Rebel Heart

Dan dropped beside him, followed by Elise.

"Where is everyone?" she asked, taking in the underground structure. The room beneath the collapsed building was empty.

"We heard the laser and cleared everyone out," one of the soldiers answered. "They're this way."

"We're looking for this woman," Elise said, striding towards them. "Have you seen her?"

Brady glanced at Dan. Elise had a one-track mind and less diplomacy than either of them. Dan snorted, and Brady joined Elise as she held out her micro.

"She's here," one of them said. "Refugee. She came in a few days ago with a dog."

Brady's heart quickened. Elise tucked the micro away and started down the hall ahead of the soldiers.

"Pardon our friend," Brady said, forcing himself to stay with the soldiers instead of racing down the hall with Elise. "I'm surprised the underground held."

"Me, too," one of them agreed. "Though I'm grateful it did."

"Brade," Charlie called.

Brady turned to see his friend leading three medics.

"We're opening another entrance. You find your girl?"

"She's here, sir," the soldier beside Brady said.

"Good. Will keep everyone off my back," Charlie said.

They walked through the tunnel to a large room, where people sat and whispered. The room fell silent as their group entered. Elise was walking among the survivors, her features growing irritated.

"Is there another room?" Brady asked, reading the blond woman's face.

"There are a few. Let me find Mike," one of the soldiers said. He trotted down another hallway.

"Who is Mike?" Brady asked the remaining soldier.

"He was nominated by the town to lead them and interact with us," Charlie said. "Good man. Real sharp."

"She's not here," Elise complained, joining them.

"I'm working on it already," Brady told her. "Go stand by Dan and keep quiet."

She looked ready to argue but obeyed. Brady couldn't help but hope not all elite security forces were as high-maintenance as this one. It would make for an aggravating experience, if Tim was serious about assigning him to manage the battlefield from afar.

A few minutes later, the soldier reappeared with a tall man with a sharp gaze and quick smile.

"Good to see you, Charlie," he said, shaking hands with the local commander.

"You, too, Mike. This is Brady. He and his team are looking for this little girl," Charlie said, holding up his micro.