Chapter 42 Trigger
Trigger
The first one drops before he clears the truck.
Center mass.
Clean.
The second dives for cover.
Returns fire.
Good form.
Not sloppy.
These aren’t amateurs.
The third—
He’s the one in charge.
I can tell by the way he moves.
Doesn’t rush.
Doesn’t panic.
“Rylie, move them back!” I call. “And all of you stay on the floor.”
“Already on it!” she fires back.
Gunfire rips across the porch.
Wood splinters.
Glass breaks.
The house takes the hit.
Not the people inside.
That’s the only thing that matters.
I reposition.
Shift left.
Change angle.
Buddy is losing his mind behind the door.
Good dog.
Knows something’s wrong.
The second shooter pops up—
Mistake.
I drop him.
The third doesn’t engage.
He watches.
Calculates.
Then—
He pulls back
Sirens cut through the distance.
Loud.
Approaching fast.
Sheriff.
Deputies.
Right on time.
The man’s eyes meet mine one last time.
Then he turns.
Signals retreat.
Truck roars to life.
Dirt kicks up.
They’re gone.
I hold position.
Weapon still up.
Still scanning.
Then I look down.
Two of them didn’t make it.
Good.