“Someone with knowledge of the dark arts is here. It’s all connected. Libby, you, and what happened to Diego three years ago as well.”
Declan gave a quick nod and then headed for the door, “I’ll set up some stronger protection wards, but I can only buy us maybe ten minutes, if that. We need to start destruction protocol and get the hell out of here.”
As he disappeared, Ana’s fingers began flying over the keyboard. Jaxon watched as she dumped any sensitive material still on the hard drives, before destroying all that remained.
He grabbed a phone and waited impatiently to be connected with the head of PATU in Washington, D.C. It was a direct line and only to be used in case of emergency. He felt the building shake, and snorted. If ever there was a time…
After three rings it was answered.
“Identification?”
“Alpha nine two nine zero three.”
“Code?”
“Blood fucking red! Get Drake on the phone now.” His growl was loud, savage, and he was immediately patched through to Commander Joshua Drake, who answered on the first ring.
“Castille, what’s the situation?”
“We’re under attack, sir. Not sure who the enemy is, but there are definite dark arts involved, and the players are well-organized and well-trained.”
“You’ve begun destructive protocol?”
“Yes sir. Ana is dumping everything right now.”
There was a slight pause before Commander Drake continued. “Ana? I thought she was on a job in Alaska.”
“She was, but I called her in. I can’t go into specifics but Declan is here as well. We’ll be in touch at some point tomorrow, but you’d better send a cleanup crew here ASAP.”
“Now, Jaxon, hold on. I need to know what you’re up to and where the hell you’re going—”
But Jaxon had already hung up and turned to Ana. “We have everything we need?”
“Yes, I’m dumping the last of the files now and then I’ll run the destruct program. That should only take a couple of minutes.”
“Good, I’m going to grab some extra weapons and then get Libby. We’ll head out through the tunnels.” His eyes pierced the dark eyes of the vampire. “If we get separated, we’ll regroup at Jagger’s cabin up north.”
Ana shook her head. “No problem. Just make sure you get your ass out to the boat before this building goes up in smoke. My skin doesn’t mix well with fire, and I really don’t want to have to brave a wall of flames looking for an overgrown kitty.”
Jaxon ignored her comment, his mind already running ahead, making plans, fighting the urge to grab Libby and run.
Cracker and Declan arrived just as he was leaving, their faces red with exertion. The two large patrol dogs panted alongside their master, and Jaxon waved him through.
“Take the tunnels. We rendezvous in Jersey and then head north to Jagger’s cabin. He’s been off the grid for a while, don’t think he’ll mind.”
Cracker nodded coolly, grabbed a few more guns from the rack, and called the dogs to follow him out. Declan’s eyes were troubled as they settled on Jaxon.
“We don’t have long before they breach the wards. That was some heavy shit surrounding the perimeter. Real dark stuff; I don’t recognize the signature.” His eyes narrowed and his voice became deadly. “Looks like we have a new player in town.”
Jaxon snarled then, the beast clawing hard at him, wanting out. “I say bring it on.”
He turned as Ana piped in, “Okay, I have all we need. The destruct program is almost finished and the timer has been set. We have exactly ten minutes before this whole place goes to shit. So I suggest we make haste and get the hell out of here.”
Declan flashed a wicked smile at them both, “I know the shit is literally hitting the fan, but man, I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. Feels good. Can’t wait to kick me some fucking ass.”
“Good,” Jaxon said. “You accompany Ana through the tunnels.” He looked at his watch. “The sun is already setting so you’re good to go. I’m going to grab Libby and I’ll meet you at the docks.”
Ana tucked a large laptop under her arm and retrieved the bag full of disks, while Declan waited for her. Then she pulled up short and whirled around. “Christ! Jaxon, about Libby.”