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Chapter 42: Riley
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Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 43: Erin
THURSDAY. UNKNOWN, TEXAS.ERIN'S HEAD THROBBED AND her shoulders ached on top of the dull pain from her ribs. The one saving grace was that the floor was cool, giving her some respite from the heat. Her side still burned, and her toes twitched at the memory of the Taser.She kept her eyes firmly shut, sorting through the last thing she remembered.The man from the airport.He'd been waiting in the shadows outside the house. She'd stupidly walked out there and put herself in his path. He'd caught her off-guard and the Taser had robbed her of the ability to fight back at first. He'd hit her with something and after that it was fuzzy. She had fleeting memories of a car ride, being drug out by her feet, and then nothing.Had he dosed her with something?Her mouth was dry, but that didn't mean anything.What was she going to do?She took stock of her body, noting the pains and discomforts. Her ribs hurt, but that was nothing new. The back of her head was tender. The worst
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 44: Riley, Erin, Mark
THURSDAY. SAFE HOUSE, LAS COLINAS, TEXAS.RILEY PACED THE HOUSE. The cops gave him a wide berth while Casey sat back, giving him that flat stare that never failed to piss Riley off. If his brother was going to pop over to watch, the least he could do was be helpful."Dude. Stop. Sit." Casey nodded at the chair next to him at the dining table.Riley wanted to get out. Do something. Find Erin. But he couldn't. She'd vanished without a trace. The best thing they had was a neighbor's security camera catching her feet as she walked down the sidewalk.He circled the table and sat next to Casey, picked up his brother's cup of coffee and drained it."Have a drink, why don't you?" Casey said.Riley didn't answer."I thought you were here on work?" Casey studied him in a way that wasn't entirely comfortable."We are.""They might be." He nodded at Grant standing with Brenden. "You aren't. Who is this woman to you?"Riley bit the inside of his cheek."Riley likes a girl.
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 45: Riley
THURSDAY. SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS."WHAT THE HELL HAVE you gotten me into?"Riley ignored Casey's complaints. It wasn't like Riley had shoved him in the SUV. Casey had climbed in of his own accord after getting gear from his vehicle."The signal came from a hundred yards that way," Grant pointed up a gravel lane. A construction sign indicated a new office building development.Riley took point, sticking to a few yards off the trail, still under the cover of trees. If they were able to track the laptop, what were the chances Mark could, too? And even if Mark wasn't here, they didn't want to give Erin's kidnapper any kind of warning they were there.The SUV backed off the curb behind them and flipped a U-turn. Melody was on comms, but muted with the plan to wait at the gas station down the street."Mom and Dad are going to love this story," Casey muttered."Shut the fuck up," Riley said."Guys, we're sticking to silence," Grant said.The darkness was fading with the coming
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 46: Erin
"YOU'RE GOING TO BE okay," Erin said.She kept one hand on Khalil's side, pressing the shirt she'd found in the back seat against his wound, and the other on the wheel. The young man groaned and threw his head back in pain."Hang on. Just a little bit farther." She had no idea where she was going, but eventually she'd find a highway and hospitals were clearly marked when it came to highways. She hoped they found one before Khalil bled out.Riley had come for them. If he hadn't, she had no doubt that both she and Khalil would be dead. She wanted to be back there, she wanted to know if Riley had survived, but the best thing was to get clear of the combat. Her training had that drilled into her to the point she couldn't go against it even if she wanted to. Besides, Khalil's life depended on getting to safety.Businesses clustered along the road. A far different cry from the seemingly rural area they'd been. A sign for Interstate 141 was posted at the red light.She gassed it, ba
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 47: Riley
RILEY GLANCED IN THE rearview mirror. Grant and the others had hung back at the scene to explain to the cops what happened, freeing Riley and Casey up to go find Erin. The threat wasn't over."Where the hell are we going?" Casey demanded."I don't know. Erin left. Where would she go?" Riley swung his head back and forth.Melody hadn't seen a SUV come her way. That meant Erin had to have taken this road, but there were dozens of different ways she could have gone.The highway was ahead of them in another mile or two. From there she could get out of the city and go anywhere. Or, what if Mark had her?"Tell me about her," Casey said."What?" Riley frowned at his brother."Tell me about her. What is she like? Would she run from danger?""No." Riley shook his head. "She's a run into it kind of person.""Then why'd she leave? If the danger was there, what would make her run?""Someone is in danger." Fuck. Riley's brother was a genius.His phone began to vibrate. He dug
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 48: Erin
ERIN SAT ON THE bumper of the ambulance while the first responders moved around her. Could it really be over?Mark was in custody.According to Riley, the black ops Allied Security team was either dead or wounded, and accounted for. The videos made the employee list fairly easy.All that was left was for the police to fit their stories together.Erin had lied to them, and for that, she'd have to shoulder the guilt.A pair of black boots stepped into her field of vision. They were scuffed and in one spot the leather peeled up. If he wasn't careful that could get him hurt."You need new shoes," she said."Erin?" Riley knelt in front of her. They hadn't had the opportunity to speak since he'd taken Mark down. Between the injured and answering the questions from law enforcement, they hadn't had a moment to speak. Riley's brow creased and there were deep brackets around his mouth. "I thought we came to an understanding. I've got your back. Don't you know that?""I couldn't a
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 49: Riley
RILEY HELD THE DOOR for Erin and together they stepped out into the sunshine, leaving NexGen in their wake. Whether someone at the company was guilty or not would be the job of someone else. He kept his hand on her back, steering her out to the parking lot where Casey waited for them."Feel better?" he asked."Not really. Lighter, but not better." She stepped up on the curb, the red paved walkway between the rows of cars stretching the length of the lot."What's wrong?" He tugged on her hand until she stopped."I don't know." She lifted her shoulders.There'd been something sad and resigned about her since the hospital. He'd thought it was about quitting, but now he wasn't so sure. He stared down at her, all his thoughts jumbled together. He didn't know how to say what was in his head, but if he didn't get it out now, he might not get the chance. There was no guarantee they'd see each other again after this."Where are you going after this?" he asked."Miami, I guess." Ag
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 50: Epilogue
SIX WEEKS LATER. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, FT WORTH, TEXAS.ERIN STEPPED THROUGH THE doors, escaping a few moments ahead of those allowed in the courtroom. She'd sweated through her shirt to the point that her jacket felt damp, but it was over. Two days of testimony, and her part was over.Riley, Khalil and Casey sat on the bench across from the doors."How'd it go?" Riley crossed to her and wrapped an arm around her waist."Fine." She glanced at Khalil.Their secret was still theirs. There was so much to untangle in regard to the black-ops side of Allied's business that no one cared about their role beyond how it all went public. She would take the fact that Khalil kidnapped her to her grave, and so would the others.She squeezed Riley and let go of him.Over the last few weeks she'd gotten to know Khalil. They'd talked, helping heal much of the other's pain and come to terms with the future in a new light.She took Khalil's hand in hers."Thank you," he muttered."None of this
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Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 258: Epilogue.
Three Months Later. Aegis Group Offices, Seattle, Washington.MELODY PLACED HER SERVICE weapon in the case and clicked the lid shut. This was the real moment for her when she got to switch off from a job. Used to it was when they turned a newly rescued asset over to whoever had paid to have them rescued, be that family, coworkers or other loved ones. However, after Ibiza everything had changed.She smiled at the newly hired munitions clerk and slid the case over. Unlike the guys she didn't feel the need to keep her weapons at home."I'm done with this. Thanks," she said."There's the sharp shooter," Vaughn said coming into the small room, Nolan and Riley bringing up the rear.Melody flushed and inwardly preened. That had been a rather exceptional shot there at the end."It was just a shot." She rolled her eyes and leaned an elbow on the counter as the guys all requested their own secure cases. "What are you three doing?""Carla's birthday," Vaughn said as if that expla
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 257: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Forgery Front, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY WANTED NOTHING MORE than to let Grant take over. He was good at that. It was kind of his thing. But she knew he wasn't on Ethan's side. No one was. They didn't understand him. Not that she did either, but after spending a few days around him she had some insight to the man, he'd become.But first...She took Grant's face in her hands and pulled him down for a quick, hard kiss."I missed you," she whispered."You're safe." He squeezed her.She nodded then let go of him and turned her attention on Ethan.The man had taken two central mass bullets. He needed a damn doctor.She grabbed Grant's hand. No matter what came next, she wanted him by her side. She marched across the small space to where Ethan leaned on the only still-standing desk. Nolan had his gun trained on Ethan while a man she didn't recognize spoke to him."Who are you?" She stepped between Ethan and the newcomer. "Why aren't you getting him a doctor?"
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 256: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Forgery Front, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY STOOD FROZEN TO the spot, the visual of the crackling electricity up lighting the faces of Ethan and Liman burned into her mind. It was like something out of an action movie.Ethan hauled back and rammed the bathroom door with his shoulder. He roared his rage.Liman was trapped. There was no way out of that bathroom. Eventually Ethan would get in or Liman would have to come out. Either way, it was going to be an explosive conflict.This was her chance to get out of here. The back door was unlocked. She could slip out and be gone. Call the cops, Grant, anyone more capable to deal with this. And yet she remained rooted to the spot, unable and maybe a little unwilling to move.They'd already left Ethan once and look where that got him.Ethan planted his back against the wall and kicked. She heard the pop of hinges. Another kick and the door clattered to the floor. Her stomach clenched. Ethan shoved off the wall, only to be h
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 255: Grant, Liman
Tuesday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT PUSHED UP OFF the cot. Some thoughtful person had brought four of them into the ops room at some point. He'd actually managed half an hour of sleep. It was better than he'd gotten trying to crash back in his room. Something about being near the constant buzz of activity helped ease his mind.He stretched, paying attention to the twinges of muscle protesting. The soreness was worse now post-crash.How was Melody feeling? Did she have any injuries?Watching the video, the ambulance had more or less driven off the road and tipped over. With any luck she wasn't badly injured.Grant gave Marco and Luke a wide berth. Both men had chewed his ass out for potentially risking Hannah and running into a situation by himself. Grant wasn't keen on rehashing that. Instead headed for the computer in the corner where Ghost had set himself up. Most people avoided him, which was fine for Grant. He didn't have to like the guy to use
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 254: Liman, Melody
Tuesday. Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.LIMAN LAID OUT EVERYTHING he'd spent the last thirty-six hours gathering. When he'd left their safe house he'd wanted to take supplies with him, but didn't dare beyond some cash. All he'd had was what he was wearing, some jewelry and a couple things he knew he could hawk at the pawn shop around the corner.It had taken some work hustling the goods he had, turning them into more profitable items, but he had a couple thousand in US dollars, three new to him guns and a small collection of ammunition, and if all went as planned, in another day he'd have a passport that would grant him an escape from this dammed country.He knew he couldn't go home. That bridge was burned. As soon as his government learned about the utter disaster, they'd want to bring him in for questioning. It wouldn't end in a simple debrief. There were no answers he could give his superiors that they'd accept. The only true end would be Liman's death.He had no intention of
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 253: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Unknown.MELODY'S TOES HURT.That was her first coherent thought as her mind rose from the groggy sleep of the dead. She remained exactly where she was, as if even her subconscious was aware that there was a predator nearby.The handcuff secured to her left wrist bit into her skin and her fingers were numb, no doubt from the way she'd been laying.She strained to listen harder. There was no sound of traffic or horns. She couldn't even hear someone walking around, the whish of fabric or the soft sounds of someone breathing.If she didn't know better, she'd think she was alone.What did she smell?The air was musty and she recalled a vague memory from last night that included a sneezing fit."I know you're awake," a man said slowly.He was so close his voice seemed to rumble across her skin.Melody sucked in a breath and her eyes popped open.Ethan sat next to the bed, his clasped hands resting on the edge of the mattress. He was watching her."Jesus."
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 252: Grant
Monday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT KEPT STARING AT the map, as if it would suddenly reveal where Melody was. He knew it wouldn't, but as the hours ticked by his hope was beginning to wane. Eventually they'd get a lead. They always did. But would it be too late for Melody?"I know who he is," Gavin announced.Grant straightened and stared at the younger man holding his tablet up like a beacon."And?" Marco prompted.Gavin referenced the tablet screen. "Liman Fahed. Intelligence officer for the General Directorate of General Security.""And that tells us, what?" Grant asked."A name is a start," Ghost said.Grant ground his teeth together and focused on the map.A name was just a name, especially when they didn't know how to find the man.He'd hoped that with Ghost's arrival, they might make some sort of forward movement on locating Melody, but they were still stuck in a holding pattern.They needed a lead."So I guess it's not useful to
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 251: Melody, Liman
Monday. Unknown, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY KNEW SHE WAS dozing. She hadn't actually fallen asleep, even if the odd, twilight state between sleep and wakefulness made her question that knowledge. Exhaustion had won out, more or less. But she couldn't relax enough to become totally unaware.A soft jangle of metal lured her consciousness back into the land of the living. It wasn't a suspicious noise. More like she'd moved and maybe disrupted the coil of chain. Or Ethan had finally decided to stop playing at being a statue.Thinking the man's name caused Melody to shiver. She opened her eyes, blinking into the relative darkness. The light filtering in around the door from the next room over provided enough light for her to make out shapes.Ethan was no longer sitting.He stood. Judging by the way his shoulders hunched, his back was to her, his attention on the handcuff securing him to the wall.The chain jangled again. He grunted.The hair on the back of her neck stood up.
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 250: Grant
Sunday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT STARED AT HIS new phone. Zain had a bundle of them delivered via a courier about an hour ago. Since Aegis Group hadn't contacted Lepta Team's family beyond a few of the guy's girlfriends, it was imperative they have a means of communicating.The gut-punch had been opening up his photo gallery to see pictures of Melody. They'd gone to a nice dinner last week before leaving on the job. She'd looked beautiful in a goldish-pink dress that had shimmered. She'd rolled her eyes when he took a picture of her with the city lights behind her.Zain was nothing if not thorough. Of course their new phones would be updated with all their information and preferences, right down to the custom sound Grant had picked for Melody's texts.He tipped his head back and stared at the ceiling.Following the outburst earlier Grant had opted to wait in the hall where he wouldn't be tempted to stick his nose in things and slow people down.
