Page 38 of Rebel
“Ten minutes, maybe less,” Charming replied.“Shade’s tracking their cell phones.”
Stripes called me over with a sharp whistle.I joined him at the tactical map he’d brought outside, noting the new marks he’d added.
“They have set up here,” he said, pointing to a spot a half-mile east.“Spotter with a rifle, most likely.You can’t take the main road out.”His finger traced an alternative route.“This service road connects to the highway five miles south.Not maintained, but passable.No streetlights, no cameras.”
I studied the route.“That adds twenty minutes to our escape.”
Stripes nodded.“Da.But adds zero bullets in your head.Fair trade, yes?”
Hard to argue with that logic.“We’ll take it.Have you coordinated with the safe house?”
“Da.They expect you by midnight.”He tapped another location on the map.“If your route is compromised, this is the backup location.Old hunting cabin owned by the Bratva.Stocked last month.”
I committed both locations to memory, then glanced at Rio, who had joined us silently.
“Memorize these,” I told her, pointing to the locations.“If we get separated --”
“We won’t,” she interrupted.
“If we get separated,” I repeated firmly, “you need to know where to go.I’ve seen how these things play out.Have a plan A, B, and C.”
Rio studied the map, her blue eyes scanning every detail.“Got it.”
Stripes gave a curt nod, seemingly satisfied with her response.He folded the map, tucking it into an inside pocket of his cut.“Time to move.They will be here soon.”
As if on cue, Ashes approached, distributing final equipment.“Comms check,” he ordered, tapping his earpiece.
I adjusted mine, hearing the soft static as the channel opened.“Rebel, check.”
One by one, each team leader confirmed their comms worked.The soft chatter in my ear was oddly comforting -- connection in the chaos.
“Two minutes to first contact,” Shade’s voice came through the earpiece.“First vehicle approaching the eastern checkpoint.”
I turned to Rio.“Let’s move.”
She nodded, following me to the SUV.I opened the passenger door for her, scanning the compound one last time.Everyone was in position now.
Azrael caught my gaze from his location, giving me a single nod.We’d never been close -- he kept to himself mostly -- but there was a mutual respect between us.He understood what drove me tonight.
“Take care of your girl,” he said through the comms.
“Count on it,” I replied, sliding into the driver’s seat.
I started the engine, its purr oddly subdued compared to the motorcycles I was used to.Rio buckled in beside me, her hands empty now -- the gun would be in her waistband or a holster, ready for access.
“You good?”I asked, pulling out of the parking space.
“No,” she answered honestly.“But I’m ready.”
I respected her candor.“That’ll do.”
As we approached the back exit, Stripes waved us down, approaching my window.I lowered it, waiting.
“You take first right after the bridge,” he instructed.“The road looks blocked, but it’s just brush.Push through.”
“Understood,” I said.
Through my earpiece, I heard Shade’s urgent voice.“Contact!First vehicle stopped at checkpoint.Four men visible, armed.”
