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.Garcia studied the feeds on multiple screens.‘Thirty-three minutes ago, four men entered the building through the front door and went upstairs.They didn’t do anything suspicious in the lobby, but you know that feeling you get when something doesn’t quite add up? Well, that’s the feeling I got when they arrived.’‘Is that all?’‘Of course not.I wouldn’t bother you for something like that.’‘Then what’s the problem?’‘Well,’ he explained, ‘three minutes ago one of the men reappeared outside.He met a second carload of people and led them inside.I realize that could still be explained – after all it’s a Saturday night and they might be on their way to a party or something – but instead of going upstairs to one of the apartments, all eight of them headed toward the basement.Right now six of them are rummaging through the storage lockers.The other two are trying to pick the lock on the boiler-room door.’McNutt cursed.‘That’s not good, chief.’‘No, it’s not,’ Cobb admitted.As the lone civilian in the group, Jasmine remained optimistic.‘Maybe they’re responding to vibrations from the cave-in.They could be looking for structural damage in the building’s foundation.There’s no way to know that they’re looking for us.’Sarah disagreed.‘Don’t be naïve.Half were in the building before the collapse.Either they’re psychic engineers, or they’re looking for something else.’‘Hector, do you still have eyes on the grate?’ Cobb wondered.‘Affirmative,’ he replied.‘If they find the tunnel, I’ll let you know.’‘By then it will be too late,’ McNutt warned.He grabbed Cobb’s arm to emphasize his point.‘What are we: two, maybe three klicks from the boiler room? And how many twists and turns are between them and us? If they’re armed and get into the tunnels, we’ll have no way of wrangling them – especially with their numbers.’Cobb nodded in agreement.‘Ladies, I hate to abandon you at a time like this, but Josh and I need to tend to this mess before it becomes a problem.Meanwhile, I’d like you to keep moving forward if that’s okay with you.’‘Of course it’s okay,’ Sarah joked.‘It’s about time you men got off your butts and got your hands dirty.Us ladies can’t do all the work.’Cobb ignored the wisecrack.‘Hector, while we’re gone, I need you to work your magic and keep us connected.I want to be able to reach them at all times.’‘No problem, Jack.’‘Good.’ He glanced at McNutt.‘You ready?’‘Almost,’ McNutt said.‘Before we go, I’ve got presents for everyone.’He opened his backpack and pulled out a Smith & Wesson M1911 pistol.The weapon was considered a classic among US servicemen, many of whom preferred to carry it instead of newer models.This particular gun was custom-fitted with a suppressor, laser sight, and an extended clip for extra ammo.McNutt handed the pistol to Cobb.‘This is for you.’Next came matching Glock 19s.These handguns fit perfectly in Jasmine and Sarah’s smaller, narrower hands, without compromising firepower.‘This is for them,’ McNutt explained.Then he pulled the last piece of artillery from his bag.The PM-84 Glauberyt was a Polish-made submachine gun that was renowned for its compact size and devastating punch.In close quarters like this, it was a wonderful choice.McNutt smiled at it.‘And this is for me.’Cobb could only laugh.To deliver the Glock 19s, McNutt slipped the climbing rope through the trigger guards and raised his hands over his head.His improvised zip line sent the weapons sliding across the chasm.Once he was done, he tossed his end of the rope towards the women.‘Take the rope.We won’t need it, but you might find a use for it.’Sarah wound it in.‘Just so you know, I’ve got more gear on the boat.Harnesses, rigging, you name it.If all else fails, we can meet you back here and set up a transfer.’‘Won’t be necessary,’ Cobb assured her.Garcia cleared his throat.‘Jack, you better get moving.These guys are after something, and they’re running out of places to look.If they happen to find the grate, I’ll lose track of them in the tunnels.’‘Relax,’ Cobb ordered, ‘we’re leaving now.’‘Copy that,’ Garcia said.Cobb nodded at McNutt, who instantly sprinted toward the boiler room as if he had been shot out of a cannon
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