Page 39 of Dismantle & Prevail
I understand that this is Aries’ first mission since his kidnapping, and his fears are heightened by recurring nightmares of losing me to the masked man. However, he cannot keep me locked in the Clubhouse while everyone is out sacrificing their lives.
Chapter Seventeen
Taylor
Myfingersflyacrossthe keyboard as I make the last few clicks to gain entry into this fortress.
The case notes were not kidding. This man has this place locked up like Buckingham Palace. But he is still no match for me because after a few more clicks, the system blossoms to life on my computer, giving me complete and total control.
Motion outside my window catches my attention and I quickly look up, my hand instantly moving to my knife tucked at my side.
When I see Tucker and Zoro throwing snowballs at each other, I can’t help the laugh that escapes as I turn my attention back to my computer.
As I slowly take control of the system, I think back to the look Aries gave me when I came outside. The team was waiting, and he was leaning against my driver's side door. Judging by the look on his face, I readied myself for an argument, but all he said before walking over to Boone’s truck was, “Be careful. Stay close.”
Everything in me wanted to ignore his warnings, but I couldn’t. My anger settled as the drive went on and I tried to put myself in his shoes. He has gone to hell and back multiple times and has every right to have an outburst or misplaced anger.
Still, I wasn’t going to let him come out here alone and risk his life, endangering him further if I lost control of the system. All of their lives, including Aries’ are in my hands, and it would kill me if anyone got hurt because I failed them.
A knock on my window drags me out of my head, and I look up to see Tucker waving at me.
Rolling down the window, I shiver as the frigid December air hits me in the face. “What’s up, Tuck?”
Tucker leans into the truck and quickly glances behind him before turning his attention back to me and lowering his voice. “Prez is pissy. He’s been snapping at everyone that tries to help him and if anyone even gets within a foot of him, he gives them a death glare. I know he has been through hell, but that is not the prez that leads missions and I’m worried this is going to be a shit show if he doesn’t get his head on straight.”
Glancing around Tucker, I see Ari glaring at one of the newest prospects. The poor guy is shaking in his boots.
Sighing, I quickly check to see if my computer is still running smoothly before I return my attention back to Tuck. “Okay. Why are you telling me? Boone is his right-hand man. Shouldn’t you be going to him?”
Tuck narrows his eyes at me and gives me a knowing look. “Honey. We all know that Aries and you have growna lotcloser in the past few weeks since he’s been home. Now I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but I suspect anyone that is in his bed has more power than his best friend and VP.”
“Tuck. You’re wrong. Aries is going to do what he wants, when he wants. I have zero control over that man, even if he is sleeping in my bed. And for the record, that isallhe is doing. Nothing else.”
“Mhmm. Whatever you say, Tay. Sooo, are you gonna talk to him orrrr…” Tuck wiggles his eyebrows as he pulls his beanie further down on his head.
My computer dings, signaling all is ready to go and I thank technology for being my saving grace. Without looking up, I say, “Go grab everyone so I can debrief them and make sure their comms systems are working.”
Tucker lifts his arm in a salute. “Got it Cap.” He turns on his heel, almost busting his ass in the snow, and calls everyone over.
One by one, I check everyone’s inner ear piece and once they’re all set, the team gathers in a semicircle surrounding the driver's side of the truck. Before getting out, I shrug on my jacket and pull my beanie down.
Damn the Canadian weather for being brutal. I fucking hate the cold.
All eyes are on me as I hop out of the truck and my eyes immediately find Ari’s. His stoney expression is still in place and I want to ask him what is bothering him so much that he is taking it out on other members, but now is not the time or place.
A shiver runs up my spine and I clutch my jacket tighter around me. “Alright. I’ll make this quick since it’s cold as fuck.”
Grunts echo through the circle, and I face the left side of the group. “Group A. You will all follow Boone. While I was fixing his comms system, I explained the route. But to give a brief overview, you guys will go around the back of the house. This will allow for the element of surprise that we all know Boone loves. It is crucial that you follow the exact path Boone takes. The system may be in my control, but stepping out of the blind spots could alert something we don’t know of. Once you’re inside, stay to the left and wait under the staircase. The victim appears to be in the first bedroom to the right on the second floor. The captor has been moving between his office and bedroom on the third floor, so if Group Bgets under fire, you will need the element of surprise.”
I wait to see if any questions arise. When the circle stays silent and is full of nods of understanding; I move to the other team. “Group B. You will be under Zoro’s guide. You guys have the privilege of being a little less uniform as you are going in the front door. The second you step through that door, chaos will most likely ensue as there are three guards stationed at the front of the house. Now, I cannot see for sure how many guards are on the property. For a man that has this complex of a security system, there are a lot of blind spots. So just be vigilant and keep your head on a swivel.”
The group echoes group A’s gestures and I clap my gloved hands together. “Great. Keep your comms systems on. If anything happens or I can give you a heads up, I will tell you immediately. If, for any reason, we lose the control of the cameras or the comms system goes down, find your leaders and stay safe. I don’t foresee that happening as this asshole’s system is like child's play, but we can never be one hundred percent certain. I will be listening in, so tell me if anyone needs assistance. Good luck, boys. Go kick some ass.”
A chorus of “Thanks, Tay,” echoes through the circle and I open the truck door, desperate to get back to the warmth of the cab.
Just as my butt hits the seat, a hand on my arm grabs my attention and, to no surprise of my own, Ari is standing there.
“What’s up?” I ask, my voice calm and unbothered.
