EDGE OF SHADOWS: The Shadow Ops Finale (Shadow Ops, Book # 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

comms, he heard Rose saying, “It’s me you want, not them. Take me.”
    Damn woman, always playing the hero. Didn’t she know that was his job? He made it to the front lobby and snagged two sleepy Capitol policemen ready to go off shift. After identifying himself and the situation, he ran for the door with one of them while the other called for the cavalry.
    Despite the fact that 99% of their job was manning tourist security checkpoints, the Capitol Police were well trained for hostage-crisis situations. But Billy would feel a whole lot better if his own people took care of business before the uniformed cops arrived.
    “I’m coming, Rose,” he said into comms.
    “What are those balloons for?” she asked, feeding Billy clues. He listened hard for any response from the hostage taker.
    “Hands behind your back,” the HT said. “Meet your worst fear, Rose Prospero. You’d rather die than let anything happen to your people or innocent civilians while you stand by and watch helplessly.”
    Guy got that right, Billy thought as he and the policeman clattered down the Capitol steps, trying hard not to look like they were running.
    “Lucky, I’m in the game now,” he said through his mic. “Where do you need us?”
    “I’m behind the bus on Jefferson, getting the kids out via the emergency hatch. So far, so good, only a few more to go, but I could use some help getting them to safety before the goon at the front spots us. Once they’re clear, I can tackle the bomb.”
    Billy sent the cop to Lucky while he kept a beeline toward the Mall. Trying hard to look like just another DC office worker heading to work on a cold Monday morning, he wondered at the hostage takers leaving the bus relatively unguarded—fearful of the bomb detonating soon?
    “Lucky and KC must pay for their crimes against our father and brothers,” the HT with Rose continued.
    Billy spotted a cluster of red balloons appearing to float at ground level, an illusion because of Rose’s position down below in the sunken sculpture garden.
    Which meant he could track her, but they wouldn’t see him coming—if he could find a way to keep their spotters on the ground occupied. Instead of heading across the empty field between him and Rose’s position, he turned toward Jefferson Drive, intending to cut through the trees lining the far end of the path.
    “What about all those innocent children?” Rose argued, buying time. “You’ve got us. Tell those two with the Tec-9s to walk away.”
    Billy used his cell to warn the Capitol cop about the head count. At least five, armed with automatic weapons.
    “I’ve got the bus in sight,” the cop said. “No sign of any suspects. Your man has the kids crawling out into some bushes. But sooner or later, someone will spot the movement.”
    They needed a diversion. “Have your guys run down the street, lights and sirens blazing. Don’t slow near the bus, keep going. It will distract them and make them lower their weapons long enough to get the kids into the Hirshhorn.”
    “Got it. My backup will be here in two, and I’ve got four guys in plainclothes coming.”
    “As soon as the kids are clear and the HTs neutralized, let my guy take care of the bomb. He’s ATF, the best there is.”
    “Roger.”
    “What’s wrong? Out of money for handcuffs? You really think you can hold me here, tying me up with balloon string?” Rose continued stalling for time.
    “No,” the HT said. “But this will keep you in one place for the time being. Open your palms. It’s a mercury switch tied to the detonator, and I’ve just activated it. Move a muscle, and those kids die.”
    Shit. Billy toggled his mic. “It’s okay, Rose. I’m coming.”
    She was silent—meaning the HT was still near. He tried KC. “KC, can you report your situation?”
    Silence. Damn, if anything happened to KC, how the hell was he ever going to face Chase Westin? The marine and former FBI agent were engaged to be married—would have already