But it wasn’t the cartel mercenaries that caught Naomi’s attention. Standing near the hood of a dark SUV, casually smoking a cigar and holding a clipboard, was Sheriff William Daniels. Beside him, nervously shifting his weight and holding an assault rifle, was Deputy Ryan.
“Command, we have visual confirmation,” Naomi whispered into her headset. “Multiple heavily armed hostiles. We also have Sheriff Daniels and Deputy Ryan on site. They are actively facilitating the transfer.”
“Copy that, Commander,” Vance’s voice came back, tight with adrenaline. “They’re heavily outgunning us. We count twelve tangos plus the dirty cops. Do we call for state police backup?”
“No,” Naomi said instantly. “State police might have leaks too. This ends tonight, with us. We have the element of surprise. Reyes, I need you to kill those work lights on my mark. Miller, you and Vance take the high ground on the rusted crane. Pin them down. I’ll push the center.”
“In position,” Vance confirmed a minute later.
Naomi took a deep breath. The rain began to fall, light at first, pattering against the leaves, then heavier, masking the sound of their movements. She drew her weapon, clicking the safety off.
“Reyes. Lights out.”
With a sudden, violent crack, the portable generators overloaded. The halogen lights shattered in a shower of sparks, plunging the rail yard into absolute, pitch-black darkness.
Instant chaos erupted below. Shouts in Spanish and English echoed off the metal freight cars.