Mercer swallowed. His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I never wanted this for you. If your father were here, he’d—”
“My father was a brave man. He wouldn’t leave three innocent women to die.”
Mercer advanced into the room. “You’re innocent.”
“They’re Drew’s sisters.” Her voice broke.
Drew’s own heart squeezed. She was risking everything—for him.
“You’re a lot like your father,” Mercer whispered. “He was always so damned proud of you.” Mercer straightened his shoulders. His gaze turned to Drew. “I know you’d prefer for your own team to have your back on this one, Lancaster, but Mancini is recovering in the hospital right now. She’s out, but Dylan is on his way to the airport. Two other EOD agents—Gunner Ortez and Logan Quinn—will meet you in New Orleans. Gunner is the best damn sharpshooter I have. I want his eyes on that building at all times. On you.”
Gunner Ortez was Sydney’s husband. Drew knew first-hand just how deadly a duo Gunner and Logan Quinn could be. He’d admired their work before—and seen them in ruthless action.
“More personnel will be on the ground,” Mercer added. “I’ll wire you both. At the first sign that this plan is compromised, you use the code word to call in the troops. Understand? Don’t hesitate to call us in.”
Drew nodded, but as far as he was concerned the plan had already gone to hell.
“What’s the code word?” Tina whispered. Her body trembled against Drew’s.
“Escape.”
* * *
MERCER STARED THROUGH the observation glass. Devast thought he had them dancing on his string.
He was wrong.
Mercer glanced over at Cooper Marshall. “You have your orders.”
Only Drew and Tina going into that warehouse? Hell, no.
He wasn’t about to lose them.
Mercer stared at Anton as he spoke. “Disable the bombs. Take out the suspects. You’ll have your own team in place. Use any means necessary.” He pulled in a deep breath. “Get the civilians out and make sure that Dr. Jamison comes back alive.”
“Yes, sir.”
Anton continued to sit there, cuffed but smug.
He wants to look into my eyes when my daughter dies.
The same way that the bastard had been looking into Mercer’s eyes when he’d found out that Marguerite was dead. Anton had pretended sympathy then.
There was no pretense any longer.
Mercer checked his weapon. The end was coming—for Anton.
Chapter Ten
They’d gone back to New Orleans. It was strange to return to the city, especially since she’d been taken from this place days before.
“Full circle,” Tina said softly as the plane landed.
Drew glanced over at her, his jaw set, his eyes grim.
She wanted to comfort him, but she didn’t know how. She was doing the only thing that she could do.
Offer herself up in the deadly game.