Page 63 of Jacqueline's Quest

"The plan got shot to shit the minute the Federales changed sides," Noah replied. "Now, shut the fuck up and fight."

Murray grunted. “Fine by me.”

“Understood,” Santiago replied. “Shit. Get down!”

Murray braced for the flashbang then shouted, "We have to get out there. We're sitting ducks."

He popped his head over the counter where he crouched and caught a glimpse of Thomas and AJ a black cylinder floated in the air behind them. Murray lowered himself as the flashbang went off. Son of a bitch. If they didn't kill the bastards in the turrets, they'd never get out of there. As it was, they were outnumbered and outgunned.

“Fuck yes. One down. One to go,” Noah said.

Santiago lifted his head. “Time to move.”

Noah was picking Federales off left and right as they continued to open fire on the people inside the club. Santiago had joined Thomas along with Miguel as they moved through the club taking out the ones Noah couldn't snipe. The initial blast had thrown Murray farther away than he'd realized. He came out from behind the small table and opened fire, picking those Federales who'd been shooting at them.

The smoke made it hard to see, which also meant trying to find Hannah was nearly impossible. Wherever she was, he hoped she was safe for all of their sakes. He pushed through the area, clearing it one person at a time. Beside him, Thomas and Miguel fought shoulder to shoulder while he and Santiago did the same. Another black canister was lobbed in their direction and this time, Murray was prepared. He went to one knee and turned away from it, covering his ears. He counted to ten then turned back around and began his assault again, determined to make his way through.

He came up to where Thomas was pinned down with AJ and slid behind their makeshift cover. All three were firing through the thick oppressive air trying to make some headway and take back control of the mission. It felt like a losing proposition though. For every person they killed, another one took their place and opened fire. Murray feared if they didn’t get some relief soon, they were all good as dead. “Where’s Hannah?” He fired off another round. “I lost her in the blast.”

“Same for Christian,” Luca snapped, joining them. “This shit has got to come to a fucking end.”

"Who fucking snitched," Duncan yelled. "What fucking Federales got jumpy?"

“Don’t give a fuck right now,” Thomas answered. “I’m blind in here and I can’t find our targets.”

"Secure the scene by all means necessary," Asher's voice cut through the communications. "We've been given authorization through the Mexican government and the US government. There is a Mexican Special Forces group inbound. ETA five minutes."

"Thank fuck," Noah muttered, though there was no relief in his tone. "Roger that. You heard him, everyone. Hold your position and keep the Federales from advancing. Make sure you reacquire the targets. Your mission has now changed from recovery to an active mission. Take out the enemy."

“Roger that,” Thomas glanced down at AJ who was a little too wide-eyed for Murray’s liking. “You ready to kick ass?”

She shook her head. “No.”

"Suck it up, baby girl. It's time to go to work." He handed her his gun. "Protect yourself and don't get killed." Thomas kissed her then. Murray rolled his eyes. The guy was crazy. Hell, they were all were. Had to be with the kind of job they had.

Santiago whistled, catching their attention. He threw another AK-47 in Thomas' direction. He grabbed it in midair, cocked the rifle and brought it to his shoulder as pushed AJ in a direction of safety while also shooting at the Federales who'd begun firing on the civilians trying to get out of the building. Murray joined him along with Miguel. They went slow and methodical, taking out the cluster of Federales one by one. They always had contingency plans in situations like this, but having the one person who was supposed to be backing them up, actually turn out to be the enemy, well, no one could ever plan for that. Colombia should have taught them that.

“You need to get your asses out of there now!” Noah hollered. “Move it. Grab your targets and get the fuck out. That’s an order.”

“What’s wrong?” Murray asked.

“They’ve got explosives. They’re going to take the building down.”

“Isn’t that too much attention?” AJ shouted.

“Not if you already have a narrative set,” Noah said. “Shit. Asher, you seeing this?”

"Yep, eye in the sky is right above you," Asher answered. "ETA for the team is two minutes. They're being updated as we speak."

“I’m on it,” Santiago said, running toward the gapping opening where the doors once stood. “Keep them off my ass, will you?”

“Roger that,” Miguel said. “I’m right on your six.”

"Split up," Murray said. "Our priority is the targets. Use lethal when needed, otherwise, walk away."

“Roger that,” Thomas said.

“Roger that,” AJ added. Her breath came in harsh pants when she rejoined them. Her makeup was a mess. Grime and grit covered her face and arms. The pretty red dress Thomas bought her was ripped and torn covered in blood and dirt from the explosions.

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