Jude shivered against the wind that raced across the open parking lot. Rowe had parked the SUV Jude had ridden in, along with Noah and Lucas, down the road in a sleepy little neighborhood with older, ranch-style homes. There were only a handful of lights on in the windows facing the street. It was nearly ten o’clock in the evening. Jude was sure it was far too early to be conducting a raid of this building, risking other people seeing them, but he kept his fears to himself. He was more worried about waiting and leaving Snow in the hands of this bastard.
Dom and Royce had left ahead of them and parked in another area. They then crept over to the building where they scouted the immediate area for signs of security. The second team had walked over minutes later, their boots crunching through the dead undergrowth. Jude was grateful for the black cargo pants and sweater Rowe had loaned him. He was stuck in his tennis shoes from earlier, but they meant he could easily run if he needed to. Anything to get him more quickly to his general.
As they reached the edge of the woods, Rowe motioned with his hand for the team to split. Lucas gave a sharp nod, and he was off with Jude following quickly on his tail. A thin strip of woods surrounded the building on three sides, offering them some much-appreciated cover, while the entrance to the parking lot opened to a somewhat private street that was home to only a few other office buildings.
“Roll call, family,” Rowe said through Jude’s earpiece. “Everyone check in.”
Lucas looked over his shoulder at Jude and gave a little roll of his eyes before he nodded once.
“Cousin Itt and Lurch are in position in the rear,” Jude said softly. The small microphone was pressed to his throat with the use of a narrow strap wrapped around his neck. It allowed him to be completely hands-free while talking to his other teammates.
“Pugsley in position on the street,” Royce came back. “We’re all quiet here.”
“Wednesday in the crow’s nest,” Dom said. He’d had instructions to climb a tree with a sniper rifle to give them coverage if they needed a fast escape. “We’re clear.”
“Uncle Fester has control of the security system,” Cole chimed in from his office back at Ward Security. “The cameras are set on a loop for the next fifteen minutes. We’re good to go.”
“Gomez and Morticia are moving for the front doors.”
“My favorite childhood TV show has been forever ruined, Cousin Itt. Thanks,” Dom grumbled in his ear.
“Go to hell! I’m fucking gorgeous as Morticia,” Rowe swore.
Jude shuddered again, but it wasn’t for the cold. When he’d announced that they were doing The Addams Family for code names, he’d never have guessed that Rowe would immediately claim Morticia, but apparently the stout redhead had a thing for the pale, willowy woman. That or he and Noah were planning some twisted role-playing later that night. Either way, he was going to need some mental bleach when this was all over.
“Enough chatter. Let’s get Thing and get out of here,” Lucas snapped. Jude couldn’t agree more.
Lucas had barely finished speaking when the red light on the security panel next to the gray metal door flashed to green.
“Outer security is down,” Cole announced.
Lucas didn’t hesitate to grab the door and pull it open. There was a loud whine of metal rubbing against metal as if the door was too heavy for the hinges. They both cringed and moved inside the dimly lit hallway. Jude caught the door and carefully made sure it didn’t bang shut. Off to their right was another metal door marked for the stairs. Lucas entered first and held it open for Jude.
“Do you want me to take the lead?” Jude offered as they approached the first set of stairs.
“Afraid I’m not in shape enough to climb to the top floor?” Lucas asked.
Jude smile at him. “I’m thinking you might have been preoccupied with your new bundle rather than keeping up with your workout routine.”
“Let the man lead, Lurch,” Rowe grumbled, instantly reminding Jude that anything he said would be heard by the rest of the group. Jude winced. He hadn’t meant to embarrass Lucas, but he was sure the billionaire hadn’t been making it to the gym, and five flights of stairs could be a lot to run at once. He didn’t want the man to be vulnerable if he was still trying to catch his breath.
Lucas stepped aside and waved Jude toward the stairs. “Lead the way, Cousin Itt.”
Jude moved quickly, taking the steps two at a time, stretching his long legs. Not surprisingly, Lucas kept pace with him, not making a sound except for the occasional squeak of rubber against linoleum. They had barely made it past the second floor when Noah swore softly.