Ghostwalker 08 - Street Game

street. Ethan disappeared entirely.
    “Jaimie’s persistent assistant,” he said. “Javier is coming up on him.”
    Watch yourself, Javier, Gideon cautioned. He knows he’s being watched, Gideon added. Boss, you’re going to think I’m crazy, but I swear he moves like Superman. I think he’s the one watching Jaimie. And that shot yesterday? The winds were ferocious. I had a good angle, but he didn’t. To make a shot like that, only a handful of people in the world could do that. If it’s him, and I think it is, he’s good, Mack.
    I don’t think you’re crazy, Gideon. Javier, don’t approach him. Keep moving.
    You’re taking my fun away.
    Kane swore under his breath. “Javier just buzzed by him, doing a few showy tricks. He’s got four other kids with him. Jaimie’s little friend watched them every step of the way. Never took his eyes off of them. He’s not going to be easy, Mack.”
    Javier, stop playing with fire. That man’s the real deal. I need you to get back here in a few when it’s safe.
    Javier snorted. I can take him, Top. You give the word.
    You’ll stand down.
    Waiting for orders as always, came the prompt reply.

    96

    Mack snorted. Javier did whatever the hell he wanted to do and then grinned at Mack sheepishly while Mack lectured him. I need you on the computer telling me everything you can about this guy. I don’t want the bullshit cover story. I want his real identity and who sent him.
    Can I come in behind him and use Jaimie’s sweet equipment? Javier sounded eager.
    Only if you don’t mind if she gets mad at you for touching her babies, Mack said.
    “At the door, Mack,” Kane reported.
    On cue the fog horn blared. Mack stabbed his finger on the intercom. “Yes?”
    “I want to see her. Jaimie. I want to see her.”
    “She told you to take the day off.” Mack didn’t pretend to be oblivious of the man’s identity. What was the point?
    “Yeah, well, it’s me or the cops. I want to see her for myself and if you think I’m bluffing, try me.”
    He saw us getting her into the car somehow, Kane sent telepathically. He knows she’s hurt, probably had a scope on us and saw the blood as we carried her. You’d want to do the same, get a visual checkup. The guy has balls, Mack.
    Yeah, well, he’d better watch that he doesn’t get them whacked off. “Come on up, then,” Mack invited into the intercom and waved Kane over to the door. “But come up unarmed.”
    “I don’t need weapons,” Joe said, his voice utterly calm.
    Kane flashed Mack a grin. “You got to hand it to the guy.” There was admiration in his voice. “He knows he’s walking into the lion’s den.”
    “He won’t come without a weapon.” Mack made it a statement.
    “No, he won’t,” Kane agreed.
    Mack put himself in front of Jaimie, reaching down for a moment to wipe strands of hair from her face. She appeared to be sleeping again. He was terrified of her slipping into unconsciousness and then a coma. Bleeding on the brain often occurred with psychic overload and more than one death had resulted. His heart beat too fast and he was edgy as hell, not the perfect time for her friend to show up.
    The man was arrogant enough to take the freight lift, not bothering to try to surprise them by silently creeping up the stairs. He stepped out of the elevator looking down the barrel of both guns without so much as blinking.
    “Search him,” Mack said to Kane.
    Joe shook his head. “Not a good idea to put your hands on me. I’ve got a dead man’s switch and you come near me, or make a move for Jaimie, and we all go up.”

    97

    He smiled and there was amusement in his black eyes as they glittered at Mack.
    “Just to let you know, I don’t bluff.”
    “I don’t guess you do,” Mack said without lowering his weapon. “You take out the bogey on the roof?”
    “I think your man and I hit him at the same time.”
    “Nice shot.” Mack gave credit where it was due.
    “Thanks. I don’t miss what I’m aiming at.”
    “You want to tell me what you want with Jaimie?”
    “You’re the one standing over her with a gun. She looks in bad shape. You tell me who you are and what you’re doing here.”
    “You can find out about us the hard way, just like we’re doing with you,” Mack said. “You think I’m going to hand it to you?”
    “This is going to be a damn long day and she could be in real trouble,” Joe pointed out.
    “She’s my family.” My everything. Mack didn’t say it aloud,