Page 74 of One Knight Stand

I heard a noise from Hala’s device, so I turned it up. “Kira, you have trouble headed your way. Get out now.”

“Kira, get out of there,” I repeated. “You have company coming.”

“It’s store security,” Hala added. “They must have spotted you at the register.”

I heard shuffling noises. “Kira, are you out?”

“Not yet,” came a whisper.

“Bo, Frankie, can either of you help Kira?” I asked. “Diversion, distraction, something to give her time to get out.”

“Go out the back, Kira,” Jax instructed. “Loading zone area. I’ll pull the car around and be ready for you.”

“Kira, go out the back,” I repeated. “Jax will be there.”

“On it,” Kira said.

I was getting dizzy from all the voices coming through. I’d lost track of Remington. “Where’s Remington?” I asked Mike.

“He’s coming out the front entrance now,” Mike answered. “Looks like he’s got a bag in his hand. I hope it’s the phones.”

I peered into the distance and saw him. Like Mike said, he had a bag in his hand.

“Jax, are you in position to get Kira yet?” I asked, turning my attention back to the operation.

“Yes.”

“Ooooooooh.” I heard a loud moan over the comm link and then a thump.

“What was that?” I asked, alarmed.

“Hala,” Bo whispered. “She fainted directly and dramatically in front of the security team. It’s stopped them temporarily. Go now, Kira.”

Now I understood the value of the acting classes Hala was taking. “Good girl,” I said under my breath.

“I’m at the loading zone,” Kira said. “My coat and hat are back on.”

“Go to your left,” Jax said. “I’m parked just out of view of the side security camera.”

Kira didn’t respond, so I hoped that meant she was too busy making her way to Jax.

“Our target just pulled out of parking lot,” Mike said. “Tell everyone the mission is accomplished.”

“Everyone get out now,” I relayed. “Repeat. Withdraw immediately.”

“I’m out,” Kira said. “In the car.”

“Thank goodness.” I exhaled in relief, but there were still three more team members inside. “Where’s Hala?”

“She’s okay,” Bo whispered. “They’re checking on her now. I’ll make sure she and Frankie get out.”

“We’re clear,” Jax chimed in as his car pulled out of the parking lot with Kira safely inside. “See you guys later.”

I shifted in my seat, facing Mike. “Can you hear anything from Remington’s car? Is he trying to use one of burner phones?”

Mike pressed the earbud into his ear, switched screens on his laptop and listened. He shook his head. “Nothing yet. He’s got the news on. I’ll keep listening.”

A minute later, Hala walked out of the store and headed for the street. “Bo, you and Frankie pick me up a block away,” she said. “I don’t want them to see me getting into your car or figure out we know each other.”

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