Maizyn #2
I slip the device into my pocket and then climb into the SUV, taking a seat next to Atlas.
Ramos goes over the plan again as we make our way to the compound.
We discuss a few backup plans as well, just in case but my nerves still take over.
You can't plan for the unsuspected, no matter how hard you try.
We come to a stop a quarter mile from the compound.
We have to travel the rest of the way on foot to limit the risk of being seen.
The driver throws the car into park, then we all climb out of the vehicle before circling to the trunk.
Ramos opens the hatch, revealing several rifles and pistols.
The other team grabs one of each before splitting off to head to their entry point.
They have a further walk than we do. I stare at the guns as the reality of the situation settles in.
I reach for the Glock when Ramos grabs my arms, stopping me.
“You do know how to use that, right?”
I shoot him daggers, yanking my arm free from his hold. “Yes, dumb ass. I know how to shoot a gun.”
Atlas laughs as Ramos holds his hands up and mocks surrender. “Okay, okay. Sorry I asked.”
I holster the Glock as Atlas and Ramos each grab a pistol along with some of the extra ammo.
Ramos also grabs a shotgun while Atlas opts for a rifle.
I make sure to slip a few extra mags into my pocket too, just in case, then double-check I still have my knife on me.
Once everyone is geared up, Ramos grabs a weird-shaped device, slamming the trunk closed before we begin our trek to our own entry point.
We move in complete silence, Atlas leading with Ramos, taking up the rear.
Once the warehouse comes into view, Ramos pulls the device out of his pocket, fiddling with the controls.
“What is that?” I whisper, making sure to keep my voice quiet.
“It's a portable jammer. If it works like it's meant to, then it should block us from getting on cameras and scramble their line of communications.”
I don't know how to respond to that, so I just nod my head and continue walking. We need to put masks on before we enter. As I pull my mask from my pocket, Atlas yanks me to him by my vest. His forehead rests against mine. “I love you, Chaos. No matter what happens in there. Never forget that.”
“I love you too, Atlas.” Tears run down my cheeks as I cling to him for a moment, burning it into my memory for the off chance I'll never hear it again.
Ramos clears his throat, breaking the moment. “I hate to interrupt, but we need to move in. If we don't breach at the same time, it's a bigger risk of it going wrong. I wipe the tears from my face with my sleeve before slipping on my mask. I take a deep breath, glancing at Atlas one last time.
“Okay, let's do this.”
Ramos tests the handle to confirm that it's locked before pulling out a tension wrench and a pick from his vest pocket, crouching to his knees. He makes quick work of the lock, standing after we hear the distinct sound of the tumblers falling into place as it unlocks.
He rises back to his full height, easing the door open. We all slip inside after Atlas, who closes the door behind us. He locks it again to decrease suspicion.
The compound is quiet to the point that it is unsettling. You would think you would hear people moving about, but the silence is so loud that unease prickles down my spine. I don't know why, but something feels wrong.
We creep down the corridor, hands on our weapons, ready to draw them if we need to.
One guard rounds the corner; Ramos reacts first, snapping the man's neck before letting him collapse to the ground.
I'm surprised at how quickly he reacted, but also impressed.
It was quick, effective, and didn't leave a mess.
We continue pushing forward, each of us carefully stepping over the body.
The next few corridors are empty as we progress through them.
We keep pushing forward. Getting closer to where Gavin might be.
Before we are able to get to our targeted spot, footsteps rush towards us.
There sounds like way too many for us to take head-on.
We backtrack to a safe point to hide, but I miscalculate it.
I go left, while Atlas and Ramos turn right.
The footsteps are too close now for me to correct it and go to them.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
Shots echo behind me from the direction Atlas and Ramos are.
They could be hurt or worse. What am I going to do?
My feet begin to pace automatically as my heartbeat jumps to my throat.
If I panic right now, there is no way this will end well.
I have to calm down. I pull the Glock from the holster at my side, taking a calming breath before stepping out of my hiding spot and heading for the boys.
I round the next corner and walk right into the barrel of a pistol.
My heart sinks to my feet. I glance around the area looking for Atlas and Ramos but only see three men in suits staring back at me, with another man in a suit dead on the ground.
At least that means there is a chance they are still alive.
“Drop the gun, or I'll put a bullet between your eyes.”
“Seems like I don't have a choice.”
“A female and mouthy. Let's see what she's hiding underneath her mask.” His words sound vile and make me sick to my stomach.