The Relic Runner Origin Story Box Set, Ernest Dempsey [summer books TXT] 📗

it is. When you sign up, you're taking on that risk. When we joined the military, we assumed that death was part of the deal. We didn't want it to be part of the deal, but if we save someone else, someone who can't defend themselves, then it's our burden to bear."

Will knew Dak was right. They'd both taken the same risk when they signed up. But they weren't in the service anymore, and things were much different out here in the real world. None of that mattered. But Will knew his friend's mind was set.

Perhaps he'd overestimated the value of their friendship. In truth, the two rarely spoke, except when Dak needed Will to find the next target for him. Still, he'd grown to like Dak. Trust him, even. And trust, in Will's world, was a difficult thing to come by.

He shook off the sentiment and inclined his head. "Okay, I'll take the elevator. Just watch your six. Okay?"

"I always do."

The two men exited the vehicle and made their way up the sidewalk, keeping their weapons out of sight—tucked into their pants and covered by lightweight, long-sleeved button-up shirts, Dak's black and Will's white.

The city's nightlife was in full throat. Motorcycles growled by, car horns honked, and people reveled in the sights and smells of drinks, street food, and the promise of more around every corner.

No one seemed to notice the two men as they approached the building. Will and Dak, however, noticed everything. They caught each and every irregular movement and sound, though they never overreacted.

When the two reached the steps leading into Nicole's apartment, a slew of emotions smacked Dak in the chest. He paused for a second, staring at the door. Will waited patiently, his head on a swivel as he checked the street for trouble in both directions.

Dak sighed and raised a finger, then pressed on the number of Nicole's apartment on the call box.

Immediately, the door buzzed, and the lock clicked. A deep frown tightened on his face.

He couldn't recall that happening before.

Will pulled on the door's handle and held it open. He slipped in ahead of Dak and subtly drew his weapon, keeping it low and out of sight of pedestrians on the sidewalk. The empty lobby's silence grew as Dak stepped in and let the door close behind him.

"Okay," Will said. "I'll see you upstairs."

"You remember which apartment number, yeah?"

"Yes, I got it. Thank you for the reminder." Will made no effort to hide his sarcasm.

"Good. I'll see you up there."

Sixteen

Istanbul

Dak peered through the narrow window of the stairwell door and waited. He kept the pistol in his hand low and by his hip in case someone else came into the building. The last thing he needed was to send a child into hysterics at the sight of a gun in the apartment complex.

The elevator doors closed, and the lift began its ascent, carrying Will to Nicole's floor.

Dak saw nothing through the window except the steps ascending to the left and an empty corner to the right. He turned the latch and jerked the door open, hoping that the sudden, jarring movement would lure out any danger lurking in the shadows.

The only sound that escaped the stairwell was the sound of the door opening as it echoed up through the shaft. Dak entered the room, leading with his pistol. He swept to the right first, checking the minuscule blindspot in the near corner, then shifting to the left and up, making certain the next landing and stairs were clear. The back corner of the ground floor was last.

With no sign of trouble, he cautiously made his way to the steps and began to climb. He moved deliberately, but quickly. He made no sound as he scaled the stairs. When he reached the first landing, he rounded and swept the next section; still no sign of Bo or any mercenaries he might have employed.

Dak felt overcome by the silence and the lack of a threat. He didn't stop, though, despite his concerns. Pressing forward, he continued up the stairs, repeating the process each time he reached another landing. When he finally arrived at the door leading into Nicole's floor, he paused and waited.

Will would already be there.

Diego's man had given them a pair of radios to use for situations just like this, but Dak insisted on staying silent during their invasion of the apartment.

Dak wrapped his fingers around the door latch and waited. Seconds ticked by so dramatically he could almost feel them. He inspected the bolt and receiver, the edge where the door met the frame. There was no sign of an explosive device. He'd considered Bo might booby trap one of the entry points, but that would be foolish—a random stranger living in the building could have been blown to bits. There was no way to control who came and went, and in which direction they chose to go.

He shook off the consideration, realizing he'd already been over that before.

Dak pulled the latch down and pulled the door back. He checked left first, using the door as a shield against any threat that might be to the right.

Will stood in an alcove next to the elevator, weapon in hand and held high near his face. Will gave a nod, indicating the corridor was clear.

On the signal, Dak rushed out of the stairwell and down the hall, stopping in the opposite corner of the alcove where Will was concealed. He only waited a moment before advancing again, this time creeping hurriedly toward Nicole's door.

At the entrance, he stopped. He'd planned everything up to this point, but wasn't sure now what he should do. Should he knock? Then Bo would know he was there. He already knows, Dak thought. You rang the buzzer downstairs, idiot.

He decided to be more direct. Reaching down, Dak grasped the doorknob and twisted.

The knob turned without resistance. Unlocked.

Dak glanced back at Will and motioned for him to make his move. Will did as instructed and hurried over