CHAPTER33
Colby
We paused at the stairs and peeked over the railing. There were men scattered around, all performing various tasks. No one was paying attention to the upper level. We started down the rickety metal stairs, going as quietly as we could.
Rafe froze, causing me to bump into the back of him. He reached back and wrapped his arm around me, helping to steady me as much as he could without turning around.
I sucked in a breath as I tried to catch my balance. Even with his arm supporting me, I hadn’t been ready for such an abrupt stop or the resulting collision. Too much movement would cause the stairs to creak and groan, alerting the men to our presence.
A large hand clamped down on my shoulder, steadying me. Softly, I let out the air trapped in my lungs. That had been close. Looking up, I realized we weren’t out of trouble yet.
We all watched, barely breathing, as a man with a clipboard walked past. His head was down, lips moving as he muttered to himself about whatever was on his checklist.
The relief hit like a thunderclap as he passed by without ever glancing up. My eyes darted around the lower level and I noticed there was another set of stairs directly across from us. They were the same distance to the entry, but at least it gave us two possible escape routes if needed.
We ducked behind some crates near the first support beam and I slipped my backpack off my shoulders. I’d insisted on carrying it. The contents inside were integral to our plans and the others didn’t know how to set the bombs.
My heartbeat was pounding in my ears as I pulled the first block of C4 out. I’d taped together a few bricks of it, more than enough to collapse the support beam. Leaning it against the beam, I moved as quickly and efficiently as I could. I connected the wires to the trigger, then set the clock. I gave us an extra twenty minutes on this IED. The last one I set would have the least amount of time. As long as we didn’t get delayed the math should be right and they would all detonate together.
Looking up at their faces, I nodded. Each of them looked calm, ready to face whatever threat came our way. I wish I felt that way. Was I the only one whose hands were shaking? Probably, because they had spent their entire adult lives doing this shit. They were immune to the adrenaline. I shoved to my feet, jostled the bag back onto my back, and followed Rafe to the next beam. That bomb was as easy to set as the first.
Now came the tricky part. We’d have to cross in the open to get to the other side.
“One at a time, or as a group?” Sig asked.
“We’ll go together,” Rafe answered. “If one of us is spotted we’re all fucked, so it’s better to only take the one chance.”
We waited, watching for our perfect opportunity. As soon as Rafe gave the all clear, we ran from crate to crate, holding our breaths as we did. No shout echoed through the warehouse, no one came rushing toward us.
I breathed easy and focused on setting the third and fourth bombs. The muffled sounds of men working bounced around us and we ignored them as we all knelt down while I completed my work. Having the three of them watch my back was the only reason I didn’t completely shake apart from nerves. I knew that even if we were spotted, they would give me the cover I needed to finish my work. After setting the fourth bomb, I checked my watch and looked up at Rafe. “Done, we have ten minutes.” I breathed, scared to speak too loudly and announce our presence.
“Good job, Pet,” he said with a wicked smile.
My heart swelled in my chest at the praise. His nickname didn’t grate on my nerves any longer because it was more of an endearment than an insult now.
“Uh, guys, can we get the fuck out of here?” Sig asked, nerves clear in his tone. “We’ve only got ten minutes on that clock and I’d rather not be here when it goes off.”
“Let’s go,” Rafe replied.
Once again, we crept to the edge of the items stacked along the columns, watching for the best time to dart back up the stairs.
“Go,” Rafe commanded.
As one unit we rushed to the stairs. That was where our luck ended. A shout went up. Someone had spotted us. I glanced over my shoulder and saw men running for wherever they had their weapons stashed.
“Don’t look back,” Arsen barked at me. “Keep running! All the way to the rally point.”
I obeyed, turning forward as my feet hit the steps. Rafe paused, letting us go past. He had his rifle ready, but didn’t shoot first. Not because he cared about the men down on the floor of the compound, but so he didn’t wake up the guys sleeping upstairs.
“Keep going,” he ordered. “Arsen, take her through the traps. I’ve got Sig. Don’t stop… No matter what.” His grim tone made my steps stutter.
“Rafe,” I said, real fear overtaking me. “We can’t leave either of you.”
I’d slowed on the steps. Rafe and Arsen exchanged looks and all I could do was gasp when my mountain snatched me right off my feet and took off, leaving the other two behind.
We’d just reached the top when gunfire started. “Arsen,” I begged. “We can’t-”
“They’re going to be right behind us, Colby,” he promised. “But they’re not letting you get trapped down here.”