Ghostwalker 08 - Street Game

shake her head. “I don’t think we’re all that far from the caveman era,” she pointed out.
    Jaimie watched Kane and Mack double-team the sales clerk until he capitulated and agreed to have the beds delivered that afternoon. “You get your way in everything, don’t you,” she demanded as they fell into step to go from the store.
    We’re bringing her out, Mack sent to his team.
    Marc moved into position in front of them and she saw Lucas drop in behind them. Ethan and Jacob were close, she could sense them, but she didn’t spot them. In spite of knowing the team was in place, her stomach coiled with tension. She remembered she’d excelled in all the training, but it was nerve-wracking moving through crowds of people knowing you were a target and those protecting you were people you loved.
    She stayed in step with Marc, sandwiched between Mack and Kane, unless they were forced single file, which the two men managed to avoid most of the time. Jaimie knew they looked intimidating and they projected aggressive energy around them and in front of them, forcing people to unknowingly step out of the path.
    Coming out, Mack sent to his team outside.
    Clear, Gideon reported.
    They stepped out onto the sidewalk, into the bustling crowd, and began to make their way back toward the wharf district. As she walked between them, Jaimie couldn’t stop the small burst of happiness. Each day had been difficult without Mack, but that aside, their presence gave her the freedom to actually be normal for a short period of time. She could eat out, walk down the street, just pretend, for a few moments, that she was like everyone else.
    “You don’t really mind the beds, do you, Jaimie?” Mack asked.
    “No. I’d never expect you to sleep in a twin bed,” she admitted. “I was just giving you both a hard time. Although I’m not certain we should let Kane near his bed.”

    92

    Mack laughed and Jaimie turned her head to get Kane’s reaction when the first warning seized her. The second assault hit right on top of the first.
    In the crowd, Mack, he just dropped in behind us. Gideon broadcast the warning.
    Shooter on the roof. Second building on the left.
    Get him in your sites now, Gideon, Mack commanded. Ethan, can you get around to us with the car?
    Lucas moved up behind Jaimie, closing the gap so no one could get between them.
    They pushed through the crowd, heading for the corner where Ethan waited with the car. The sidewalk was lined with parked cars and traffic was nearly at a standstill.
    No chance. I can get to you on foot.
    Stay with the car. We may need it.
    I don’t have a clear shot. Get out of there. I’m moving position, Gideon said.
    Break to the right now, Jaimie, Mack ordered as he turned into a shop, yanking Jaimie in after him. Kane and Lucas followed. They made no pretense of etiquette, but hurried at a fast pace toward the back of the store. Ethan, bring the car around the block. We’re going out the back.
    I’ve got him. He’s moving, trying to get around to get into position for a shot at the car. Green light? Gideon asked.
    Take him out, Mack commanded grimly, as he kept moving through the store toward the back door.
    Fuck! We’ve got another bogey. Another bogey in the field. I think it’s Superman.
    Gideon rarely swore, and Mack brought Jaimie to an abrupt halt, shielding her with his body. He was not willing to bring her onto the street, although they were going out a door a block away with a building between them and the shooter. Mack didn’t know how many they were up against. He wanted numbers and positions. The longer they waited in the store, the more they lost the slim advantage they’d gained.
    Shooter down. I think we both nailed him, Gideon reported. That bastard Superman and I are in a standoff, Top. I’m looking right down the business end of his rifle.
    Back away. Get off the roof and clear, Gideon, Mack advised. I’m sending backup.
    No way. This guy’s good, boss. If he wanted me dead, I’d be dead. We’d both be down because I’d take the son of a bitch with me and he knows it. Don’t provoke him.
    I think he’s watching over Jaimie.
    Can you get clear?

    93

    If not, and I miss him, hunt him down for me.
    Don’t get your ass shot off. I’ll be royally pissed.
    Royally pissed? Not just plain pissed?
    Jaimie felt the tension coiled tight in Mack’s body. She reached out, knowing they needed the positions of their enemies. She let her mind expand. She felt the