Page 48 of Walking the Bird

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“Nothing behind her screams sub.” Keeping his eyes trained on the face of Eleni. “But listen to this,” Ghost clicked several keys, filling the room with the sound of rushing water.

“Motherfucker!” Alex buried his fingers into the hair against his scalp, gripping the strands like a lifeline. “Give me the fucking coordinates, Reaper. I have to get her.”

Positioning his body in front of Alex’s, Zach slammed an open hand in the middle of his teammate’s chest. “You know the rules, Havoc. Never make a move as the result of fear.”

“Tell me you wouldn’t do the same if this was Kennedy?”

“You forget,” Zach locked gazes with Alex. “I’ve been in your shoes when it was Kennedy.”

Dropping his gaze to the floor, “This is different, we don’t have the upper hand. We’re dealing with a fucking rogue SEAL who can anticipate our every move.”

“Not every move.”

Alex jerked his head toward Ryan whose focus remained on his laptop.

“You plan on sharing or keeping your idea for a rainy-fucking-day?”

Snapping his attention to Viper. “Miguel was an EOD expert, which I’ve no doubt aided him in finding the abandoned submarine. What he isn't, is an IT specialist. When he opened the gateway allowing us into his security system, the path Trespass followed, he had no idea I've tapped into his computer system. Right now, Miguel thinks we are chasing the phantom hits he’s placed around the system. He hasn’t a clue we’ve been listening in and know exactly where he is.”

Hooking his hands on his hips, Zach considered his instructions carefully. “Cade, I need you to take Melinda back to your room and keep her there until you hear from one of us.”

Nodding, Cade gripped Melinda’s hand, gently tugging her in the direction of the door. “Here.” Ryan stood, pulling the handgun from the center of his back. “You remember how to use one of these?”

“Point the end at the bad guys and pull the trigger?”

“Exactly,” Ryan reached out, taking his brother’s hand in his. “Take care of her, and if something happens to me, you know what to do.”

Ryan and Cade were closer than the rest of the Biggs brothers. Their mutual desire to be more than horse breeders gave them a kinship they didn't share with the others.

“Spend your money, move to Utah and take Elli as a sister wife,” Cade teased in an attempt not to think about something happening to Ryan.

“Reaper, see if you can find any emergency hatches or weak spots in the sub we can get in through.”

“I have a better idea.”

Spinning in the direction of the voice, Viper pointed his gun at the dark-haired man standing not three feet away.

“Please don't shoot!”

“Stand down!”

Melinda and Slate shouted simultaneously.

Moving to stand beside her friend, “Bash, are you alright?”

“Never better, darlin’.” Bash assured, his signature cocky smile stretching his lips. “But Viper is right, best you find someplace safe to chill until we can handle this shit-stain Manguez.”

Melinda expected the usual flutter in her stomach each time she was close to Bash. However, the warmth of Cade’s touch kept them at bay.

“Be careful,” she whispered as Cade tucked her under his arm and led them away.

Bash waited until he heard the door close behind Melinda before turning to Viper, extending his hand.

“Sabashton Kelly, or as Slate calls me—”

“Fucking Trespass,” Ryan bit out, not bothering to conceal the disdain in his voice.

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