Page 84 of The Brigadier

When I walked inside, I realized it was actually a coffee shop, but within seconds, my hackles were raised.

I knew instantly something was completely wrong as my instinct had screamed.

I pulled out my weapon as I scanned the area.

I’d noticed their business hours on the door and while they were open, there was no one standing behind the counter.

The electricity in the room was high.

As was my blood pressure.

“You were right. Back away. It’s a setup,” I said as quietly as possible to my men.

“Shit!” Danny exclaimed.

It was too late. As various unknown men appeared out of every corner, the back room and from behind the counter, all with weapons in their hands, I had to wonder if Tanner was dead.

A single shot was fired. A warning shot.

We scattered in opposite directions, trying to find cover.

Before any of the three of us could get out, the barrel of a gun was pointed at the back of my head.

“Not so fast. I’ll take your weapons.” The voice was deep, angry.

And recognizable.

I was instantly enraged, seeing blood in my eyes.

“Tanner,” I hissed. “A fucking traitor. What the fuck are you doing?”

“Goddamn it,” Maxim snarled. I could tell he was moving closer, trying to have my back. Almost instantly, three enemy soldiers advanced, two pointing weapons at his head, the third at mine.

Tanner laughed at first, as if this was a Halloween prank. He swaggered closer, eyeing me up and down.

With disdain.

“You traitor,” Maxim hissed, taking a step closer.

I was certain Tanner was going to shoot the man and took a step forward myself. “Enough. Answer the fucking question. You owe me that.”

“Fuck. I owe you nothing but I’m in a very good mood today since my life is about to change for the better. I’m the catalyst for the beginning of the end. It will be so good to have you locked away, your body used as my boss sees fit.”

The word ‘apocalypse’ had been used. Now catalyst to the end. It was like a script had been written.

“Your boss? Or are you just a fucking asshole like I thought you were?” Maxim snarled and tried to keep his weapon from being taken. My soldier was clocked in the head, the gun ripped away anyway.

Tanner was all gleeful, laughing maniacally. “Someone who cares about me.”

Something was off in his eyes, a look that suggested he was under duress. I wasn’t certain I cared.

There was no use in arguing who cared about whom. Honestly, I was at a point I was furious with myself. With at least twelve weapons pointed in our direction, the odds were entirely against us.

My ex-employee reached around me, grabbing the weapon in my hand. “I’ll take that. You won’t be needing it any longer.”

I was no fool. I had two more safely secured.

“Tell me, Tanner. How much to sell your soul?” I asked without any emotion in my voice.