Page 30 of Harris

Everyone was on edge when the perimeter sensors sounded, and a car pulled in. Apollo had arrived in under fifteen minutesfrom when Brick had sent him the address. The team didn’t bother to hide the weapons in their shoulder holsters; if this was an attack, they’d find some heavy resistance.

Harris truly hoped this was legit for Woodley’s sake. Jason and Mrs. Greer were still forty minutes away, and Woodley wasn’t healing as quickly as they’d hoped he would.

“Vehicle up on screen,” Spencer announced as the monitors homed in on their new visitors. Harris turned to look at the screen and watched an older-model Chevy pull up to the back of the rental. It moved at a slow, methodical pace that he thought was intentional so as not to alarm anyone. Four people got out of the vehicle: Apollo, Griffin, and two smaller women.

“We’ve got four, no other heat signatures in the vicinity,” Spence said.

“I’ve got a read on three of them. Griffin is still on the fence about us and is concerned this is a trap. One of the women is excited to be here, and the other is concerned about Woodley. Apollo is back to being a mystery,” Conor said, filling in the rest of the team.

“Okay, we play this calm and methodical for Woodley’s sake. No snap decisions, but don’t let your guard down. If things go south, we’ll deal with them accordingly,” Brick ordered.

“Wait, is that Ellen?” Shaw asked as he leaned in to the screen for a better look.

Spencer zoomed the monitor onto the two women.

“Holy shit, she’s all grown up,” Spencer said. “Rick is going to be so pissed he missed this.”

It had been several years since the team had taken on the Hammon missing person’s case. In the end, Spencer and Rick set Ellen Hammon and her nanny up with a new identity so she could disappear and escape the Noah Group.

“Well, that confirms what Apollo said at least,” Shaw said. “Ellen’s here in the flesh. Hard to deny that.”

As the four approached the house, Apollo stepped forward and knocked on the door. He strategically placed his large body in front to cover the women behind him, and Griffin scanned the area from the back.

“They seem to be well trained,” Stryker said. “And armed.”

It was easy to make out the bulge from guns under their jackets. Harris wasn’t shocked, considering they were as well. Can’t blame them for being prepared to enter a possible hostile situation.

Brick scanned the room before opening the back door. It was natural for the Navy SEAL to get a lay of the land before any possible engagement. The rest of the team was strategically placed throughout the living room and kitchen, while Harris had placed himself in front of the door leading to the bedroom where Woodley and Jennifer were waiting.

Brick took the same position as Apollo as the door opened, and the two team leaders stood like warriors facing each other while protecting their people.

“Apollo,” Brock said in a way of greeting.

“Brick,” Apollo replied. “You gonna let us in?”

“Depends. Are you planning on using the heat you’re packing?”

“We’ve learned never to travel without protection, not specifically because we were coming here.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the best one you’re going to get.”

“Holy shit. Why do men have to be so difficult,” a woman’s voice growled from behind Apollo. “Get out of my way, you big oaf. There’s an injured man in there that needs my help.”

The small woman they’d seen on screen pushed her way past Apollo, who rolled his eyes, and she stood toe-to-toe with Brick.

“I’m here to help. Deal with it quickly so I can get started healing him,” she said without an ounce of fear.

There was laughter behind Apollo, and when Harris glanced at the screen, he could see Ellen Hammon covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle her amusement.

“Renee, you’re amazing,” Ellen said.

“You remind me of someone I know. Her name is Julia,” Brick said.

“She must be one hell of a woman. I’d love to meet her, but first move so I can help your teammate,” Renee said.

Brick did the one thing Harris hadn’t expected tonight; he smiled and backed out of the way, allowing her and Ellen to enter. Apollo and Griffin hovered close by.

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