You’re…Americans?” The woman standing cautiously near the room’s far corner watched them carefully.
Her long blonde hair hung limply around her shoulders, its disheveled appearance matching the torn and dingy jeans, dirty sneakers, and ripped black t-shirt.
“We are.” Christian offered the woman a friendly smile.
“You’re Americans,” she repeated the words again as if she couldn’t quite comprehend the notion.
Rocky stood to the side and watched as Cade began taking cautious steps toward the confused woman.
“That’s right.” His teammate lifted a palm as a show of good intent. A muscle in the young sniper’s jaw twitched when he took in the injuries to her face, but a fraction of a second later, Cade blinked and offered her a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Rawlins.”
Stunned, the attractive blonde’s big, almond-shaped green eyes grew wide. “H-how do you know my name?”
“We’re with the American government,” Christian explained patiently. “We were sent here to bring you home.”
Technically true, since they were here at Homeland’s behest.
“Dr. Rawlins, I don’t know if you remember me…” Brody joined in next. Removing his helmet, he used his free hand to palm the mussed hair on the top of his head. “I brought my girlfriend into the E.R. a few months back after suspecting she’d been drugged. She goes by Ro, but her name is actually?—”