Page 8 of Flint's Battle

“Tell me the rules.”

“Stay hidden, don’t talk, and don’t die.” He gave her a wink, the jerk. “Oh, and I wasn’t really here.”

“Wise ass.” She handed him a spare flashlight. “You ready? Clock’s already ticking, and the last thing I need is half the force showing up because we were slow.”

“Lead the way. I’ve got your six, sweetheart.”

CHAPTER 3

Flint resistedthe grin tugging at the corners of his mouth when Emery rolled her eyes, then struck off. Back stiff. Shoulders back. That sexy air of confidence mirrored in her stride. He’d meant what he’d said. She was tough and skilled and had more honor than most. But going up against three or four armed men alone? Even he wouldn’t want those odds if he had a choice.

Not that Henry had said they were armed, but Flint knew a damn drug or weapons drop when presented with the facts, and this seemingly innocent frat theory had ruthless mercenaries written all over it.

Emery knew it, too. That’s why she’d resisted letting him back her up. Not because she didn’t want help but because of his current status. Being active military definitely made the situation tenuous if he was forced to react to a dynamic situation. And jail might be the least of his worries.

He’d just have to ensure things went smoothly. That regardless of how the situation played out, he didn’t put her in a delicate position. One where she would lie to keep his ass out of the fire.

Emery stopped short of the main door, bouncing her flashlight beam around the lot. A lone hatchback was parked off to the right, a sticker just visible on the windshield. “Well, crap.”

He moved in beside her, giving her a gentle tap. “That car mean something to you?”

“I don’t know who owns it, but that sticker is from the university. Which means there might be some college kids in here, after all.”

She scoffed when he arched a brow. “What? You think I don’t know this is likely a drug or weapons deal? Coolers don’t take two grown ass men to carry in. And Henry wouldn’t get that detail wrong. Which is why you’re so intent on shadowing me, and why I’m so resistant to let you. But it also means we might be facing armed assholesandfrat kids.”

“You can call for backup.”

She glanced at the car, again, then the door. “Let’s see what we’re up against, first. Who’s actually in here and how we think it’ll play out. We don’t want to turn this into a possible hostage situation before we have all the facts.” She raised a brow. “I assume you’ve faced far worse than this.”

Emery hadn’t really asked.

He nodded. “Far worse. But every situation has its own unique challenges. And I usually have my entire team backing me up. With just the two of us, we might have to get creative.”

“God, I’m regretting this already.” She rolled her right shoulder, as if trying to loosen it before shifting her head to either side. “Remember your promise to stick to the shadows. The last thing I need is some college kid blabbing about the Navy SEAL I had tagging along.”

“They won’t know I’m a SEAL.”

“Oh, trust me. I’ve watched you train with Kian’s team. The way you move… The skill… Everyone will know.”

“That almost sounds like a compliment.”

“It was, jackass. Let’s go.”

She opened the door, cleared the first room then moved inside, sticking to the deep shadows lining the hallway. Nothing sounded in the eerie stillness, not even the crickets Flint knew had ventured inside.

That was never a good sign.

Emery made her way through the first floor, systematically checking each room then moving on. Ensuring they didn’t get waylaid from behind, later. They’d covered half the factory before they finally reached the staircase, the top disappearing into the darkness. She looked at the corridor leading to the other side when voices cut the silence above them followed by the pounding of footsteps racing across the floor.

She glanced back at him then bounded up the stairs, clearing the first hallway before charging down it. Flint stayed on her six, checking for anyone who might pop out behind them, as Emery wove her way toward the rear west side — those windows where the flashlight beams had been.

She slowed when someone shouted what sounded like, “Stop,” carefully side-stepping to the next junction. Lights brightened the room beyond, heavy blankets covering the far windows.

Emery pressed her back against the wall, showing the countdown on her fingers before leaning out — taking a quick peek. Flint followed suit, scanning the room before darting back behind the corner.

And damn, it was exactly what Emery had been worried about. One heavily armed tango wearing body armor with his weapon pointed at two college kids cowering in the corner. No good way to get them clear without challenging the asshole, first.

She checked her weapon — a sure sign she was going in hot — then mouthed for him to cover her. He readied himself, moving to the other side of the doorway when she popped out, guntrained on the perp. Feet planted firmly apart. Her finger already caressing the trigger.

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