Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“And now?”
“I won’t say it doesn’t still shock me occasionally, but I’m also not going to deny that I love it.”
We both laughed. “I can see that.”
I glanced at the clock on Worth’s living room wall. “How long do you think this is going to take?”
“It’s really impossible to say. If everything goes perfectly and they have a chance to get in as soon as they arrive, then it won’t be much longer. But they could have to wait hours for the right opportunity. There’s just no way to know.”
“We won’t hear anything from them until then, will we?”
Ben shook his head. “No, it’s too dangerous to communicate with us.”
“I know I don’t want them in any extra danger.”
“Waiting is so fucking hard,” Ben said.
I nodded. “And you’re stuck with me.”
“No, I have the great fortune of being with you, because if I were dealing with this alone, I don’t think I could stand it. Jay is working, or he’d be over here too. It’s hard as hell to wait for them when you know they’re in danger.”
“How much of this is there going to be?”
“Hopefully they can get this business with the cartel finished once and for all, and then there won’t be much more of it, or at least not any more for a very long time.”
“I can’t stand knowing Worth’s in danger, but I also can’t stand the thought of letting anyone else go after Beck.”
“I know. They’re really good at what they do. Trust them.”
31
WORTH
Iheld my breath as I watched Carter, Miles, and Matteo approach the townhouse where Beck was being held.
Ford and I were staying in the vehicle. We had comms so we could listen to them, and we were serving as lookouts, ready to warn them if we saw someone entering the building. We were also prepared in case they got Beck free but had to send him to us while continuing to fight his captors. Ford was ready to leap out and join the fight if need be.
We didn’t say a word as we waited. After a few moments, I glanced at Ford, and he nodded. I knew he was telling me this was going to be okay. I prayed he was right.
“Someone’s coming.” That was Carter.
I held my breath.
“Behind me.” Carter again.
I heard a dull thud followed by a thunk. Ford mimed shooting and a body falling over. I shivered. I knew our team had silencers on their weapons, but I would never have thought shooting someone could really be that quiet.
The sounds I heard next indicated they were on the move again.
Someone yelled and a shot rang out, making me jump. That wasn’t one of our guys.
“Do you need me inside?” Ford asked.
“Not now,” Matteo responded. “We’ve got this.”
I looked at Ford. His serious expression made my heart pound even harder. I could tell he was longing to go in there with them.
I touched his shoulder and shook my head, knowing he needed to stay here. He had more experience with weapons than me, but he wasn’t prepared to be in there. Miles really wasn’t either, but he’d charged forward anyway. I was sure Ben would have a lot to say about that later.
Another shot.
Someone screamed.
“We’re standing by,” Ford said.
There was no response. I looked at him again. “Do we go in now?” I mouthed.
He shook his head.
Matteo’s voice came over the radio a few seconds later. “I’ve got Beck, I’m cutting his restraints.”
Thank God.
“Heading out the side door. Going to send him to you, Ford.”
“I’m ready,” Ford responded. He slipped from the vehicle and stood at the rear, ready to grab Beck from Matteo if need be. I heard more sounds of bodies falling and more screams. All I could do at that point was pray Miles, Carter, Matteo, and Beck were safe.
The door opened and I saw Beck. He was on his feet, clearly not severely injured. Matteo pointed to us, and Beck started running. Then an unknown man came out from another door, gun in hand.
He aimed for Matteo.
I didn’t think. I just pulled my gun as I lowered the window, aimed, and fired.
I was as shocked as Matteo looked when the man fell to the ground.
Matteo glanced around, then saw me. “You?” he asked.
I nodded, then focused on helping Ford get my brother into the car.
“Worth?” Beck asked. “Is it really you?”
“Yes. Come here.” I pulled Beck into my arms. He held me so tight it hurt, but I didn’t care if he cracked all my ribs. He was there. He was alive. He was safe, and he was coming home with me. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you call me?”
“I’m sorry, too,” Beck said. “When I saw your friends, I couldn’t believe it. I…I thought those men were going to kill me.”
“I know. You’re safe now. You’re okay.”