Chapter One
Mason
It’s never easy to know that I’ve lost a man during a mission. It doesn’t happen often, but casualties occur even when we do our damn best to protect everyone.
But, losing my son… my pride and joy?
My little Seth?
Just a few days ago, we were finally beginning to understand each other, maybe even get along. At least that’s what I had hoped would happen after the heart-to-heart conversation we had. Now…
I run a hand through my hair, looking at the devastation.
“Maybe he’s hiding.” Hawk, one of my best friends and business partners, pats my shoulder.
“No one survived this massacre,” I say, looking at the bodies covered with blankets. But where is my son?
“The people who died have bullet wounds just like the ones we found in Portland,” Hawk reminds me. “If he didn’t die there, I’m guessing someone saved him here too.”
But who’s behind this?
That doesn’t matter. My first priority is to find my son.
Harrison and Sanford, our best snipers approach us.
“The same guys were here. Either they helped Seth and Teddy or finished them along with the Z’s,” Harrison offers his theory.
“My guess is they just killed the Z’s. Not Teddy or Seth. There was a sniper on the scene.” Sanford points at the tallest building. “He was there, most likely using technology that let him see in the dark. They have assets.”
“We’re dealing with a company like ours,” Harrison concludes. “I’m just not sure of their intentions.”
“What happened to the men who were in the accident a few blocks from here?”
“Nathan said they ran away. We can’t confirm if they’re the same men who died during the explosions.” Beacon approaches us. He’s pale. Everyone is having trouble continuing this investigation when we’re almost certain there’s no way Seth and Teddy are alive.
“The friendly fire killed the Z’s after they…” I can’t finish that sentence. Did they kill my son?
What am I going to tell my wife? Sorry I couldn’t save another one of your sons. The first wasn’t my fault, but this one…
“He’s alive,” Grace’s voice is almost a whisper. “Dad, don’t think the worst. If you were under attack, what would you have done?”
“They were attacked with an RPG,” I remind her. “He didn’t have armor and…”
I scan the area because maybe they were able to get away in time. “Check the nearest hospitals. Ask for anyone who might’ve arrived with head injuries, bleeding… broken bones. He probably would have used a pseudonym for himself and Teddy.”
“You got it,” Sanford says, walking away and barking orders to the team.
Beacon, Grace, Harrison, and Hawk stay with me. I don’t know what else to do. For the first time since I started The Organization, I feel lost. Only a few days ago, I had to tell my sister and brothers-in-law that we lost their daughter.
I promised I would find her, but so far, I’ve failed them. She might be dead or in the hands of people who’ll torture her before we find her.
Now… my entire world is crumbling. The perfect bubble I created for my family popped, and I feel like everyone I love is in danger.
How am I supposed to continue?
“What do you want to do next?” Hawk asks. Everyone looks at me, waiting for orders.
Sending everyone underground is an option, but it’s not how I do things. We have to finish this mission.
“Gather all the intel you can from the scene. We’ll go to headquarters and reconvene while we have groups looking for Theodora, Piper, and Seth. Someone will try to use them to their advantage. We’ll teach them what happens when they fuck with The Organization.”
“If they captured Seth, I know he’ll stick around to gather information before he escapes,” Beacon says. “We might get ahead of the game if that’s the case.”
“Does he have a tracker with him?” I ask, hopeful.
“Unless he has a phone with him, no,” Beacon responds. “I’ll have Nathan do a sweep and see if he can find him.”
“We will find them, and we will finish this.”
Chapter Two
Seth
The doctor in San Francisco suggested I stay away from screens and physical activity for two weeks. It only lasted ten days. After that, I began to train with the men who saved me from the last shitshow I found myself in. Now I’m getting ready for what might be the most important mission of my life.
I practically sold my soul to a stranger who could be a serial killer so I could save Teddy, keep my family safe, and end the Z’s once and for all.
If I had access to my resources I could try to figure out who these men are and if I can trust them. I don’t have time to investigate Finnegan Gil, the man everyone calls The Boss, and many fear. I haven’t stopped to think if he’s one of the good guys or just another mercenary who works for whoever pays more and doesn’t care who dies under his gun.
It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters but my three goals.
Seth Bradley is forgotten. I’m just another man working for Gil, thirsty for vengeance and ready to be a killer.
Darkness descends on Cloud Lake, New Mexico. We creep through the woods bordering the estate where we believe the Z’s are keeping Teddy captive. This was the only condition I gave them when they suggested I join their team to finish off the cartel. I had to know Teddy was safe.
She wasn’t. It took us all this time to find her. I don’t know what they’ve done to her or if she’s still alive. Nothing matters right now. I have to get her to safety.
After this, she’ll never be safe. This is all your fault.
“Ready?” Finnegan’s gray eyes glance at me.
I nod once.
“We’ll rescue her, but you’re not here to take her with you,” he reminds me. “We have a person designated to take her out of the house. Our doctor is waiting at the hangar, and the plane will be ready to take her to Seattle as we agreed. After that, you’re ours until we’ve finished with the Z’s.”
I know the promise I made and the price I’ll pay, but what if they kill the man who’s supposed to rescue her? What if she needs someone to trust because they broke her?
I don’t challenge his plan or his orders. I owe this to Teddy, her family, and even to this stranger who’s thirsty for vengeance.
The wait is agonizing. Sweat falls from my hairline. I check my equipment one more time. An automatic weapon, night vision goggles, and knives. I have everything I need to go into battle. We’ll finish them off once and for all this time—even if it’s not with my team and The Organization. Plenty of people have paid for my first mistake. This time it’ll be different… I’ll make sure of it.
“Go,” Finnegan says through the earpiece.
We walk toward the house at a fast pace, like predators watching their prey. I have to remind myself of the assignment as we break into the big mansion. Go in and search for intel in the server room. Everyone else will watch my back while Derek, or Blade as most of the guys call him, rescues Teddy.