“It is if it becomes a distraction that gets your ass killed. Or mine, or any one of us out here standing by your side.”
“Look, I get what you’re saying, Dig. Really, I do. But just because I’m anxious to get back home doesn’t mean I’m not in this thing one hundred percent.”
“You’d better be.” He slid his dark gaze Beckett’s way. “I’d hate to have to kick your ass.”
Beckett threw his head back with a low, hushed laugh. “You could try, brother.” His lips curved into a sideways smirk. “You could try.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“All right, gentlemen.” Dig kept his deep voice low as he came to a stop a stretch later. He waited for the others to gather in closer, ensuring their attention was locked onto him before speaking up again. “Just as we discussed, we’ll move west for approximately one and a half clicks to the island’s main property. From there, we’ll split into groups and initiate our plan of attack. Any questions?”
“What about Shadow?”
“Don’t you go worrying your pretty little head there, Bones.” The woman’s voice filled Beckett’s ear right on cue. “I’d never let my favorite boys play in the sandbox without me.”
“Sandbox is right,” Falcon scoffed. The former Ranger kicked one of his feet to the side as if he were trying to shake some imaginary sand particles free. “I swear, no matter how tight my dive suit is, I still end up with the shit all over me.”
“Tell me about it.” Aleck made a show of picking at the seat of his wetsuit.
Beckett grinned as he and the others started to move. The thick bed of dried-up needles gathered beneath the tall pines swallowed their footfalls, making their approach virtually silent.
Minutes passed, and yards were covered as they kept their eyes peeled and their weapons held tightly in their fists. When they reached the end of the tree line, Digger lifted a fist, giving both teams an order to stop.
“SITREP,” the man in charge asked Shadow for an updated report on their current situation.
“Satellite feed is still showing eighteen warm bodies. Same locations as before. Once you exit those trees, you’ll see the property’s concrete privacy wall positioned about ten yards directly in front of you.”
“Damn.” Aleck smirked, having heard the interaction through his team’s linked comms. “Sounds like she’s as good as they say.”
“Shadow?” Beckett glanced over at the other man and smiled. “Oh, yeah. She’s awesome. Best tech support I’ve ever worked with.”
“I’m sorry, did you just call me yourtech support?” Shadow sounded immensely offended. “You do realize I can hunt you down anytime…anywhere. Right?”
“Ah, come on, now,’” he drawled slowly. “You know what I meant.”
“For your sake, you’d betterhopeI do.”
Aleck’s shoulders shook with the man’s deep chuckle. “You know, if I wasn’t already head over boots for my gorgeous wife, I’d think I’d be downright smitten.”
“Why thank you, Aleck.” The woman’s response was sugary sweet. “It’s nice to know at leastsomepeople appreciate my many talents. Apparently there are those who don’t share your wise insight into?—”
“Let’s cut the chit-chat and focus, yeah?” Digger grumbled from Beckett’s right.
“Focus,” Shadow repeated after a slight pause. “Right. Sorry, big guy. Anyway, as I was saying…the main property’s concretebarrier is a few yards from where you are now. You’ll climb over the wall and then make your final approach through the lawn. There won’t be much cover, if any, as it’s mostly cut grass with a few adult trees strategically placed throughout. Thereisa decent-sized pool house, however. You know, just in case you need someplace to hunker down in a hurry.”
“And the water?” Digger asked next.
“Quieton all fronts. From what I’m seeing, it’s just the baddies and their hostage. All that’s missing is a group of badass heroes to swoop in there and save the day.”
“Missin’, hell.” Beckett shot the others a grin. “Better take another look at that crystal ball of yours, darlin’. ’Cuz we’re standin’ right here.”
The sound of hushed laughter was cut short by the sight of Digger’s raised hand. “All right, boys. Playtime’s over.” His assessing gaze fell over the entire group. “You heard the lady, and you know the plan. Stick to it, stay alert, and whatever you do”—he turned his intense stare Beckett’s way—“make damn sure you stay alive.”
With the man’s final reminder to keep his focus solely on the mission at hand, Beckett filled his lungs, gripped his rifle tight, and gave his teammate a nod.
Digger looked away, leading them through the nearby clearance. As promised, the massive wall instantly came into view.
Seven feet tall, the massive structure stretched on for as far as the night sky allowed him to see. To the average person, the wall screamed no way in. But for guys like Beckett…