Malichai leapt for the branches of the nearest tree, drawing himself up easily, careful to keep the leaves from rustling or the branches from swaying. He was light and nimble when he needed, a strange phenomenon for such a big man. The others all called him the “rubber man” because his spine was so flexible, much like a large cat’s, that he could turn in midair and switch direction. His flexible spine came in handy when moving fast through trees.

Two guards on this side. Our friend Larry and his pal, Jim. They’ve got the dog, Wyatt. You’ll have to reach out and keep that dog moving. He’s already scenting the cat in all of us.

I don’ think so. He didn’ really react when he was near the house and I had my scent everywhere. I think he’s lookin’ for a particular scent. Snake. He’s reactin’ to Pepper bein’ close. I’ve almost got him. Give me another minute. Draden, hold your position.

Draden stilled at the very edge of the grass leading to the fence. The dog whined, swinging his head toward them, and then just as quickly, turned away, walking casually close to the chain-link fence with his handler.

Wyatt waited until the two guards moved around the corner of the building. You’re on, Draden, be careful. They’ve got a guard up on the roof. Don’ forget the cameras. We don’ want Whitney to see any feed of us workin’ together. We give that man nothing at all if we can help it.

A lazy one on the roof, Malichai said. That’s no soldier. He’s lighting a cigarette. He’s got a comfy chair up there and a he’s settling down to read.

A literate guard. Wyatt couldn’t keep the laughter out of his voice.

The guards at the plastic plant had no idea what was going in or out of their compound and they’d grown a little complacent. Larry, he knew, was suspicious. He’d even tried to warn Wyatt, which signaled he wasn’t privy to Whitney’s plans. The civilian guards were considered disposable by Whitney and Braden. Wyatt didn’t consider them disposable, and he’d cautioned his team, especially Ezekiel and Trap, to use as little force as possible.

You’re absolutely certain of the thickness of those walls? he asked Pepper, building a bridge so his team could hear. We can’t be off at all.

There was no way to measure, Wyatt. I went off the original blueprints and added what I thought looked right, but if you’re planning on setting a charge… She trailed off, obviously worried.

Charges make noise. We’re goin’ in absolutely silent. I would prefer no one knew we’ve been here, at least not tonight. Trap, we don’ have exact measurements. If you can’ feel how thick that concrete wall is, don’ attempt to get in. We’ll think of somethin’ else.

Tell me what you’re doing, Pepper demanded.

We’re goin’ to take the buildin’. You’ll go in through the air vents just like you did before. In case they’re lyin’ in wait for you, Trap will go in first to protect you and children.

That’s your plan? Are you insane? It’s impossible. He’s too big. He’d never be able to fit into the vents.

Wyatt curled his fingers around the nape of her neck, his thumb pushing up her chin so she was forced to look at him. He could feel her pulse beating hard into his hands. He’ll be there. If he can’, I’ll let you know and you abort until we all get inside to take them back. If we have to, we’ll kill everyone inside. We don’ want to do that, but we won’ leave the children in those cells, Pepper. That’s a promise.

She swallowed hard and put her hand on his forearm. You know someone will be waiting down in the cells.

Maybe. Maybe not. They’ve never had a real break-in before, and I would guess they don’ believe it’s possible.

Pepper took a deep breath and let it out. How is Trap going to get into the cells where the children are being held without being seen? You never told me.

That’s what he does, honey. Just do your part and get into position. Wait until I give the go-ahead and then get to the children. And don’ let them bite Trap.

Please, don’t let them bite Trap, Trap added, faint laughter in his voice. I’m the one who’s going to figure out the antivenom with Wyatt, so really, I’m one of the good guys.

Wyatt recognized the attempt at humor for what it was, Trap reaching out to Pepper to reassure her. Trap appeared cold-blooded, that was true, but he had a moral compass that often prevented him from going in the wrong direction. He’d been trying from the beginning to make up to her what he’d callously said about the children.

Of all the team members there, Ezekiel and Trap were the most dangerous. Malichai appeared easygoing and even charming, but he was a very close second to his brother. Neither brother would hesitate to kill even the civilians should they pose a threat to the mission. Wyatt wanted to make certain that didn’t happen.

I’ll tell them, Trap, she reassured.

Send Draden in, Malichai gave the go-ahead. Our guard on the roof is totally immersed in his book. He has a beer bottle up there with him. Seriously, Wyatt, he’s drinking beer on the job.

Draden took off as if he’d been fired from a gun, streaking across the open ground to the fence.

Drop. Drop. The guard on the roof has company.

Draden dropped to the ground close to the fence in the short grass, right out in the open, and he simply disappeared.

What the hell, Malichai? Wyatt snapped. How many guards are up there?

I’m trying to see, Wyatt, but it’s not like I have a good view of the entire roof. If they’re on the other side, I have no way of knowing.