Broken Arrow (Guarded Secrets Series Book 5)

by Sara Schoen

  Chapter 11

  “What did Renegade say?” Camo asked, jogging to keep up with me. She had stayed behind when Demon started asking questions, but apparently ducked out quickly. I thought she had been behind me, but I shouldn’t assume with her. She has countless ways of surprising me, I thought, remembering her dropping her cartel to help me. Assuming with her would always be a mistake. “What’s so important that the only people in this building who know there’s a mole are leaving? Not to mention everyone we trust not to be the mole is gone already. We are leaving CIRA open to trouble.”

  “That’s just it,” I said as we turned down a new hallway. Camo’s pace slowed as she fell into stride with me. I was walking quickly, snaking between the few agents who were in the hallway. Usually, I would have gotten stuck in a few places from the mass of people, but with roughly one hundred agents now off bed rest it was manageable. “We have to go. We’re the only ones who make sense.” I glanced in Camo’s directions as I pointed for her to turn down another passage. She followed the order without hesitation, but still looked confused. “Look,” I said, the seriousness of my tone surprising even myself. “We have to go because we trust each other. And I don’t mean just you and me, but Spit Fire, Sandstorm, and Renegade trust us. We have to stick together because we know no one is an issue.” I choose my words carefully as a small group of agents passed by. I waved, and they returned the greeting despite clearly wondering what we were in a rush over. I feel like I’m always in a rush. “CIRA will be safe until whoever the mole is decides to act. But if we can figure out who it is before they act then everyone is safe.”

  “Is that what Renegade said?” Camo questioned, almost tripping over her own feet as we wormed our way through the halls. I grabbed her by the arm to help her, but didn’t let go once she steadied herself. I kept a firm hold on her to keep up together and to make sure she didn’t fall again. Once she was beside me again, I let go and she matched my pace again.

  “No, but that’s why Sharp Shooter is sending us together and not leaving you here. If he needs someone then he’ll call one of us back, but he wants this over just like we do. So, the more of us working on it the better.” I pointed towards the stairs so she knew to take them. We were close to the hanger now, and hopefully Maverick would be ready to go. We need to get out of here as fast as possible. I don’t want Sandstorm or Renegade doing something stupid without me. “Renegade said that they went back to the compound to search it. It’s still standing, which I’m not pleased about, but I’m happy with what they’ve found so far. Maybe there’s more to come if they keep it up.”

  “What did they find? You sounded like you were pain, but you said they didn’t find Fire Fox...” Her sentence trailed off, but even though she didn’t finish it I knew where she was going with it. She thought that they had found him dead. He’s not dead. He has to be alive, I tried to convince myself, but failed. I shook my head to clear that thought and focused Renegade instead.

  “I was upset because they found some information on other cartels that the Cardozas had once worked with.” I cleared my throat to get rid of the emotion in my words; a mix of anger and grief. “They didn’t mention Fire Fox or any agents like I told Sharp Shooter, Renegade said there are no more cartel members, and they were still looking for anything useful.” I took in a deep breath as we entered the hanger bay. I quickly scanned for Maverick’s plane, but caught Camo’s gaze instead. Her eyebrow lifted as she placed her hands on her waist in a ‘Well, are you going to tell me?’ manner, waiting for me to explain what was bothering me. “They didn’t find anything to help us identify the mole, but they found out who killed mine and Renegade’s parents.”

  Camo stopped while I continued to look for Maverick or his plane. When he was getting ready to go anywhere he had it out in the open for the agents to find. I guess Sharp Shooter hadn’t given him enough warning. As I made my way through the planes, Camo suddenly shook herself of the initial shock and rejoined me. “I thought Ash Crest killed your parents. That’s why you went after him and why you killed him. He told you why he did it and how. No would make up his story for fun. He had to have killed them.”

  “Apparently not,” I replied curtly before pointing at Maverick’s plane. “Found it. Come on, let’s go. Renegade’s right, I want to see this for myself.” I pushed forward, leaving Camo behind momentarily before she rushed to catch up with me. If Ash hadn’t killed my family, I wouldn’t feel bad for killing him. I probably saved more lives by ending his than if he had been allowed to live. What I would hate is that I had spent all that time, almost got killed, and almost ruined my shot in the agency to kill a man who didn’t kill my family. Ash deserved to die, but not for the reasons I did it. I just don’t get why he’d lie about it? What was the point? To save the Cardozas? It doesn’t make any sense.

  “Are you sure I should go with you?” Camo asked, pulling me from my mental reverie. I stepped onto the staircase leading up to the plane and turned to look back at her. Fear was etched into her features. She hadn’t stepped onto the stairs and seemed nervous to get on. She quickly glanced around the tarmac as if to find a reason to stay. I haven’t ever seen her like this. She’s usually excited for a mission. What would staying here do? “I know you said CIRA would be safe, but shouldn’t we keep at least one person we trust here? Can we really leave the agency this open to an attack?”

  “Are you two getting on or are you going to make me late to the hospitals? I have agents to pick up and get back home. I can’t wait around for you all day,” Maverick called from the door.

  I turned to see him giving me an impish smile before winking at me. At least he’s still got his sense of humor. “Yeah, we’ll be right up. Just start the plane and get whoever you need to move this thing once I shove Camo on the plane.”

  He laughed lightly. “That’s more like it. Get her on quickly. I want to be there be back here before nightfall. I don’t mind flying at night, but flying in the day is a little easier if you get my drift.” He gave me a dismissive wave before walking out of sight towards the cockpit. Once he was gone, I turned back to Camo. She still seemed unconvinced and seemed to be shaking. What’s gotten into her?

  “There’s only one reason I can think of for why he’s sending us both out.” Camo focused her gaze on me, her eyes wide, making her seem vulnerable. I figured she didn’t want to leave Sharp Shooter unprotected, but he’s a seasoned agent. He can handle himself and won’t need us. Assuming with her won’t work though. There’s something else. “With both of us out of the way, he’s hoping the mole will make a move. Think about it, whoever it is knows us well. So, they must know we are looking for them. They can’t do anything while we are here because we’ll notice, but if we’re gone, then they can do whatever they want. It gives them a chance to mess up and reveal themselves.”

  “It leaves Sharp Shooter in a vulnerable position...we can’t just leave him here alone.” Maybe that was some of the reason she didn’t want to leave...I still couldn’t help, but feel that there was more to it than her worrying about Sharp Shooter.

  “He told us to. He’s sending us away. We have no other choice. Besides, if he sent different agents it would make it obvious we know something. Why else wouldn’t he send his most able bodied agents? It wouldn’t be a moral boost. The agents would just end up hurting themselves again. We have to go.” I grabbed her arm lightly and pulled her up the steps. She didn’t try to pull away, she didn’t resist, she just followed. Once she was inside, I shut the door and banged on it to alert Maverick. The plane roared to life around us and we moved to sit close to the cockpit so Maverick could be in on our conversation if needed.

  Pilots in CIRA knew everything. If something was going on, they’d be who to ask. I doubted he knew about the mole, but he knew something. He always did.

  “I don’t like this,” Camo whispered as she took her seat. “Demon practically volunteered us to go by not speaking up.”

  “No, he was about to ask you why we
shouldn’t talk to Mark and Sharp Shooter gave you an out. That’s not volunteering you. He didn’t even ask why he wasn’t going. He wanted an answer and the question was fair. He doesn’t know anything, no one does.”

  “It still doesn’t sit right with me.” Camo leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest with a huff.

  “It doesn’t have to. For now, we do as we’re ordered and play it by ear.” I turned toward the window to see the hanger slowly being left behind as we made it to the runway. Soon we’ll be back in Washington. The thought seemed sour in a way. I wanted to leave Washington behind, never go back, and leave the horrific battle behind as well. But everything always came back in this job. There was no escape.

  “I wonder what it will be like,” Camo stated in such a low tone I wasn’t sure she had spoken until she continued. “I’m sure it’s different than when we fought there...” Images of the aftermath entered my mind. The blood-soaked ground, agents lying dead or dying on the field, and the smell. My nose curled in disgust at the thought. The mix of blood, death, and smoke.

  Being in that explosion was one of the scariest moments in my time at the agency. Fighting cartel members, not knowing where my team was, being truly alone, and at the mercy of those around me. A few agents had picked off cartel members as they passed, but no one had been able to help. When the explosion went off I heard the building begin to crumble around me. A bone chilling crack of the structure fracturing in two and then the smoke. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t see, but I could hear the building falling to pieces. A few enemies had decided that if they were going to die, then I would too. They grabbed me, trying to seal me in the wreckage with them before the wall collapsed.

  I was yanked back, pulled free of their hold, at the last moment. Fire Fox had carried me out of the building and protected me while I recovered. I was on my feet again in a matter of moments, but only with his help had I managed to survive. Without him, I wouldn’t be here right now. No one knows that...and I can’t even thank him for it now. A wave of grief crashed over me and enveloped me. I could have drowned in it if Camo hadn’t spoken up again.

  “I’m sure it’s different than when we left. Even if Renegade said it’s still standing and he hasn’t seen anyone. There’s still agents there, waiting to be found dead or alive...” Her sentence fell flat when she realized what she was about to say. I sighed, fighting the tears already welling up in my eyes. Where could he be? Was he still alive or had he given his life for mine? I tried not to think about that, but I couldn’t help it. I hadn’t asked for anyone to give their life for me, but so far each of my family members were disappearing. Maybe I’ll lose Fire Fox and then lose Sandstorm again. That would just be icing on the cake... I sighed. I really want him to see Sandstorm again. Would that ever happen?

  “We’ll find him. Night Stripe.” Camo reached over and put her hand on my thigh. She patted me lightly as if to comfort me, but it was an empty gesture. I didn’t deserve the comfort. “Don’t worry. He’ll be just fine. I’m sure of it.”

  I nodded to appease her, but didn’t really believe it. He would have been found by now if he was still alive. Otherwise, the alternative is gruesome...left dying in the woods, alone, slowly and painfully. What a way to go...

  Chapter 12

  Camo and I tried to rest on the plane, but Maverick wouldn’t stop talking. I couldn’t blame him, all he did was fly alone. So, when he did have passengers it was a breath of fresh air. His passengers lately had been injured and knocked out, so having living, breathing people was a change of pace for him. I just wish he’d shut up. He tried to figure out where we were during the raid. He had led the pack to get planes and helicopters out there, and been the first one to see the fight happening.

  “Once I heard what was going on, I got in my plane and left. I told everyone else over the radio and they hopped in their favorite aircraft and made their way over. It was really exciting to see everyone dive head first and take off to help you guys, but I have to say I was really worried.”

  “Aww, about us?” Camo asked, a heartfelt smile taking over her features.

  “No, about being shot down!” Maverick laughed as Camo’s face fell. She rolled her eyes, clearly not entertained by his joke. I silently laughed with him until he straightened himself out. “I was worried about you guys too, but let’s be honest, you signed up for that shit. I wanted to get there to help you and get anyone out who needed it. We kind of knew what we were going into, but when I saw how serious it was, I knew we couldn’t take everyone back to CIRA. Making the call to take them to hospitals fell on me, but it was the only choice. My job is to be there to make sure no one dies and we can get everyone to safety. Though Night Stripe likes to push those limits.” I could tell he was glaring at me without looking at him. His voice had shifted to a low teasing ‘remember when?’ tone.

  “It was one time.” I groaned loudly, realizing he was taking about when I had to catch his plane as it was taking off in Russia. It’s not my fault I was late. I was just thankful I made it. Barely, but I made it. “When are you going to let it go?”

  “When someone does something dumber.”

  I shrugged. At least he’s honest. Harsh, a little rude, but honest. I’ll take that any day...especially since I’m not sure who I could trust anymore. I was about to reply when a loud thump echoed through the plane suddenly. I turned in my seat to glance towards Maverick, but he peeked over his shoulder at me.

  “What was that? You two better not be messing with my plane! I’m going as fast as I can and I’m just joking! There’s no need to take it out on the plane. If it goes down, all of us do.” It sounded more like a warning than anything else. I would have laughed if I did something, but as far as I knew, Camo and I hadn’t moved.

  “I didn’t do it,” I said, looking at Camo, who shook her head rapidly.

  She held her hands up in a surrendering position. “Don’t look at me! I didn’t touch anything.”

  “Figure out if something shifted,” Maverick ordered. “Nothing is showing up on my controls, but I don’t like it.” He barely managed to finish his sentence before another thump sounded through the plane. Camo’s eyes widened before darting towards the tail end of the plane. I followed her gaze, but didn’t see anything. I felt a tap on my shoulder a moment later. Her hazel eyes shined brightly with a new-found excitement. She winked and flashed a twisted smile at me before leaning over to whisper in my ear. “I think we have a visitor.”

  I mimicked her smile as I pulled away and glanced back towards the end of the plane. “Let’s find out who it is then.”

  She nodded, getting up in tandem with me. We walked towards the back of the plane, slowly boxing whoever it was in. Our footsteps were silent, but as the plane shook in minimal turbulence another thud met my ears. This time accompanied with a soft “Ow” and more shuffling. I turned back to look at Camo, who nodded to let me know she heard it as well. She took a few steps back and blocked the plane’s side door. The only exit close to them was in the center of the plane, and once she cut that off, they were stuck.

  You’re mine now, I thought as I snuck towards them. I wasn’t sure who I was expecting to see, but I was caught off guard when I saw a patch of blonde hair and a mix matched pair of eyes trying to peek between the seats. “Shadow, is that you?” At first, she didn’t move. It’s like she thought if she didn’t answer I wouldn’t be angry at her. Wrong. Waiting only made it worse. “Shadow, I can see you. Stand up!”

  She shuffled around to try to get up. She had managed to jam herself between the seats to be out of sight. She must have moved and knocked into the seats around her, I thought before her bright head of hair popped over the seat. “Hi guys...” Her voice shook slightly, coming across meek for the first time since I met her. If she didn’t want to be caught then she should have done a better job. She should know better.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” I hadn’t expected to sound as furious as it came across. I could have
been proud of her, she did manage to sneak onto Maverick’s plane without any of us noticing, but anger won out. “How did you know to get on this plane? How did you know I’d even leave or were you just trying to get out? What the fuck are you doing?” Out of all the plane in the hanger, how had seen picked this one? It shouldn’t be possible. This was a last-minute mission. We were sent out and left immediately. There’s no way she knew what was going on. Even if she did, what was she thinking by coming with us?

  “Night Stripe,” Camo said, placing her hand on my shoulder to pull me back to reality. “Relax. I know she’s not supposed to be here, but you don’t have to be so hard on her.” Always the voice of reason, I thought as she continued. “There’s no reason to be mad, she’s here now and we can’t do anything about it. Besides, you would have done the same thing.”

  “With a reason!” I yelled, pulling out of her hold. Glancing between Shadow and Camo, I waited for a reply. When Camo didn’t reply, my glare rested on Shadow. “She’s just here to do who knows what? Prove a point? Show that she can do more than I’ve given her? What’s the point? She doesn’t belong here!”

  “Why does it matter?” Camo’s voice was calm and steady, unfazed by Shadow’s presence. “She’s here now. We can’t do anything about it.” Knowing her, she’d repeat that until I calmed down. I wonder if she knew it didn’t help. I could still do something. She may be here now, but she won’t be for long. I just have to play my cards right.

  “She shouldn’t be here in the first place,” I practically growled. Camo didn’t react, she didn’t even raise an eyebrow at me. She stared me down as if expecting me to give in, but I wouldn’t. I couldn’t let her think it was okay to leave CIRA when she wasn’t authorized. What about her training? I preferred field training, but Shadow wasn’t ready. Not for what she was about to walk into anyway. I gestured for Camo to step back, I didn’t want her trying to calm me down before I told Shadow off, then turned back to Shadow. “What were you thinking?”