Read The Shadow of Mudflap (A Foxtrot Team Novel #1) for Free Online Page B

the innocuous back wall where a hidden door slid open to reveal the security area of LiFT. She walked forward into a scanner that looked like it was straight out of a science fiction movie with its strange lights and reflective walls. The floor slid forward about ten feet while it scanned and finally she was through the various checkpoints.
    A sexy, deep electronic voice with a male Australian accent sounded over the system. “Good evening, Shadowfox. We’re thankful to see you here safe tonight.”
    That didn’t sound good. A shiver of dread skittered down her spine.
    The voice belonged to the interactive computer, SAM, which ran the security at LiFT. The computer regularly changed its voice based upon who interacted with it, the women received updates from an Australian male voice and the men received them in a female’s British accent. It was completely sexist, but no one had ever complained. SAM monitored all the teams both inside and outside of LiFT through their computer systems. The information was fed from the various satellites and GPS tracking units so it definitely knew when something was amiss.
    “Thank you SAM. Can you tell me who from my team is in the building tonight?”
    “Foxhunter and Firefox are in the war room.” Daniel, Foxhunter, was the team leader and Michael, Firefox, was their back-up pilot and paramedic. He also had a history as a firefighter, so he was working undercover at Mudflap’s fire station right now. It was odd for them both to be here this late on a Friday night.
    “Thank you, SAM. Please advise them I’m in the building and will be there momentarily.”
    She entered the war room where both Michael and Daniel peered at one of the many computer monitors that lined the far wall. It appeared to be broadcasting a live feed from drone surveillance. “What’s going on?” she asked them as she stepped closer to see the monitor. “Wait, is that the bar…” This was a live feed of Mickey’s, the bar she’d just left, only now it was engulfed in flames.
    “What happened?” She thought of Troy, whose little boy was just barely over one and swallowed against the nausea. “Did anyone make it out?”
    Daniel turned to her with relief in his eyes. “We don’t know anything yet. Until you checked in, I wasn’t sure that you had made it out.” He nodded his head at the screen. “Lift crews are en route to work EMS. We’ll know more after that, but it appears the place was firebombed right after you left. Were you able to do the pick-up?”
    “Yes.” She handed the tiny microchip over to Daniel. “What about Slade? Was he one of ours or just an informant?” She glanced back at the fire-ravaged bar she’d just left.
    “He’s DEA. He’s been undercover with the Intrepids for over two years. We don’t know who escaped and who didn’t at this point, but this doesn’t look good.”
    “Could it have been ALT?”
    “That’s very likely. We’ll know more after we analyze the information from this. You did well tonight, Shadowfox, and I’m glad you’re safe.”
    A shiver worked its way down her spine. Whatever happened at the bar, she’d missed it by mere minutes.
     
    Halftime Texting
    Shanae : Good morning. I’m sorry I had to skip out early on you last night. I had a good time.
    Mudflap : Me, too. Is everything okay at work?
    Shanae : Not really. Honestly, I really would have preferred ending my evening with you.
    Mudflap : Oh, really. Want me to come over now?
    Shanae : LOL, ready and willing, huh?
    Mudflap : Always…
    Shanae : Unfortunately, I’m still at work and need to get back to it.
    Mudflap : Still? Try to find time to get some rest when you can. I know what it’s like when the EMS crews are on call.
    Shanae : Thanks, Mudflap.
    Mudflap : I hope sweet dreams find you soon.
     
    Mudflap
    Mudflap sat in Grant’s hospital room, watching the Texas Tech football game. Grant still hadn’t come out of the coma and his wife, Donna, was beginning to feel the