Gabi figured the male tourist with the bulging belly and Harley T-shirt would be her staunchest ally. He had a wife to protect, and his eyes showed a calm that could only have come from some time in combat or police service. She could recognize that look anywhere. It was the same quiet confidence that her father exuded from his years in service to India’s military.

The smaller black gunman’s attention was focused on the front of the building, his rifle pointed menacingly at the front windows, as if he was ready for an assault.

With his laser beam gaze and military-trained focus directed on the police, the one called Sparks presented the easiest target. The Giant and the red-haired woman they called Doc had disappeared into the vault room soon after the torture of the manager.

Now was her chance.

She tried to get Harley’s attention, but he was too preoccupied with his wife and her incessant crying. Gabi had little sympathy for people who took on a “woe is me” attitude.

Deciding to move on to another potential ally, she tried to get the attention of the Asian businessman. He wore a blue suit with white pinstripes. It was a three-piece, and he had apparently elected to wear the full ensemble despite the blistering Nevada heat.

He refused eye contact and kept muttering a prayer under his breath. Some kind of Buddhist proverb or incantation, she guessed. He’d be of little help either, unless he was some kind of warrior monk, which she highly doubted.

The young partier’s eyes were still dilated from the previous night’s activities. He seemed to barely register what was happening. Perhaps, he was under the impression that this was all some kind of bad narcotic-induced hallucination.

That left only the blonde, the mute woman who looked like she may do fine at palates but was probably worthless in a fight.

Still, the blonde was hyperaware and, apparently having the same idea, motioned at the only remaining gunman with her eyes.

Gabi gave a nod.

Now all she needed was a distraction and a whole lot of luck.

Her heart jumped as the gunman watching the door yelled, “Someone’s coming!”

Chapter 26

Samuel Carter felt like he was stepping out to face Goliath with nothing but a slingshot and some rocks, but in reality he wasn’t even that well-armed. He had nothing more than his FBI-issued body armor and his wits. He could feel the eyes of the SWAT officers at his back, and the deceptively calm façade of the GoBox facility ahead.

Carter was ten feet from the door when it finally opened and one of the gunman stuck out the barrel of his assault rifle and said, “That’s far enough. Are you the SSA?”

“Actually, you reeled in an even bigger fish. I’m Assistant Special Agent in Charge Samuel Carter. I’m second in command at the Las Vegas Field Office.”

“Why didn’t you send an SSA?”

“You wanted Ritchie Valance and you got Elvis Presley. Or at least maybe Buddy Holly. What are you complaining about?”