Someone Like Her(83)

 “Good. Tennessee, ready to rock and roll?”

 The silence stretched and Jake shifted, staring through his night goggles into the shadowed doorway behind him. The watery green image of Bayne’s body was the only thing visible, not whatever expression might be on his face. He needed to see Tennessee’s eyes, see if they held fear and panic in them. If so, he’d immediately call off the mission, and he and Elaine could come back later after making a new plan. Just as he took a step back, his headset crackled to life and he paused.

 “Ah . . . yes, sir. I’m right behind you, Buchanan . . . Tiger.”

 Dammit, Tennessee knew better than to use their names on a mission. A moment of indecision stilled him. By the time he and Elaine made it back, it would be close to dawn and there would be people on the streets. Less risk to go in now. He’d just keep a close eye on Tennessee.

 “He gonna be okay?” Elaine whispered, sidling up to Jake with his hand over the mouthpiece of his headset.

 Jake shoved his mouthpiece aside. “That’s the question of the day.” He glanced back to see Tennessee push away from the doorway and head their way. “You thinking we should shut this down? Me and you come back later?”

 A cocky grin appeared on Elaine’s face. “Hell, no. We’re here and it’s a good plan. Let’s get this thing over with so we can go home. He’ll be fine.”

 Ignoring his misgivings, Jake nodded as he pulled his mouthpiece back into place. “Show time.”

 They’d brought glass cutters, but the window was unlocked, allowing them to slip inside. Holding up a fisted hand, Jake paused to get his bearings. The room on the main floor held no furniture except for a two-foot-tall table covered with remnants of what Jake assumed was that night’s dinner. Dozens of pillows were scattered around, along with numerous rolled-up prayer rugs. In a far corner was a rustic kitchen with an open fire pit for cooking.

 The stairs leading to the bedrooms were at the back wall. “Careful you don’t trip on anything,” he whispered as he led his team across the room.

 A snort from Elaine sounded in his ear. “This ain’t my first rodeo, Tiger.”

 Jake lifted his hand above his shoulder and gave Stewart the finger. Admittedly, that was a stupid thing to say to men experienced in clandestine operations, but he was on edge, too much so. He’d been on missions far more complicated than this one without a second thought, but this was the first time he had doubts about one of his teammates. He would have been happier if it had been Tennessee making the snarky comment.

 Call it off, a voice whispered in his mind. Shutting down all distracting thoughts, he headed up on silent feet. At the top, he motioned for Tennessee to position himself on the last stair, the safest place for him. “Tennessee, stay here and watch our backs.”

 Bayne nodded and pressed himself into a crouch against the wall. Toe to heel, Jake moved to the first door with Elaine right behind him. Easing it open, he quickly scanned the room to see three beds occupied by bearded men. He stepped back, gently pulling the door closed, then lifted three fingers, letting Stewart know how many Tangos were inside.

 They moved down the hall to the second room, and he breathed a soft sigh of relief that their quarry was the sole occupant. Stupid idiots should’ve posted guards downstairs and at least one with Sinclair. This was going to be a piece of cake after all.

 Elaine took up a position in the doorway as Jake moved to the bed and placed his hand over the kid’s mouth. Chad startled when Jake shook him, his eyes darting frantically around before settling on Jake.

 Jake put his mouth next to Sinclair’s ear. “We’re here to take you home. Don’t talk, okay?” He nodded, and Jake signaled Elaine to keep an eye on the kid while he dressed. Moving to the computer he’d spied upon entering, Jake scooped up all the memory sticks in sight and shoved them into the empty pouch at his waist. Taking a thumb drive from his pocket, he pushed it into a slot in the system’s unit and uploaded a virus, wiping out all the files.

 Time to get the hell out of this place. The kid was dressed and standing still in the middle of the room, and Jake glanced at Elaine, who nodded, giving the all clear. Pointing to his feet while putting a finger across his lips to tell Sinclair to walk quietly, Jake moved behind the boy to follow him out. Elaine gave another nod and stepped into the hallway.

 “Mother fucking bastards!”

 Why the hell was Tennessee screaming? Elaine backed up and Jake pushed Sinclair against his teammate, then slid around the doorway just as gunfire erupted.