Just before ten, we wheeled into a deserted cul-de-sac a hundred yards from Crosby’s place. The moonlight trickled down through the branches of fir trees that surrounded us.
“Just our luck,” murmured Tony. “three-quarters moon, and no clouds.”
“We’ll be okay,” whispered Dave. “Lots of trees to hide under, till we get to the compound.”
Nate strapped on his tree climbing stirrups. He also double-checked the night scope on his AR-10 rifle, which had a foot-long silencer on the end of the barrel. While he prepped, I’d been checking my commo. An earphone and mike adorned everyone. I gave a last tug to ensure mine was fastened securely. “Now remember, we’re on channel two. No one talks unless it’s absolutely necessary. Or if I ask you something.”
“Yeah, and channel one’s for listening in on the bad guys inside,” Tony said. He lifted a two-way radio. “And before you ask, nothing from Marty yet.”
I glanced at Nate when he stood, now ready to climb. “Okay, let’s get to our positions. Remember, the signal to go is when Marty says the other group’s entering our place.”
Nate moved towards the tallest tree in front of the compound, 75 feet in height. He had to be at least 60 feet up by the time we attacked, so he had a good angle over the seven-foot wall. The rest of us crept to the side gate by the water’s edge. Once again I slipped a wedge under the pressure plate on top of it, and we settled down to wait.
Tony’s sudden whisper made me flinch. “Marty says to go in thirty seconds.”
It seemed as if thirty minutes crept past before Tony pointed at me. “Nate, how many guards outside?” I asked.
“Two,” he whispered.
“Take ‘em out now, I said.
There were two semi-loud coughs, more like clapping two boards together. “Two down, outside’s clear,” he said. We swarmed over the fence, striving for speed as well as silence. Tony and Dave split off towards the small door next to the garage. Since that was the main route the guards used to go in and out, it should be easy to enter. As was my route–the same I’d used earlier.
Seconds later I eased into the main house, pistol ready. Silence reigned, at least for the moment. My assignment was the second floor, while Tony and Dave swept the first. Once done they’d join me, taking the rear stairs we’d spotted on the floor plans. I’d just entered the first bedroom at the head of the stairs, when the silence was shattered with multiple explosions of pistol shots. These were followed by the thud sound of silenced weapons showing Tony and Dave were still in the game.
I’d just finished giving the room a quick scan when a door slammed open from the room across the hall. A large blonde man burst out, eyes wild. He staggered down the hall, ignoring my presence. He tripped on the top step, disappearing from sight, accompanied by crashes and thuds.
By the time I reached the bottom of the stairs next to him, the guy had curled into a ball. Almost inaudible mutterings came from him. “Got her. Got the damn bitch. Got her…”
Even as I touched him he relaxed in death, the hilt of a knife protruding from his chest. I recoiled, almost tripping in my hurry to check behind me. Alert for movement, I crept back upstairs. The house had grown quiet. Dave’s head came into view on the other stairway, a questioning look on his face when he spotted me. I pointed to the left bedroom, signaling caution. He nodded and we both moved into place, either side of the doorway.
I lunged through first with Dave close behind, pistols questing for a target. Nothing in the main room. Same in the office and bathroom. We stopped and began looking the place over more closely. A bloody knife was on the bed, while a trail of blood led to the door we’d just come through. Another track led towards the closet. A quick check–nothing.
I straightened, giving the bedroom a closer look. It was eerily quiet. Something was missing. I swung around. “Tony – where’s Tony?”
“He’s all right,” Dave said. “Got a flesh wound, but it’s not serious.”
Tony’s voice echoed up the stairs. “Speak for yourself, guy. Getting shot in the ass isn’t the most pleasant of things to happen.”
I stepped out in the hallway. “I take it the place is clear, since you’re hollering.” I started down the front stairs. Tony came into view half-lying on the bottom step, one butt-cheek hiked in the air. I looked over my shoulder. “Nate, you can come down now. Circle the front and keep an eye open on your way in. Crosby’s disappeared, even though someone stuck a knife in her.”
“I’ll check the boat shed and around back,” Dave said, slipping around the corner of the stairs.
I reached out to check Tony, and got my hand slapped. “I already plugged it,” he said. “Just a flesh wound. Bullet went through and through.”
“What happened?”
He grimaced. “I shot the creep, but didn’t put another bullet in him before walking by. Stupid.”
Relief washed through me. “Yeah, stupid. But you got away with it. Any word from Marty?”
Tony hitched around, giving me room to sit next to him. “He called before you came charging down the stairs. All of Crosby’s bunch went in the back door, and he’d just locked it. Got bars across front and back entrances, now.”
“How long’s the gas been on?”
Tony looked at his watch. “About twelve minutes so far. Tanks should run out in thirty minutes.”
Nate poked his head in the front door. “Hey, this a private party?” He was halfway across the living room before he noticed anything amiss. “Tony, what happened?” He hurried the rest of the way, and leaned over him.
“What the hell’s everyone making such a fuss about? I just got nicked in the ass, for Christ’s sake.” He held out his hand to
