His expression tense, Reynoso brought the radio to his lips. “Go ahead.”
“Bravo One spotted movement at the Boulevard Inn. The General’s forces are readying transports and gearing up. They’re moving early. They’re coming now!”
Reynoso’s features hardened. “We’ll be ready for them.”
Bishop turned to Reynoso and clasped his forearm. “Godspeed, brother.”
Reynoso nodded “See you on the other side.”
A chill raced up Hannah’s spine. Fear for Liam filled her thoughts. Where was he now? Was he being tortured? Was he already dead?
Anxiety torqued through her. Her good hand strayed to her misshapen fingers. Once, her old destructive fear would’ve taken over, but not anymore.
She was fully present, fully here. Her mind was clear.
As the church bells tolled the call-to-battle alarm, she knew what she needed to do.
Liam’s fate was out of her hands.
For everyone else—what she did now could still make a difference.
She moved for the doors.
“Where are you going?” Bishop asked her.
“To get more help.”
“Hannah, you shouldn’t—”
She touched his arm. “Even with the Community Alliance, I fear it’s not enough. We need help. I have one last idea, but it has to be done in person.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You’re going to Hamilton.”
She didn’t have to answer; he saw it in her face.
She’d been trying to get ahold of Hamilton for the last three days. With the repeaters out, she hadn’t made contact. Liam had intended to go himself—but the Black Hawk attack had waylaid his plans.
Now, though, they were desperate. Now, they had no choice.
“It’s too dangerous—”
“Every person here is risking their lives. Liam is. You and Quinn. Everyone. I’m no different.”
“I should go with you.”
“You’re needed here. You know you are.”
“God forgive me.” Bishop closed his eyes and sighed. “What route are you taking?”
“I can take Shawnee Road. It’s out of the path of the General. If I take the ATV, I can use the old snowmobile trail to skirt the barricades and traps Liam set on Snow Road.” She hesitated. “I can do this, Bishop.”
Bishop drew her into a quick fierce hug. And then he let her go.
Outside, the chilly air bit at her cheeks. She inhaled sharply. The bracing air crystalized her thoughts, her purpose. The night was dark, the clouds thick and low. No stars anywhere.
She’d left Ghost and her children with Evelyn and Travis, who’d taken them to the high school bomb shelter. It was well defended and the safest place for Charlotte in case the General sent more men after her.
Before she’d left, she asked the question she’d dreaded speaking aloud: “If I don’t return, will you…will you take my kids? Will you keep them safe?”
Evelyn had gripped her bad hand in both of hers. “We will defend them with our own lives.”
Hannah knew it was true. It gave her a measure of peace—and motivation. People depended on her. People she loved.
“You might want the keys,” said a voice behind her.
Hannah spun, her good hand moving toward her holster.
“Woah, there, warrior princess! Stand down.” Perez took the front steps two at a time and halted in front of her. She dangled an ATV key fob from her fingers. “What? You didn’t think I’d let you go alone, did you?”
“It’s dangerous—”
“Damn straight. Which is why I’m coming. Us girls need to stick together.”
Hannah stared at her. “You okay, Samantha?”
Perez rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You need someone to watch your back. Besides, Liam would kill me if he discovered I let you go into the wolves’ den alone in the middle of the night. And I’d rather stay in his good graces when he gets back.”
“He’s coming back,” Hannah said, wanting it to be true with all her heart.
Perez flashed a maniacal grin. Her teeth gleamed in the moonlight. “He’s Liam freaking Coleman. Damn straight he’s coming back. We just need to concentrate on keeping ourselves upright and breathing.”
“That’s the idea.”
“Where are we headed?”
“The nuclear power plant.”
Her brows lifted. “Huh.”
“Maybe it’s a long shot, but it’s all I’ve got.”
“I love long shots. That’s why I have horrible taste in men.”
Hannah snorted.
Perez palmed the keys and headed for the ATV. “We doing this or what?”
“Oh, we’re definitely doing this.”
Hannah settled onto the front seat, Perez squeezing in behind her as they strapped on their helmets.
Hannah started the engine. The headlights flickered on.
Perez drew her pistol, did a quick check, and rested it against her thigh. “I’m shooting anything that moves. You just drive.”
61
Liam
Day One Hundred and Fifteen
The mercs knocked Liam to the floor. They took turns punching, kicking, and hitting him, then started over again.
Even with his hands bound, he managed to fight. On his back, he shot out a savage kick and nailed one in the face.
Dobson staggered back, blood streaming from his split lips, and spit out two teeth.
The victory was fleeting. The truth was, he could barely move, let alone fight.
Liam was beaten before he’d started.
Electric pain shot up his spine. The half-healed wound in his side burned like a hot ember. Still woozy from the concussion, they left him a broken and bloody mess.
“The General wants him alive.” Luther sounded distant, like he was underwater. “You better lay off.”
Gibbs directed a savage kick at Liam’s injured ribs. He curled into himself with a groan. “Looks fine to me.”
“What do you think the General will do to you if you accidentally kill him?”
Gibbs swore, but he backed off. “I need some water.”
“I’ve got something better than water,” Luther said. “Besides, Coleman smells rancid. We need a break. Come on.”
Liam’s skull pounded. His ears rang. Dimly, he heard receding footsteps and a door slamming shut.
They’d locked him in. They’d left him alone.
This was his chance.