2. Chapter 2
Chapter two
Jen
The pack gathers at the tailgate of the work truck. Daron unfolds the map across the lowered gate. Dean keeps the flashlight trained on the map.
Five men lean over it.
Fen stays at my shoulder.
Thaw lays his finger on a point on the map and draws south. About a hundred miles of ridge and dark.
"Camille's here."
Daron's eyes flick across the road lines. "Couple of hours by road."
I don't know what Madison Hollens looks like. I know the table. I know the restraints. The pull beneath my sternum drags south again.
We have to get there first.
"How?" Daron asks.
Dean studies the map. "Road'll take us three."
Thaw draws a line across the ridges. "Quicker as the crow flies."
His gold eyes settle on Fen.
"Brother, can you fly?"
Fen meets him. The black eyes hold steady.
"Yes."
One word. His voice is rough — but the word is clear.
Thaw nods once.
Dean lifts his head. "What do we have on Camille?"
"What Reyes gave us. Protocol. Cascade. Four days to delivery. We know what happens inside."
"We don't know the building."
Dean nods. "I had eyes on Camille three times this year. Smaller than Theresa. Single story above ground. I think one below. East vehicle access. Main entrance north. Roof hatch."
"We assume the same layout until the building tells us different. Hatch first. Medical wing."
Daron's hand is already on the keys at his hip. "Then we drive. We're not going to match your air time but we can break the perimeter when you need us at the wall."
Thaw says. "Crull. You're with us on the ground if Fen goes down. You're the catch."
"Got it."
"Daron at the wheel of the work truck. Dean second truck. Jen and Harek on the road with you."
Dean clicks the flashlight off. The plan is set. Crull crosses to Fen and pats his back.
Then Fen steps clear of me. His fingers tighten on mine. Just once. Then he lets go. Every part of me wants to reach for him again, but I make myself stay where I am. He disappears into the trees.