Page 77 of Twilight Tactics

Elena stared at the gate. What if someone really had replaced the bomb? The thought of another explosion, more injuries—or worse—made her stomach twist.

A figure stepped out from the shadows, and Elena’s hand moved to her weapon before she recognized Gideon’s familiar silhouette in the headlights. She rolled her window down.

“Been waiting for you two to get back.” Gideon pulled open the gate. “You can drive through. No bombs here—Javier checked twice, and the sheriff sent a bomb squad looking for others.”

“Thank God.” The tension drained from her shoulders. “How bad is it?”

“Law enforcement showed up about thirty minutes ago. Sheriff sent some deputies, and we’ve got state police here now too.” He waved them through. “Those drones are toast—between our veterans and the officers, they didn’t stand a chance once we figured out their patterns and could shoot them down. Horses are safe in the south pasture.”

Sully drove through the gate and stopped next to the man. “Anyone hurt?”

“Nothing serious. Few cuts from flying debris, but that’s it.” Gideon’s expression darkened. “We’ve got another problem, though. Spencer’s gone.”

“What?” Elena gaped. “How’d that happen?”

“When those drones started targeting buildings, we decided we needed to move him in case they bombed the barn.” Gideon shook his head. “Javier and I were leading him to the root cellar about the time a drone started firing. We took cover and he broke free and ran.”

She stepped out of the car. “I’m assuming you’ve been searching for him.”

“Yep. Nothing.” Gideon rubbed his neck.

Elena scanned the property. They had the place lit up with headlights from vehicles spotlighting the extensive damage. “How’s Maya? She has to be devastated.”

He scowled. “She is, but we’re insured. She’s already talking about repairs and rebuilding. Says it’ll be better than before.” Gideon managed a thin smile. “That woman doesn’t stay down for long, you know that. At least most of the barn was spared. But we lost three cabins. The gym needs serious work, and the counseling center took some hits too.”

Sully nodded. “What about the veterans? Everyone have shelter?”

“We’ve doubled up in the remaining cabins and main house. It’s tight, but we’re managing.” Gideon turned to her. “The main house has some damage. Broken windows and some bullet holes, but your place is okay.”

“Someone can use it while I’m gone if they need to. I should go get ready.” She looked at Sully. “I need to head up into the mountains as soon as possible.”

“Let’s go then.” Sully followed her toward the main house.

She pushed open the door, her mind racing through what she needed to pack. The thought of Spencer escaping complicated everything. He wouldn’t know of her plans, of course,but there was no telling what he’d overheard. He’d spill everything. Not that it would do them much good now that law enforcement covered the ranch.

She sighed. Well, there was nothing to be done about Spencer. She still had to do what she’d come back to do.

They walked through the main part of the house, past displaced vets gathered in the living room. Maya spotted them and waved but continued her conversation with two officers.

Elena led Sully down the narrow staircase to her basement apartment. The space remained untouched, everything just as she’d left it.

“I won’t be long.” She pulled a backpack from her closet. “Just need to change and grab a few things.”

Her mind clicked through what she needed. Dark clothes. Weapon. Extra ammunition. First aid supplies. Water. Food that wouldn’t make noise. Her hand brushed against the photograph of her sister she kept in her drawer. Iris. The reason she had to do this.

“I don’t like this,” Sully said from the doorframe.

She pulled clothes from a drawer. “I don’t particularly love it, but I need to try.”

His phone buzzed and he jerked. Then his eyes collided with hers. “A call is coming through.”

“The jammers are off? Maybe a drone hit one?”

“No idea, I’m just going to be grateful for it.” He answered, listened, murmured a response, and hung up. “Okay, new plan. FBI is coming. They’ll be here before sunrise. At least wait until morning to go. We’ll have more tactical support here by then.”

She paused, weighing the urgency against the danger. Going in blind at night would be reckless. But her sister ...

Morning was just a few hours away.