Chapter 76 Carter
Carter
The SUV rolled to a stop two blocks from the warehouse district, engine idling low. Beyond the cracked windshield, the buildings loomed like rusted skeletons against the fog, floodlights cutting long beams across the lot.
I stepped out into the night, boots silent on damp asphalt, rifle slung ready. The air reeked of oil and saltwater, the kind of smell that seeped into your skin and stayed there.
River pointed toward the southern fence, chain-link topped with razor wire. “That’s our entry. Cyclone, park two streets over. Keep the engine hot.”
Cyclone gave a sharp nod, pulling away with the SUV. Gideon was already moving, his laptop cradled against his chest, fingers dancing across the keys. “Lights will be down in thirty seconds.”
“Make it twenty,” I muttered.
We moved as shadows, hugging the line of stacked containers. Every step was controlled and precise. My heart beat steady, but the storm inside me burned hotter with every breath.
Harper’s face flashed in my mind—the way she’d whispered I love you, the strength in her eyes when she said We fight together. She wasn’t here physically, but every damn step I took was for her.
The yard lights blinked once, twice—then went dark.
“Go,” Gideon hissed.
River boosted me over the fence first. My boots hit the gravel soundless, rifle raised, scanning the lot. Shadows moved near the warehouse door—guards sweeping the perimeter.
Too slow.
I dropped the first with a clean shot to the chest. The second whirled, muzzle flashing, but River’s round cut him down before the bullet left his barrel. The rest scattered, shouting, but the dark was ours now.
We advanced, fast and lethal, weaving through cover. The warehouse loomed ahead, corrugated steel doors half-rusted, windows cracked. Through the glass, I caught the flicker of movement—men rushing, crates stacked high, the glow of monitors still alive on backup power.
Gideon crouched by the door, wires sparking under his hands. River and I took position, rifles up.
The lock gave with a click.
I drew a breath, steady and sharp, then kicked the door in hard.
“Move!” I barked, surging inside.
Gunfire erupted instantly, a storm of sound and sparks.
And in that chaos, one thought seared through me, fierce and unrelenting:
This ends tonight.