Hostile Ground (The Arsenal #7) - Cara Carnes Page 0,84

with Kristof was Red. Orange and Green would patrol the Phase II zone and eliminate targets as needed.

“Phase I in full play,” Edge said.

“Team Three prepare for entry once Phase II begins,” Jesse ordered.

A single click sounded through the com. A fiery inferno blazed from the northern and southwestern sectors. Addy and her team wouldn’t enter until Phase II was well underway and would be winding through the bottommost level of the catacombs along the eastern perimeter to free Olaf.

“We need Kostya’s location,” Edge said. “Helo One, you’re clear for Phase II.”

“Roger.” Addy smiled. Lexi was The Arsenal’s latest edition. The chopper pilot was Levi’s sister and extremely smooth under pressure from what Addy had witnessed so far.

Screams and angry shouts echoed amidst the gunfire as the distinctive sound of a helo sounded from above. The black beast rained down in the central section of the compound, where the majority of the enemy combatants had been corralled thanks to the computerized machine guns.

“We’ve got movement beneath the compound headed toward the eastern grid. Twelve bodies,” Cord said. “Confirmed Red zone target.”

“Team Three, you’re clear for entry into the first sub level. Confirmed presence of eight bodies, three armed,” Edge said. “Let the drones enter first. We have potential structural integrity issues based on crawler surveillance.”

Another click sounded on the com.

Addy’s pulse quickened as her team shifted to their knees and double-checked their weapons. Maksim did the same and motioned for the team with him to prepare as well. Kristof’s gaze locked with hers as Edge’s voice returned in the com once again.

“Teams Four and Red will make entry together. Standby.”

Kostya Sidorav was making his way to Olaf. Would they be in time to save Kristof’s cousin? Addy’s body hummed with the need to make entry, but she trusted Operations. They had a full visual of the zone and would determine when it was time to strike.

Blue light exploded from the helo and blasted into buildings. An explosion sounded from the southern area nearest the center.

“Looks like my new toy found an unexpected fuel cache,” Lexi said. “I do like these new toys, Bree. You and I are going to get along very well.”

“That one recharges within two minutes after the first three blasts,” Bree said in the com. “I can control it from here if needed.”

“Good to know, but I think I’ve got it under control,” the calm voice sounded on the com as another concussive blast of weapons fired down on the central area. “Heat signatures indicate a few stragglers within the buildings not in my strike radius.”

“Understood. Teams One and Two. Status?” Jesse asked.

“Targets neutralized,” Gage said. “Teams One and Two have the package. Minimal injuries. We’re en route to exfil.”

“Roger. One taxi en route,” Lexi said.

“Orange and Green are clear for entry,” Edge said. “Terminate the squirters marked on your headsets.”

Two clicks sounded on the com. Addy was impressed that Kristof’s men had adapted quickly to The Arsenal’s gear. Her pulse quickened as the next order sounded in the com.

“Teams Four and Red, you’re clear for entry.”

“Targets neutralized. Team Three assessing packages,” Nolan said. “Minor injuries.”

Addy dispatched the drones and signaled for her team to move out. Kristof’s men fanned out within hers as they wound their way through the thicket of trees and made their way to the entry point.

Thunder and Cracker blasted the metal covering. Drones whizzed into the narrow stairwell leading down into the catacombs. Gunfire sounded as three men fired on the drones.

“Oh, hell no,” Zoey said. “These assholes are mine.”

Beast held up his hand in a halt order. Everyone waited as the drones took out the three targets near the entry. Moments later the teams entered the catacombs. Drone lights cast long beams of white light into the otherwise darkened interior. The devices fanned out at the first cross-section. Indicator lights on Addy’s headset ordered everyone right.

Gunfire sounded on the com as Marshall spoke. “We’re taking fire from a secondary wave. They exited via the ground a quarter click from our exfil zone. Heavily armed.”

The com went silent in Addy’s ear. Damn Edge. She never let the other teams hear problems that didn’t directly impact them.

Gunfire erupted from around the curve up ahead. Addy took position across from Beast as images from the surveillance drones they’d dispatched filled their headsets. Angered shouting echoed within the area as the four remaining guards looked down at their eight dead comrades.

Addy gave orders to her team and motioned to move in three. They’d lathered, rinsed,