Page 7 of Flint's Battle

Flint glanced at her. “Count on it.”

Emery eased free, taking a few steps away. “If you boys are done talking about me as if I’m not in the room, we’ll be going. And Henry… You might want to try looking at the stars with that telescope instead of the factory.”

She made a beeline for the door, nodding at Henry before closing it. She waited until she heard the lock click into place then headed for her Jeep.

Flint didn’t ask any questions as he climbed in then reversed, following the road down toward the factory. He stopped far enough back the headlights didn’t give them away, shoving the stick into first.

Emery grabbed the mic. “Dispatch, this is Delta Sierra Two.”

“Delta Sierra Two, dispatch.”

“Hey, Barry. I’m at the Wilson factory. Can you put a thirty-minute timer on for me? There’s definitely someone inside.”

“Roger, McClane. You okay on your own?”

“You’ll be the first to know if I’m not. McClane out.”

Flint accompanied her to the rear of her Jeep, watching as she opened the tailgate and grabbed her gear.

She gave him a quick glance, shaking her head as she donned her vest. “You’ve got that look, Flint.”

He leaned against the back quarter panel. “What look?”

“The one that says you’re gearing up for a fight.”

“You really don’t expect me to stay here while you go in there alone, do you?”

Emery sighed, pausing to clip a flashlight on her belt. “You’re active military.”

“Technically, I’m on leave.”

“Which won’t lessen the shitstorm you’ll be in if you go in there with me and have to defend yourself. And we’re not just talking your career. You could go to jail.”

Flint shuffled closer. “If the choices are my ass in jail or your ass in the morgue, I’ll take the brig.”

“Gee, thanks for your vote of confidence.”

“Emery.” He snagged her hand, lifting it then holding it against his chest. “You’re skilled and brave, and I know you can handle yourself. But everyone needs backup. Henry said he saw at least three guys — probably four. And sure, this could still be some frat prank, but what if it’s not? How the hell am I supposed to look at myself in the mirror if you go in there without someone watching your six and you get hurt? And that’s ignoring the fact you’re already physically compromised.”

He held up his hand when she went to reply. “Whether you’ve got a concussion or not doesn’t change the fact you took a blow to the head.” He kicked at the pavement. “Besides, I promised Henry I’d have your back. We both know he’s watching us, so… Are you really going to make me break a promise to a Marine?”

“If we go in there and it’s more than just some frat boys, you breaking a promise will be the least of my concerns. And how am I supposed to look at myself in the mirror if shit goes sideways and you’re the one who ends up in the morgue?”

“As long as you’re still breathing, I’ll take it.”

“Flint…”

“I’ll follow your lead. And I promise not to shoot anyone unless it’s life or death.”

“SEALs.” Emery grabbed her extra vest out of the box, holding on tight when he went to take it. “If you’re going to come along you have to promise to stay out of sight, let me do the talking, and for god’s sake don’t get shot.”

She released the vest when he nodded. “It’s the biggest I have, but it’s still gonna be tight on you.”

“Tight beats nothing.” He waved his fingers at her once he had the Velcro secured. “Weapon.”

She cursed, handing him her nine-millimeter along with a few extra mags. “Only life or death, and if you have to fire, you didn’t actually fire. I did. Got it?” She checked her backup weapon, cycling a round. “I just know I’m going to regret this.”

Flint grinned, then leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I promise to behave.”

---