Chapter 14

Hadn'tBlair been running for her life just a few short hours ago? What seemed like only minutes, because the moment her feet hit the ground, she was off. Hoofing it across the yard toward the back fence. No worrying about being captured on video, this time. Not when McClaren already knew the house had been compromised. Instead, it was a flat-out sprint with nothing for cover until they scaled the wall and disappeared over the other side.

Leland was beside her, looking as if he was trying to block any possible shot from the right side of the house, as Walker brought up the rear. Staying about six feet back, despite the fact she knew he could easily overtake her. The guy had several inches and a shit ton of muscle mass on her. All of it primed for this kind of situation.

But he maintained the separation, determined to be that human shield he'd joked about back in that empty room.

They were definitely going to have a chat about this once the mission was over, even if a part of her loved him more for wanting to keep her safe. That he was obviously willing to die if it meant she'd live. Not that she wouldn't do the same, but she needed him to live. To give her that fifty years he'd already promised.

They were closing in on that perimeter wall when four of those mercenaries came barreling around the left side — feet splashing through the mud. Weapons already notched in their shoulders.

Not that Blair had time to react. Two steps, and Walker had already caught up to her — matching her strides as he tackled her to the ground. No hesitation. Just his body looming over hers as bullets ricocheted off that wall.

Leland was already on the grass beside them, returning fire. Looking every inch the warrior Walker was. No doubt the guy was ex-special forces, just like she'd thought back in the plane.

Blair gave Walker a shove, yelling at him to worry about keeping his arse in one piece — that she was armed, too — when one of the men dropped. Just like that. Standing one second, face-first in the mud, the next.

One of his buddies turned, dropped a heartbeat later, nothing but an echoed whoosh lingering in the air.

Corbin.

Blair wasn't sure where the other man had nested, but the fact he'd dropped two men, rain and wind still hindering his visibility, showcased just how skilled he was. And all within a few seconds.

It didn't take the mercenaries long to figure out there was a sniper in the mix. Retreat back around the house, only to have another group pop up on the opposite side — start firing at where Walker had her covered, again. What was looking like a desperate situation until a blanket of cover fire raged from behind them, eliminating two of the mercenaries while scattering the rest of them.

"Move. Now."

Gretta, straddling on the top of the wall, holding their position as Corbin took out another bloke trying to flank them. Blair hadn't even known the guy was there until that whoosh sounded, again, and the bastard dropped out of some bushes.

That was their cue to move, just like Gretta had yelled. Up and heading for that wall. Leland didn't slow down, just leaped once he was a foot back, palming the top and vaulting himself up and over like some kind of parkour expert.

Walker followed suit, only he managed to twist as he reached the top, straddling that wall just like Gretta. He reached for Blair's hand, pulling her up and over without losing any momentum. As if she weighted nothing. Then, he was landing beside her, catching Gretta around the waist as she jumped down, waiting until her sister nodded before grabbing Blair's hand and taking off, again.

Leland took up the rear position, occasionally firing behind them, as they retraced their steps, weaving through the forest toward the boat. Corbin was already waiting for them on the beach as they broke out of the trees and headed for the sand. The guy was belly down on the top of the boat, a massive rifle pointed toward the path — the engines already idling.

Gretta jumped in, backing Corbin up as the rest of them piled on, Walker taking the helm. A yell to Corbin to get his ass down — take up his sentry at the back — and they were off. Water spraying out behind them, the bow cutting through the waves.

Blair didn't know where Walker was headed. If he had a plan or was simply trying to put some distance between them and that beach, but he had the throttle pegged forward, the boat skipping across the water. She moved in beside him, doing her best not to fall, when Leland darted over.

He kept his gaze focused behind them, scanning the shore as they headed for a peninsula off in the distance. "While I assume this was the best boat you lads could grab, McClaren has his own, and this rig doesn't compare to what we'll be up against. High speed, low profile with bullet-proof glass. Mounted artillery. It won't be a fair fight."

Walker didn't even flinch. "They might out power us, but they don't have Corbin. And bullet-proof windshield or not, I'll put my money on the kid."

Leland snorted, gave Walker a pat on the shoulder then took a seat. Blair studied him, wondering if this was some kind of elaborate hoax — if he really was working with McClaren and they'd somehow planned all this — only to inhale at the growing bloody stain on his side.

She stumbled the two steps over to him, crouching low so the constant shifting didn't knock her on her arse, as she grabbed his shirt. "You're hit. Why didn't you say something, you sod."

Leland batted her hand away, wincing from the movement. "Just a graze along my ribs, Which is far less than I expected. I'll bandage it once we actually make it to land still breathing."

She grunted, giving him her best stink eye. "Or, you'll bleed out."

"Do you really think this is the first time I've caught a bullet? And for the record, no, I'm not dirty, Hughes. I really am Interpol. And this isn't some master plan I've somehow concocted with McClaren."

"Can't blame a girl for wondering." She grabbed that old beach towel they'd brought along. "Put some pressure on that wound. We'll likely need your help before this is over, and we can't have you passing out on us from blood loss."

Leland grumbled something about her being a nursemaid, using the seat to help keep that towel firmly against his ribs, as the boat bucked along, the large swells spraying water across the bow. Blair didn't know how Walker kept the craft from capsizing when just hanging on and not getting tossed to the floor took all her strength.

Corbin and Gretta were positioned in the back, keeping watch, when Gretta yelled out that they had a bogey on their three o'clock. One of those testosterone-assault type boats Leland had warned them about quickly gaining on them. Did it have machine guns? Some sort of grenade launcher mounted to the side? Was that what he'd meant by artillery? Because it looked like it. Metal glinting in the rising sun. A bunch of mercs dressed in black riding in the back.

Walker glanced over his shoulder, looking as if he was doing a bunch of calculations in his head, then he spun the wheel, cutting them in closer to the shore. Blair didn't know if it was some kind of pilot tactic, or if he was giving Corbin a better sight line. But it increased their lead a bit. Putting the boat more toward their stern.

That got a reaction. Had a few rounds winging past them as one of those wankers in black started firing.

Definitely a machine gun mounted on the side.

The assault didn't last long. One shot from Corbin, and the guy was over the side, disappearing beneath the water. Which seemed impossible considering how much the boat was rocking. Pitching up and down against the waves. But Corbin had managed it, cycling in another bullet as he peered through his scope. Likely lining up the next bloke who manned the gun. Eliminating the threats one by one until another boat appeared on the horizon, racing toward them.

Walker shouted at Gretta to man the other rifle instead of laying down cover fire, but Leland simply stood, grabbed the rifle and settled in off to Walker's left. The man mumbled something about the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, and sniper training, but most of it got lost to the howl of the wind — the pop of gunfire as Gretta fired a few rounds, followed by another hit from Corbin.

Walker gave Leland a once-over, glancing back at Blair. She smiled, nodding at the other agent. Not that she didn't have any lingering doubts, but if the guy had wanted to kill them, he could have turned on them long before they'd trapped themselves in the boat. Set himself up as a target.

Walker grinned, and her damn heart fluttered. As if it couldn't decide whether to speed up or slow down. Maybe just stop, all together, because the love in that simple curve of his lips had her skin tingling. Her chest squeezing tight until she had to force herself to take a breath.

That's what he did to her, and a stark reminder that they needed to end this before she lost him, either to his honor or an unlucky ricochet.

Leland was holding his own, despite how blood had started dripping off his shirt and onto the deck. What was more than just a graze as he'd claimed. But the man wasn't complaining. Hell, he wasn't so much as wincing, even when the kick from the rifle knocked his shoulder back — put pressure on that wound.

Walker must have noticed the blood because he frowned, then yelled at everyone to hold on. A shift of the throttle and he had the boat going half-speed — was banking it hard to the right. A pause as one huge wave shot them up — had them surfing on the break — then he had the throttle pegged at full. Was using the swells to help push the boat faster. Partially covering them every time they dipped into the trough — got lost amidst that murky water.

They came out of the next curl almost parallel with the first boat, the men all shouting something to the driver. But Walker already had a gun aimed with his other hand — managed to punch a few holes in the side.

Only took a few seconds before the boat was taking on water, one side dipping lower than the other. The men hunkered down as Gretta opened fire, spraying a full mag at them until Walker had their boat clear.

Leland moved in beside Walker. "Nice work. Now, all you have to do is eliminate those other three and we might make it, mate."

"Three?" Walker glanced over his shoulder, cursing at the line of boats bearing down on them across the horizon. What must have been McClaren's entire contingency of men.

He looked over at her. "We might have a problem."

Blair stumbled her way over, pointing at the beach. "Just, take us back. We'll fair better in the forest than out here, where they've got more vessels, more power and more guns. Gretta and Corbin have to be running low on ammo, by now. And it looks like Leland's out for the rifle."

Walker nodded, mouth pinched tight. Hands fisted around the wheel. "They might catch us. We took a few hits."

Blair gave him a smile. "Water's not too bad. I already gave it a try. I'm sure it won't be half as bad as yesterday."

"Don't remind me. And there's a reason I'm a pilot, and not a SEAL. What we really need is a helicopter."

"If you think you can make one…"

He shook his head. "That would actually be funny if we weren't about to be overtaken by cartel."

"We're not dead, yet. And I'm sure Gretta's got a couple special guns hidden somewhere. We'll just have to make those last few shots count, yeah?"

"Optimism. That's refreshing. Corbin. Kid, we need you and Gretta to save whatever you've got left until just before those fuckers catch us. See if we can buy enough time to run this baby onto the beach then make a dash for the forest."

Corbin grunted, checking his ammo as Gretta followed suit. "And you thought we'd bought too much."

"It was only supposed to be a rescue mission. Not a full-on assault. Which was why we didn't grab vests, either. We weren't supposed to get out of the damn helicopter, and we didn't need any added weight dragging us down if I'd had to ditch. But, I suppose I might have been wrong in assuming things wouldn't eventually go sideways. Stay loose. This is going to be close."

Walker punched the throttle. Not that he didn't already have it maxed out, but Blair assumed he was making sure. Maybe hoping hitting it might garner them a bit more speed. He didn't try to zigzag or do any more fancy maneuvers. Just pegged the needles in the red and headed straight for the closest beach.

The men followed suit, Slowly gaining on them as their machines ate up the distance between them. Started pelting the boat with rounds.

Blair grabbed Leland and shoved him to the floor, using her weapon to return the odd trigger pull. Not that she had any real hope of hitting one of the men, but the possibility had them ducking for cover. Gave Blair's crew a chance to catch their breath. Prepare for what would be a suicidal race for the trees.

Blair looked at Walker, knowing he'd hang back. Watch everyone's six. See they made it safely to the tree line even if it meant he wouldn't. Redemption for that night on the aircraft carrier when he hadn't been able to sacrifice himself for his men.

He wouldn't admit to it, but she knew by the firm line of his jaw, how he pushed his shoulder back, that he was preparing himself to make the tough call. Even with Gretta and Corbin — hell, all of them — firing off the last of their rounds, it was doubtful they'd all make it unless someone stayed behind long enough to buy them safe passage.

She could do that.

Walker wouldn't like it. In fact, she knew he wouldn't even consider it, but she'd make the first move. Take up a sentry position before he'd finished beaching the boat.

More rubbish timing, but worth it. Knowing they'd find a way off the island — stop Montgomery and McClaren. That would be her legacy.

Blair inched over and slipped one of Gretta's semi-automatic rifles into her hand. She wasn't a gun-lover like her sister, but Blair could hold her own. Was a damn good shot. She'd take out as many as she could. Go down fighting.

Walker glanced over at her, turned, then looked back. And damn, it was as if he'd read her mind. Knew exactly what she was planning to do because he was frowning, shaking his head as he yelled at her to get ready to run. that he'd cover them.

She gave him a smile, wedging herself behind his seat — where she knew he had planned on staying, as they neared the beach. Waves crashed against the rocks farther up, the roar crushing any chance at talking.

It was getting shallow, a scattering of rocks rising out of the water. The men behind them must have deduced Walker's plan because they were trying to catch up — stop them before they had to turn their boats around or risk hitting a rock or sandbar.

Walker wasn't slowing down, deftly avoiding any obstacle as if he already knew where they were, all the while keeping the nose pointed at the sand. Corbin and Gretta were crouched next to Blair, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, when a series of flashes lit up the sky behind them.

The boats veered off, banking hard before one of them jerked then stalled, getting caught on a swell. The nose pitched up, hanging in the air for a few moments before crashing over, the entire boat flipping onto its side.

A low rumble echoed through the air as a dark shadow materialized out of the eerie dawn.

Walker pulled the boat up short, spinning it a full one-eighty. He squinted at the clouds, then pumped his fist in the air, shouting, "Hell, yeah," a moment before a helicopter whizzed past them, banking hard to one side, then doubling back. Focusing on the two vessels racing in the other direction.

There was a short exchange of gunfire, then a flash of green. Sparks lit up the air as smoke wound toward one of the boats, hitting it square in the stern. Erupting everything into a ball of fire.

Leland stumbled to his feet, holding his side as he stared at the smoking remains. "Mates?"

Walker grinned. "Not just mates. The best brothers I could ask for. Of course, the bastards are never going to let us forget they saved our asses."

Corbin knocked Walker's shoulder. "I can live with that. Think they'll give us a ride?"

"It's either that, or we swim so… Let's get this baby on the beach so Booker can show off."

Walker maneuvered the craft parallel to the shore, allowing everyone to jump out before tugging the boat onto the beach. Booker did a flyby, obviously looking for the best place to land before setting up a descent.

Walker hooked his arm around Blair's waist, holding her close as the helicopter headed toward them. "I know what you were planning to do."

Blair leaned against him, drinking in the hint of sea spray on his skin. "Exactly what you were going to do."

"That's different."

"Why? Because you're a bloke?"

Walker dipped down — kissed her. "Because there isn't a future for me without you in it."

Blair shook her head, palming his jaw. "You sod, do you think I'd have a future worth living without you? The answer's no, by the way. So, stop thinking up all the ways you're going to sacrifice yourself for me and help me end this. Because none of us will ever be free — be safe — until we take this ring out at the source."

"You want to go after Montgomery."

Walker hadn't asked, and Blair merely smiled.

"Assuming there's damning evidence on those thumb drives. Though, based on how many men McClaren sent to either get them back or destroy them, I'm thinking it was worth the risk. So, yeah, I think it's time I went back to London. Fancy a cup or authentic English tea? Because I know just the place."

"You know I love my tea. I just hope Hank doesn't mind me borrowing his jet for a bit longer."

"We'll make it up to him, yeah?" She brushed her thumb along his lower lip. "There's just one catch."

Walker chuckled. "There always is."

"I need Gretta to come with us, and with her being blacklisted…"

"So, what you're saying is… Not only do I have to fly all of us to London, I have to smuggle Gretta in."

"Maybe Leland, too, if he can't chance anyone knowing he's there. Because there's no way he's not joining us."

"Of course, not."

"So, can you? Smuggle them in?"

"It just so happens, that was my job for the past twenty years, so… You'd best have a plan on how to deal with Montgomery, because we'll only get one shot, and this isn't a mission we can afford to fail."

Walker shuffled her over to one side, shielding her from the gritty downwash as Booker landed the helicopter on the beach, Ty, Knox, and Colton filing out. Taking up tactical positions, weapons notched into their shoulders. Heads on a swivel. Blair didn't think there were any other threats, but Walker's team wouldn't take that chance. Always prepared for the worst.

Regardless, it meant she still had a chance at finishing this mission. All she needed was the best team she'd ever worked with, and one last lucky break.