Reckless Creed by Alex Kava Read Free Book Online Page B

Creed grabbed a whistle and the remote from his pocket. He put the whistle to his lips at the same time that he opened the kennel doors. The dogs ran inside on command. After every single dog was safely inside and the kennel doors shut, he turned his attention back to Tabor and his men.
    â€œWe’re here on official business,” Tabor yelled. “Put the gun down now before someone gets hurt.”
    Creed saw Hannah come out on the lawn in front of the house. She looked like a trained marksman with the shotgun level in front of her ready to shoot again, and this time not in the air.
    â€œI don’t care what your official business is,” she yelled back. “I need to see a warrant.”
    â€œWe don’t need a warrant for this,” Tabor called out as he ventured from behind the tree. “I advise you to put that gun down before you get yourself hurt.”
    A shot fired above his head, sending him back to take cover. But this shot didn’t come from Hannah. It came from the tree line behind Jason’s trailer.
    â€œWhat the hell?” Tabor was down on one knee now that he realized he had two shooters.
    Creed exchanged a nervous glance with Dr. Avelyn. Jason had lost half his arm in Afghanistan, but his army training as a sniper hadn’t been affected.
    â€œI think it’s best you go back and get a warrant,” Hannah yelled.
    â€œI don’t need—”
    â€œOh, I work with the federal government enough to know you folks love your paperwork. I’m filling out twelve pages’ worth every time you need to use one of our dogs.”
    â€œThat’s entirely different,” Tabor insisted. “I have the authority—”
    â€œNow see here,” she interrupted. “I have my own authority right here.” And she racked another shell into the shotgun’s barrel like it was second nature to her.
    This time Tabor looked over at Creed and said, “She’s only making this more difficult for you and your employees. Especially if you all get sick. You have no idea what you’re dealing with or who you’re dealing with.”
    â€œYou have no idea who
you’re
dealing with, Tabor. I suggest you and your men get off my property.”
    Tabor stared him down.
    â€œYou’re making a very big mistake.”
    He cautiously stood up, waited to be sure there would be no additional gunfire, and then walked back to the first SUV. Glancing over his shoulder at Hannah, Tabor gestured to his men to follow suit.
    Car doors slammed. Engines rumbled to life. Tires spun and spit up grass. The long black line formed, and piece by black shiny metal piece it disappeared between the trees. Leaving behind exhaust fumes and silence.

13
    HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
GEORGIA
    S tephen Bishop dragged the roller bag through the busy terminal. There were long lines to the security check-in. A place against the wall opened up and Bishop grabbed the chance to stop and observe. This was the third trip to this airport, in this terminal, in less than a week. Bishop pulled out a cell phone and pretended to read messages, while watching over the top of heavy-framed glasses.
    They were short one body scanner today. The machine was corded off, and the TSA official gestured for passengers to use another lane. The PreCheck line was longer than usual but moving quickly. Bishop wasn’t in a hurry. There was no flight to catch. This trip, like the others, was strictly for observation and ultimately preparation.
    By now Bishop recognized several of the TSA officials. The tall black man with the shaved head and muscular arms was named Oscar. He usually worked the PreCheck lane. His narrow-set eyes scrutinized everything, so even though passengers didn’t have to take off their shoes or remove liquids from their carry-ons, they still had to get past his approval.
    LeKeesha sat at one of the X-ray machines. Last time Bishop had heard one of her