Page 49 of SEAL's Providence
“Copy that, Knight 1,” Pat replied.
“Knights 2 and 3, do a perimeter check.”
“Knight 4, take oversight.”
“Knight 5, you’re with me and Knight 6.”
Everyone moved like clockwork. Adam and Providence followed him. Tony hated not knowing what waited for them in the basement. It wouldn’t be the first bloodbath they’d walked into.
The Xaver was great and able to see through walls, but it couldn’t report the condition of the people inside. He hoped that the women would be alive and in good condition. With the upcoming auction, hopefully the traffickers would want their merchandise unharmed, at least visibly.
“Knight 2, sitrep.”
“Flowers are static. Two tangos in the kitchen, one heading up the stairs,” Pat answered.
Tony cursed under his breath. It would have been easier if they’d stayed together, but there were only three tangos and five of them. He liked their odds.
Tony whispered into the comms, “Sitrep.”
“Knight 3, no outside movement. Cameras set on loop,” Mike answered.
“Copy that.”
“Eye in the sky, in position,” Adam reported.
“Copy Knight 4. Maintain position.”
“Knight 2 and 3, circle around for basement breach.”
“Knight 2 in position,” Pat said from behind Providence.
“Me too, uh Knight 3 in position.” Mike shrugged and mouthed, “Sorry.”
Tony leaned closer to Providence. "Are you ready?”
“Yes, Knight 1,” Providence said, but he could see the worry in her expression.
Tony sighed. They were all high on adrenalin, but that bubble could deflate quickly, depending on what they found on the other side of that door. He whispered a prayer they’d all get out of this alive.
Pat would lead the breach, followed by Mike, Evan, and Tony. Providence would bring up the rear, with Adam watching their six from the roof across the street.
“On my mark, Knight 2 set the charges. Now.”
“Charge set.”
“Copy that. Breach on my mark. Three, two, one. Breach.”
They took cover, and Pat blew the door. They ran to the basement and pushed their way in with their knives and flashlights ready.
The room was empty.
“What the fuck?”
“They’ve got to be behind one of those doors. Knight 3, you and Knight 6 take the left door. Knight 2, go center. I’ll take right.”
Tony got to his door first, finding it unlocked, he shoved it open. Empty. They’d just checked the Xaver before they breached. The women had to be there somewhere.
At the sudden pounding of feet above their heads, the men froze. There’d always been the chance the charge would be loud enough to give them away. From the sound of the movement upstairs, it looked like they no longer had the element of surprise.
