Mustang’s hushed voice was music to Beckett’s ears.
“Copy that, Mustang.” Shadow’s response was immediate. “I’m still showing a target in one of the second-floor bathrooms. Sixth door on your right once you reach the top of the stairs.”
“We passed the staircase on our way to the kitchen,” Mustang let her know. “Midas, Pid, and I will head that direction. Jag, Slate, and Aleck will meet your men in the Great Room to provide additional backup.”
“Copy that, Mustang,” Shadow let the man know she’d heard his plan. “You’re clear to head to the second floor now.” ToDigger, she said, “Tac-Ops, your pathway is also clear, so you’re good to go whenever you’re ready.”
“Copy,” Dig confirmed the final stage of their plan.
Ten down, two to go.
It was like taking candy from a baby, really. Especially with the other team’s added support. So much so, Beckett almost felt bad about outnumbering the remaining two targets.
Almost.
He and the others followed Digger’s lead as they made their way down the home’s spacious and elaborate hallway. Beckett’s gun remained steady as he kept its barrel pointed out in front, his fists holding it tight, and his trigger finger ready for the call.
“Uh…Dig? We may have a slight problem.”
Another fist brought the team to a halt before Shadow continued.
“One of the two target signatures is moving. And I think…damn. Iknowthey’re headed straight for you. You’ll have to cut him off at the pass without alerting the remaining HT.”
Because alerting the remaining hostage taker would put Rahal’s life in even more danger than it already was.
“Copy that,” Digger whispered as he resumed his previous steps.
Beckett’s heartbeat filled his ears with a sizeable rush of renewed adrenaline. Any minute now, they’d come face-to-face with the man, and it would only end one way.
Taking a life—even a piece of shit thief like the one they were about to encounter—was never something to be taken lightly. And while he knew he’d someday have to answer for each and every black mark on his soul, Beckett’s peace of mind came from also knowing the world was a better…muchsaferplace without them.
The sound of booted footfalls echoed down the curved hall. He drew in a long, cleansing breath, his gut clenching withanticipation as his feet carried him closer and closer to the source.
The man was still out of their view, thanks to the pathway’s sharp curve several feet from where they were. But any second now, the man they were after would come into view, and when he did…
Their target rounded the corner, his eyes growing wide as saucers when he saw that they were there. He lifted his hand, revealing a pistol as the man shouted something in a language Beckett didn’t understand.
All four Tac-Ops men opened fire at the same time their target pulled his own trigger. The man’s shot went wild, but Beckett’s hit with perfected precision.
His. Apollo’s. Falcon’s. Dig’s.
They’d each fired their weapons with no other choice but to kill.
It was either him or us, brother. It was either him or us.
With their cover having been blown, there was no longer a need for discretion. They moved quickly, their one and only goal in that moment to get to Rahal…before it was too late.
“Upstairs clear,” Mustang announced after another single gunshot sounded through the comms.
At the same time, Digger pointed to an arched entryway about five yards up ahead.
“You’re almost there,” Shadow let them know. “You should see a big opening coming up on your right.”
They continued forward, reaching the entry to the Great Room without any further incident. Inside the massive space, they found exactly what Beckett had imagined.
Billionaire software mogul Isak Rahal was strapped to a chair in the middle of the room. His wrists and ankles had been secured with plastic ties, and the guy looked like he was about to piss his pants.
The remaining threat stood directly behind him. Eyes wide, sweat beading on his shiny forehead. And the pistol in his hand was pointed straight at Rahal’s head.