Page 58 of Resurgent
“What about the guns I stole? It’s in the news. I could be court-martialed and tried for treason.”
“I’ll do what I can on my end to make sure it’s an open and shut investigation, but regardless, the evidence will be blown to smithereens. There’ll be no proof. Come on. You died saving a man! Focus on that. You’ll be hailed a hero. A miracle.”
I nod. I don’t like it, but it’s the best I can get.
“You brought the additional weapons?”
He nods. “I’ve got a Glock with a silencer to take care of any of the guys that stay outside the warehouse. And a sniper rifle for myself should you need a little”—he grins, but it just looks macabre—“assistance.”
“Where are they?”
“In my car. I’ll get them after you show me the guns.”
I lift an eyebrow. “You think I’m lying?”
“Of course not. But you understand my boss is a little gun-shy. Pardon the pun.”
I enter the combination and the lock clicks open. With a shove, I push open the door to the warehouse, gesturing for Gray to enter first. He walks in, a grin illuminating his face as he spies the crates.
“These all filled with guns?” he asks, rubbing his hands together.
“No. Most of ’em are filled with soybeans. Those are the two with the guns.”
Walking over to one, he bends down and pries open the lid. Running his hands reverently over an AK-47, he says, “Damn. Now this is what a million dollars’ worth of weaponry looks like.”
“Liam!” The sound of Walker’s voice is out-of-place, jolting, and I turn toward the door, certain my imagination is playing tricks on me. But somehow my best friend and SEAL brother is here, standing in the doorway of this godforsaken warehouse no one knows about.
“Walker! What are you doing here?”
“Charlotte called. She thought you might need help, but she knew you were too proud to ask.” His teeth flash white against his tanned face. “You look pretty good for a dead guy.”
Charlotte. My heart squeezes at the thought of her, probably on her way back to her normal life as we speak—a life better off without me. I’m not sure how she called him—probably on my own damn phone last night when I’d left to arrange a car—but I realize she was, as always, right. I’m damned glad to see Walker and know he’s got my back.
A second man steps through the doorway behind him. He has dark, slightly disheveled hair, a scruffy beard, and an air of danger and confidence that matches his almost black eyes. Noah Payne. My contact with La Frontera—the one I negotiated the gun deal with—and a former Navy SEAL gone rogue.
“Looks like we’ve got company from La Frontera already,” I say dryly, wanting to alert Walker. Pulling my gun, I train it on Payne. “You’ll forgive me if I’m a little overly cautious,” I say.
Walker quickly glances behind him. “It’s okay, Liam. He’s not with La Frontera. He’s on our side. Gray’s the guy you can’t trust.”
…
“What the hell are you talking about?” My head whips around to Gray, who’s also pointing a weapon at Noah.
“Step away from Mr. Payne, Commander,” Gray says icily.
Commander? I arch an eyebrow at Walker in silent question and he grins in response. I knew it. He got the promotion.
“Take him out, Liam,” Gray barks. “Kinkaid is confused. Noah Payne works for El Gato. You brokered the arms deal with him.”
“I remember. Walker, he’s right. He’s lying to you. He’s not a SEAL anymore. He went rogue. He works for La Frontera now.”
“Nope.” Walker’s voice is even. Deadly. “It’s Gray who’s not who you think he is. He set you up—”
“I’m CIA,” Gray interrupts gruffly.
“Oh, I know exactly who you are!” Walker’s voice drips with hostility. “The guy who set this whole thing up—”
“Listen to your commander, Kincaid. That’s an order!” Gray snaps. “The guy’s a traitor.” Turning to me, he says, “He’s dangerous. Manipulative. First your sister. Now your SEAL brother—”
