Go invisible, I ordered, as I sat down my gun and engaged my suit.
Solomon quickly placed both of our bags on the floor, as well as his gun, and faded from view. I risked a small amount of movement as I stepped a little bit further behind the stack, the pins and needles tingling through my extremities.
The door handle was starting to turn, and I saw a crack appear in the door as it swung open, emitting a light too bright to be anything but a flashlight. I held my breath, hoping that Solomon had thought to move behind a stack of boxes.
I ducked my head behind a box, my heart thudding loudly against my ribcage. I gently eased my back against the box and watched the circular light as it panned slowly toward me. A sudden ripple started as the light neared the center of the room, allowing me to see Solomon’s eyes filled with horror.
12
Violet
A loud burst of static made Solomon, me, and the light emitted by the flashlight jump to the left. I heard a loud curse, and the sound of a hand slapping against fabric. The light danced against the wall, just to the left of Solomon’s position.
Get down slowly, I ordered, unable to make him out.
I didn’t know if he followed my order, because another burst of static sounded, followed by, “I’ve got three hostiles in Warehouse B. They seem to be –”
There was a loud sound, and then a panicked series of transmissions.
“Shots fired! Man down! We need backup.”
Through the walls, I could hear the sound of rapidly retreating footsteps, followed by the soft popping of gunfire. I leaned out and saw that the door was wide open and the guards were gone. I relaxed my tensed muscles, and I saw Solomon doing the same.
There was another burst of gunfire, and I quickly switched over to the main channel. Owen, what’s going on?
There was a momentary pause, and then—Quinn was pulling a box and the stack shifted, alerting a guard. We’re handling it.
Owen, more are coming to you.
Yes, Violet, I am aware. We only have a few more boxes to search.
I paused, my mind working. Is there anything in there we could use as a distraction? To buy you more time?
It was Quinn who responded. Actually, funny that you should bring that up, Violet—there’s an entire crate of explosives in here…
No, I countermanded, my mind racing. However… any way you could rig a small charge?
There was a pause, before Owen responded. I see what you’re getting at. Quinn’s on it. Our timeline is all messed up though. Thoughts?
I looked at my watch. We had agreed on ten minutes because that was how long it would take for roadblocks to come up after our burglary. Not from me, but I’m guessing Thomas has an idea. Thomas?
Well… as a matter of fact… I think I can buy you guys… five more minutes?
I crunched some numbers in my head. That gives us eight. How much time does Quinn need?
Quinn is already ready, said Quinn, in that smug way that made me roll my eyes.
I checked the diagram of my map, thinking. The building we were in was small, but ran rampant with hallways. It would take us about two minutes to clear the building. You said reinforcements were coming?
Yes, Owen replied. They should be there any minute. Most of them will probably divert to us, but I’m betting a few will stay in that building with you.
I studied the map. They’ll come in through the front, so we’ll continue our plan to head out the back and over to you. We’ll be about two minutes. Once I give you the all clear, blow the charge.
Sounds good—we’ll detonate as soon as—
Suddenly, a high-pitched screeching filled the ear piece, loud enough for me to pull it out of my ear. Solomon did the same.
“What’s that?” I whispered, still flinching from the sound, my finger massaging my ear.
Solomon shoved his ear bud into his pocket. “They’re jamming us. We need to get moving now.”
He handed me my belongings and moved toward the door. I quickly slung on the backpack and rifle over my shoulders. I came up behind him and tapped his shoulder. He slowly opened the door, revealing the empty hallway before us.
I tapped him again, and we moved deeper into the building.
I grabbed Solomon by the arm, pulling him down just in time to be missed by the guard who had been prowling through the stacks. We had made it to the open storage space at the rear of the building, but the place was crawling with guards. We had been delayed four times in the last three minutes just avoiding them.
I was sweating, the fear of the mission causing a massive spike in my adrenaline. If we didn’t find a way out of this room soon, we were going to be forced to shoot our way out, and I still wanted to avoid that if possible.
As the guard moved on, I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand.