Page 82 of Under Fire in Big Sky

Over the phone, Olivia conceded she should’ve done a better job communicating with him throughout this case, and he sounded as if he understood why they hadn’t told him about Shepherd’s offer of parley.

“Is there another way upstairs?” Trujillo asked.

“Yeah.” Chance gave a curt nod. “A main elevator and the service one.”

“Time is of the essence,” Trujillo said. “If the governor’s security detail has been compromised, we need to split up, but I also need someone to call the sheriff and my office to explain the situation so they can get out here ASAP.”

“I’ll make the calls,” Autumn said.

Trujillo handed her a business card. “Get an ambulance, too, in case the governor has been injured.”

As Olivia pivoted toward Autumn to remind her to be careful, she spotted Paige, the lovely brunette, wearing a Buckthorn uniform. “I know her, too.” Olivia pointed out the woman.

Paige turned her head, scanning her surroundings. Their gazes collided. The woman’s face went blank right before she took off running.

“We’ve got her,” Bo said. He and Takoda bolted after her.

The place was crawling with Sean’s people.

Where on earth were the real state troopers? What happened to them?

“I’ll start on the calls.” Autumn headed back toward the front of the club.

“Listen,” Olivia said to the others, “this group with Shepherd is experienced.” Not like the hotel staff. Or the insiders at the carbon capture facility, who turned out to be Caleb and Paul, according to Trujillo. Or the teenagers in the state park. “They have tactical training and will go toe-to-toe with you before giving in.” Sean’s people had that hardened glint in their eye and walked like they knew how to handle themselves. At least Tak and Bo had taken out four gunmen at the farm, cutting down the size of Sean’s small army.

“Got it.” Trujillo nodded. “I’ll handle the fake state troopers.”

“I’ll head upstairs to the library,” Lenek offered.

“Agent Finch, you also go with them upstairs. Take the service elevator. Agent Chen, you’re with me.” Trujillo and the other agent approached Sean’s men by the stairs.

Chance double-backed through the club and took the rest of them down a small corridor that led to the service elevator. He pushed the call button.

Everyone drew a weapon. Five of them climbed into the elevator and rode it up one floor. Eli put a hand on her shoulder and met her eyes.

Without saying a word, she understood what he wanted to say. Be careful. No heroics. She simply nodded in return.

A chime sounded. The elevator doors slid open.

A man stood there, gun in hand, ready for them. Agent Finch lunged, grabbing the guy’s extended arm, and shoved it upward as the weapon discharged, the bullet hitting the ceiling. Chance seized the man’s other arm, and they forced him to the floor.

“The library is down the hall and around the corner,” Chance said, assisting Finch with getting the guy onto his stomach. “Double doors.”

Finch took out his handcuffs and restrained the man’s wrists. “We’ve got this.”

Another man charged from the other end of the hall. Clearly one of Sean’s in utility pants and combat boots, carrying an assault rifle.

“FBI!” Finch shouted.

The guy raised his weapon. Lenek responded, putting a bullet in his chest and dropping him.

“Go,” Finch urged.

Hurrying down the hall, they spotted Trujillo and the others on the ground floor in a fierce standoff at the bottom of the stairs. Everyone had their guns drawn.

“Drop your weapons!” Trujillo yelled.

“Not happening!” Goatee shook his head. “Drop yours, G-man, and you get to keep breathing!”