Page 169 of Corpse Roads
In her eyes, something dark and sinister shines. I can see the demons pulling the strings behind her strained smile. Somehow, she has control over them.
Everything about her is calm and assured, with an air of self-awareness. But crackling through that, the threat of violence is palpable. In a weird way, I do feel safe by her side.
“Harlow.” She sticks out her hand, palm up. “You’re doing the right thing by coming. I think it’s brave. If we find the suspect, we’ll make him pay for everything he’s done.”
Biting my lip, I put my hand in hers. Her palm is warm and dry, contrasting my clammy skin. She holds me tight before releasing.
“Promise?” I say under my breath.
Her smile is shark like. “Pinkie swear.”
As the final equipment is loaded and the doors shut, the hum of the engine begins to rumble beneath us. My throat closes up as I fasten my seatbelt and fight to remain calm.
Brooklyn pulls out her phone and plugs in a pair of headphones. When she offers one to me, I gingerly accept.
“Takeoff isn’t so bad,” she whispers conspiratorially. “Shut your eyes and focus on the music.”
Slipping it into my ear, she cranks the rock music up loud, props her booted feet up and closes her eyes. I copy her every move and let the aeroplane fall away.
* * *
“Circle around everyone.”
Outside several black support vans, the car park roped off with police tape lit by flashing blue lights, our group gathers. Eight police officers and a well-sized army of Sabre agents stand at the edge of the forest, holding the perimeter and ready to move in if we need them at any time.
There’s a helicopter humming in the air above us in case of an emergency, and the buzz of these little black devices, resembling big, metal cicadas, surrounds the perimeter. Theo calls them drones, whatever that means.
Hunter zips the bulletproof vest over his raincoat. “We’re going to split into three teams to cover more ground. Myself, Brooklyn, Enzo and Harlow will take the central path with Fox on comms.”
Inspecting several wickedly sharp knives before securing them inside his jacket, Hudson gives me a nod. Brooklyn is already armed, her vest bulging with two guns and an array of knives.
“Ethan, Tara, Kade and Theo will take the eastern route,” Hunter continues. “You’ll be supported by Rayna on comms.”
Seeing Theo suited and booted like the others is a strange sight. His usual flannel shirt and faded jeans have gone, replaced with guns and steely determination. He smiles when our eyes connect.
“Last up, the western path. Becket, Hudson, Leighton and Warner, with Liam on comms. Each team has a trained first aider, and the medical team will be on standby with the local police.”
Enzo steps forward as everyone shuffles into their teams. He’s terrifying in work mode, roaring at various agents to get equipment organised and cordons set up.
“We’ve got air support keeping infrared surveillance on the whole forest,” he adds. “Communicate, keep your eyes open and shoot to kill.”
“We want the perps alive,” Hunter corrects him with a sharp glare. “They have a hell of a lot to answer for. No lethal force.”
Enzo grumbles, but reluctantly agrees. With the rules laid out, maps distributed and earpieces fitted, everyone prepares to set off. There’s ten miles to cover and about six hours of daylight left.
We’re racing against the clock. The foreboding forest surrounding us is dripping with malice, cloaked in darkness and mist. Nobody wants to be in there when the sun surrenders.
Before we set off, Theo approaches me. He looks startlingly lethal as he tucks a handgun into his covered holster.
“Be safe, alright?” he says quietly. “We still need to discuss Jane Eyre tonight. Make sure you come back in one piece.”
“You too.” I pull him into a fast hug, careful not to disturb his weapons. “Look after each other.”
Behind him, Leighton waits his turn. He crushes me against his chest so hard, I squeak in shock. There’s no sign of his usual playful smiles or jokes today.
“I hate this,” he murmurs against my hair. “Hunter and Enzo will keep you safe. Just... don’t take any risks, alright?”
“I’ve got it, Leigh.”