Chapter 7

By dinner time, everyone was busy packing up and prepping for the morning. Everything had to be taken to the docks, unnoticed and put on the yacht that would be their transport out of this area.

They were still waiting to hear from Lars about his findings and Jett’s team about the camp. Deva hoped it would be good news. If neither were found before morning—it would postpone going to the island—none of the team wanted that. Tension was high as everyone was fixated and focused on their part of the job tomorrow.

“Jett is on the phone,” Illias called out.

Deva set the bag by the door and went into the sitting room. Several of the others were there.

“—it was definitely the camp, Calum,” Jett said.

“No trace of anyone?”

“None. They left in a hurry. The doors are open. Supply rooms cleared out in a hasty manner.”

“They took the boys to the island.” Asher was leaning against the wall.

“Most likely.” Calum looked at the floor for a moment. “Jett, sweep the site for anything of use to us intel-wise and then hold. I’ll call Devin and see what he wants done after that.”

“Will do. We can come to help with the island in the morning if needed.”

“I’ll let you know.” Calum nodded to Illias to end the call. He stood there with his arms crossed over his chest and stared at the wall for a moment. Turning, he looked around and then stopped at Taggart. “Have you heard from Lars yet?”

Taggart shook his head. “He say by time the darkness come.”

Calum nodded and then glanced out the window. “Let me know as soon as…”

Taggart’s phone ringing made everyone in the room pause. He answered it quickly. The first few things he said were in another language, then he nodded and tapped his phone screen. “He has found observation place.”

“Yes, it is here.” His accent wasn’t the same as Taggart’s.

Calum went over and stood in front of Taggart. “How many are there?”

“Is five. It looks to me that they are getting prepared for something.”

Calum exchanged a look with Taggart. “They’re leaving?”

“They are putting boxes in the truck,” Lars stated.

“I need you to text your location to Illias. We’ll send another flier to you.” He glanced at Illias. “Get Gideon on the phone.” Illias nodded and picked up his phone.

“Okay. Yes. I stay behind big rocks until he is here. Do you want us to e-limin-ate them?”

Calum rubbed the back of his neck. “No, not right now. I want to know what they’re up to.” He looked at Taggart. “They need to be dealt with by dawn though.”

“I can do this. Is only five, and they are not big like me.” Lars chuckled.

Taggart grinned and nodded to Calum. “If you send your Gideon, no problem.”

Calum nodded. “Okay. Send your location to Illias and wait for Gideon to get there.”

“I will do this.” Lars agreed.

“Okay. Call if they leave.”

“Wait. Three are leaving now. They just go into the truck.”

Calum sucked in a deep breath. “Can you go up and watch where they’re going?”

“I can do this. My owl’s eyes very good.”

“Okay. Let us know. We’re sending Gideon now.”

“Yes. Okay. Goodbye.” The line went quiet.

Taggart put the phone in his pocket. “Lars is very, very good at what he does.” He nodded.

Calum was quiet for a moment. “I need to call Devin.” He turned and looked at Asher. “Get everything to the docks.” Turning slowly, he then paused and looked at Tripp. “I want you and Amari to keep watch at the docks. No one goes near the boats we’re using.”

Tripp nodded. “No problem.”

He turned and looked at Deva. “I need you and Taggart to get on some scopes and keep watch of the island and the road to the harbor.”

Deva nodded. “I’ll go get changed and then toss the rest of my gear into the van.” She glanced at Taggart for a second. He was giving her a look she didn’t understand. “I’ll need a rifle.”

“You can take mine.” Asher straightened from the doorframe.

“Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”

“I wait outside.” Taggart turned and left the room.

“We can go earlier if we need to.” Tripp watched Calum.

“Get ready in case we do. I’m going to call Konner and Devin.” Calum went in the direction of the kitchen.

Deva grabbed her bag and ran up the stairs. It was going to be a long night. Just as long as the outcome meant they still got everyone off that island, she didn’t mind sacrificing sleep.