Collateral Blood

11

The early morning darkness wrapped around the safehouse like a shroud. Inside, the tension was almost unbearable as Harry moved with calculated urgency. The time had come to evacuate both Sloan and himself from the safehouse before Lucas Montgomery's impending assault could tear through their defenses.

Harry burst into Sloan's room, his face set in a mask of grim determination. Sloan was seated on the edge of the bed, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion.

"We're moving out," Harry said briskly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Pack up whatever you need. We're relocating."

Sloan looked up, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Moving where? Why? I need answers, Harry. What's going on?"

Harry's jaw tightened. "I don't have time for explanations right now. Just do as you're told. We're in the middle of a situation, and we need to leave before it gets worse."

Sloan's face flushed with anger. "You think you can just waltz in here and expect me to follow orders without any explanation? I deserve to know what's happening, and you owe me that."

Harry took a step closer, his expression hardening. "Listen carefully, Sloan. I don't have the luxury of indulging your questions right now. Lucas Montgomery's men are closing in, and if you don't comply, you're putting yourself—and me—in even greater danger. I'm not going to ask you again."

Sloan's bravado faltered slightly as she saw the steely determination in Harry's eyes. His threat was unmistakable. "You're threatening me? What are you planning to do if I don't cooperate?"

Harry's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I'm not in the mood for games. Either you do as I say, or I can guarantee that this situation will end very badly for you. Now, make up your mind."

Sloan's stubbornness battled with the stark reality of her situation. She could see the seriousness in Harry's eyes, and the reality of their perilous situation began to sink in. Reluctantly, she stood up and moved toward her few belongings scattered around the room.

"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it. Just tell me what I need to do."

"Good," Harry replied curtly, nodding as he turned on his heel. "Get what you need quickly. We don't have much time."

Sloan packed her things with a mix of frustration and anxiety. Harry watched her with an impatient gaze, the urgency of their situation pressing heavily on him. Every second counted as Lucas's forces prepared to storm the safehouse.

Harry quickly moved to the small SUV parked discreetly outside. The vehicle was outfitted for emergencies—an armored shell with reinforced windows. He checked the interior, making sure everything was in order. The ticking clock weighed on him as he mentally ran through the next steps of the plan.

Tom, who had been coordinating the defenses and preparing for the incoming team of military specialists, approached Harry. His expression was grim but determined.

"We've fortified the safehouse as much as possible," Tom reported. "The military team will be here shortly to deal with Lucas's men. I'll stay behind to handle things and keep you updated."

Harry nodded, his eyes narrowing in focus. "Keep me informed about their movements and any changes. I need to know if anything goes sideways. And remember, the priority is to hold them off and ensure Sloan and I can get to the new location safely."

Tom gave a sharp nod. "Understood. Be careful out there."

Sloan emerged from the house, carrying a small bag with her essentials. She hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of the armored SUV and the sense of urgency in Harry's demeanor.