Chapter 17

Laswell took a long pull of her cigarette, feeling anxious. Price had contacted her stating he had something for her, saying that their favorite had sent it. She knew what it meant, and it alarmed her that Nicolette felt she couldn't send it to her directly. It was why she had been chain smoking like crazy and had her remembering that fateful day.

They were on a mission tracking weapons shipment through Afghanistan to a new and upcoming insurgent group. Forget the Taliban, these guys were serious. Laswell was in charge, and she pulled the best agent with recon analysis and completely fluent in Farsi, Arabic and Pashto. She pulled Nicolette from behind the desk and dragged her along.

Thinking about it now, Laswell wanted to laugh. Nicolette's call sign made perfect sense despite the claim that she liked Tom Clancy novels. She remembered when she first met her. She was nothing like what she was now. She remembered Nicolette being very much an analyst, not much prone to swearing, a bit protective of her research and quick to come up with possible solutions to situations. Very, unassuming until she felt the need to voice her opinion, more on the urge to put the truth out there.

Laswell had taken her on missions before, but always in the room. She exploited Nicolette's abilities with hacking to get what they needed. Looking back, Laswell never really thought about the consequences of that. That she might have put the young agent's life in danger without even thinking about how to protect her from governments or other unsavory types, the targets of the hacking. That mission though… Laswell remembered all too well.

Nicolette had done her job, but they needed to get in close. Laswell sent her with their guy as a translator and to help throw off suspicion. Things didn't go well. Laswell didn't realize that command was going to wipe out the cell and didn't care that they had people there. Laswell tried to get a message to Nicolette through the comm she insisted that she wear.

The unit was sent in, and they swept through the site. No prisoners were taken even though it was clear that there were a few that surrendered. Laswell found out about it and used her clearance to get everything she needed. She went through everything, and she saw no sign of her agent. The only image caught was what she was certain was her agent running to take cover.

Laswell spent time reaching out to people she knew to look for her. She had a couple of leads, descriptions that seemed to match her lost agent, but the trail went cold. Laswell kept trying, looking for any signs, sometimes seeing things that were highly unlikely. She tried everything only to realize that she really didn't know her lost agent. In the end, she was forced to give up. It went from there and she ended up with Alex and…

Laswell took another puff on her cigarette. It really was a shock when she found out that S64 was her missing agent. In fact, she remembered Jensen's words to her before she met Price on that day when they formed the 141 and when he spoke to her about David. A lot of mistakes had been made and Jensen did clean up the mess.

"Kate."

Laswell looked up and saw that Price had arrived. She put out the cigarette. "John, what do you have?"

Price took a seat across from Laswell. They had agreed to this location for privacy and secrecy. He put his hands on the table and produced a USB drive. "From our favorite."

"Anything on it?"

"That's the problem. It's encrypted and apparently only you know the password," Price replied as he put it on the table.

Laswell looked at the USB. She slowly took it and looked at it. "Why would Ryan think I know the password?"

"That was what the message said when it arrived," Price replied with a shrug. He paused before saying, "It's urgent. She wouldn't have sent it through a connection she set up between me and her if there wasn't trouble."

Laswell looked at Price. That was like her agent. Even back then Nicolette would encrypt her work, have a backup set up just in case. "Can always count on Walker," she muttered.

"So, you do know it?"

Laswell thought about it as she pulled out her tablet and stuck the USB in. A window opened and prompted for the password. She stared at it and tried to think about what it would be likely for a password. She tried to recall any conversations she may have had including when she finally met with Nicolette face to face.

Price watched Laswell think about it. He was the last one to criticize, but it was bad when they couldn't even recall a fond memory. His memories consisted of when they first met and how she gave a little but told nothing. After he approached her, she opened up a little, but it wasn't like what he had suspected she shared with Gaz, Soap or Ghost. Maybe that was it. "Kate, she doesn't think like most," he offered.

Laswell studied the screen. She frowned and made a face, "She knows I don't like being called that." She typed in the password.

The screen changed and the information scrolled. Laswell looked through the images, "She found the batch IDs and tracked the missiles down to the last posting."

"Smart one." Price had no qualms about Nicolette's abilities and smarts. He didn't blame the attitude and found the straightforward manner better than the tip toeing.

"Oh my God. John, she found out how Hassan got the missiles." Laswell looked at Price. "They may be in trouble in Las Almas."

Price straightened up. "What did she send?"

"Graves'll have this place locked down."

Nicolette was standing guard to make sure no one snuck up on them. Ghost took some gear from Rodolfo and said, "Expect patrols on the outside."

"No doubt."

Nicolette couldn't help but say, "You can let me scout. I did the same thing for Gaz in Moldova." She had mentioned it earlier on the way there, but Ghost shot her down. That was the problem when you had a well-meaning friend. They had a tendency to forget that you can do the job.

"It's not Moldova," Ghost replied. He looked at her, "Trying not to raise blood pressure any more than necessary, Ryan."

Nicolette huffed like a teenager. "Fine." She grabbed the ammo bag she packed off the truck and pulled it off. She slung it on her shoulders, making the point that she was more than capable. She made sure her rifles of choice were in place and made sure her kukri blade was at her hip, and she had a pistol and a few other knives on her person. She looked at Ghost almost defiantly, "At least we packed for the trip."

"Guns, ammo, and charges in the packs," Soap said in agreement.

"And I packed a few more for the grenade launcher here and there," Nicolette said in an offhand manner as she adjusted her feet, ready to hike.

Rodolfo pulled out the plummet, "Got the plummet gun. Ascenders?"

"Check," came the reply from everyone.

Ghost nodded and led the way. Rodolfo followed in second, followed by Nicolette. Soap took drag as they hoofed it. He said, "Let's hope Alejandro's alive."

Rodolfo and Nicolette shared a laugh before Rodolfo replied, "Count on it."

They found a trail and took to following it in. It was heading in the right direction. Soap followed, feeling a bit worried for Nicolette. He hadn't failed to notice how she was faking it back at the safe house until she talked to Ghost. Maybe he should have felt hurt that she didn't talk to him about what happened, but judging from what he observed, he guessed it was something that she felt Ghost would understand. If he had to guess, it was something that was so horrible that she was scared of how he would feel about her for what happened when she escaped Shadow Company. He knew what his reaction would be if Graves' men did anything to her. At least she talked to someone was a good thing. She seemed better than before and was ready to rescue Alejandro and his men.

As they jogged the trail, Soap asked, "Rudy, I know you've known Ryan for at least five years. How long've ya known Alejandro?"

"Twenty years. Signed up together. Toughest dude in the regiment," Rodolfo replied.

"I wouldn't wanna mess with him."

Rodolfo couldn't help but smile as he added, "We used to say 'el unico que puede matar a Alejandro es Alejandro'."

Ghost was curious and asked, "What's it mean?"

Nicolette answered in a low tone, "The only thing that can kill Alejandro is Alejandro."

"y la Muerte es su aliada," Rodolfo added, reminding Nicolette how that expanded. He shared a look with her and nodded when she nodded.

Soap didn't miss the look and figured that last bit was related to how she joined the Vaqueros when she saved Alejandro. It was no wonder Alejandro was a tough bastard. He grunted, "Glad he's on our side."

Rodolfo agreed, making Nicolette call him a cabron. Soap watched as she took a running start to climb the incline and vaulted herself over. What was effortless for him, Rodolfo, and Ghost, she had to compensate for her height. She just made it impressive and graceful, and it hid a well-toned body that could disarm or kill you. He chuckled when he heard Ghost tease her about needing a hand and her telling him to go fuck himself in Spanish. He was certain that was what she said.

They were on approach to the prison when Ghost called out, "Hold up. Eyes on the prison. Patrols on the outside."

"Let me have my fun, Ghost," Nicolette whispered.

"Negative."

"Fucking spoilsport."

They were going to have to take out the patrols to get in. Ghost had a plan that didn't involve Nicolette moving out of his sight for the moment. He was still disconcerted by their conversation, and it surprised him when he really thought about his feelings. They would do it his way for now. "Two snipers, first tower. Soap, you take out one. Ryan, impress me and get the other."

Nicolette followed and set up for her shot. She found the tower in her sights. "Got it. Soap, pick one and drop 'em."

Soap had also set up and found the tower. He took the one out on the right. Not too long afterwards came Nicolette's shot. He confirmed, "Shadow's down."

"Good shots, hermanos," Rodolfo commented. He was impressed with Nicolette's skills. He remembered she was more into hand-to-hand combat, which was why he was amused at her reaction to Ghost saying she couldn't "have fun." Seeing all three of them interact was entertainment but showed him how much his favorite sister had grown over the years.

"I'll flank around and clear the field," Ghost said. He looked at Nicolette and Rodolfo. "Rudy, Ryan, give us a hand. Hold fire, Soap."

"More likely Ryan will be ahead of ya," Soap muttered as he adjusted his position.

Everyone moved to take up position when a helicopter came, more likely for a supply drop. Ghost called it so it was on their radar. Nicolette studied the scene, "I count six Shadows."

Affirm… three at the vehicle, two behind the rocks, one solo on the right.

Rodolfo nodded and said, "Take the two at the vehicle first and the others won't see."

Good call. On you Soap, Ryan. On

Still want me to impress you?

Haven't so far. Soap, on my mark, take out the one on the cap. Ryan, take out the other.

"Set," Soap said as soon as he had his shot.

Set.

Check. 3, 2,1…

It was perfect. The shots were fired simultaneously and hit almost the exact same time. Soap could confirm they were down through his scope. He felt pride that Nicolette could make the shot.

Solid. Two down. On the move.

Soap, you have the shot. Take the two to the right of the vehicle. Ghost, clear the other side. On you, sergeant.

"And there's the bossy nag," Soap muttered as he set up his shot. He could take out both with one bullet. He adjusted his position and waited until both were in his sights before firing. The bullet hit both.

"Clear," Rodolfo said.

Good shots, assholes. All clear.

Push up to the base of the tower. That's our entry point.

Soap and Rodolfo got to their feet and started moving forward, staying quiet. It was disconcerting when Nicolette appeared from where she had hidden. She had gotten very close to the point she could have taken out the Shadows by hand, but she respected Ghost's command enough to adhere to what he ordered. Still, the point was made that she had the skills to get close and personal and you wouldn't know it. Ghost didn't say anything about it since she more or less followed his orders.

At the base of the tower, Rodolfo shot the line out. It was a good hook and Ghost was set to take point. Once Ghost was up, Soap was next. He joked at Nicolette and asked, "Need a ride up?"

"Go stun gun yourself," she replied, making him laugh and he ascended.

Nicolette wasn't far behind. She had a grip, but it wasn't a firm one and would have slipped if Soap hadn't grabbed her wrist and helped haul her up. She gave a pat on his shoulder in thanks. She adjusted her hoodie before picking up her rifle and followed him as they followed Ghost. They needed to make their way to the security room.

Look for a hatch with a ladder.

Ghost found it and opened it. He looked at Soap and Nicolette, "You two on me. Down and in."

Soap motioned for Nicolette to go. "Ladies first."

"Look who's talking," Nicolette replied with a wry grin as she climbed down. She immediately adjusted her feet so she could rapid climb down.

Once they were in, Ghost motioned for them to move. The position of the tower and the hatch put them not too far from the security room. Nicolette tapped Ghost's arm and motioned at the building, "Security building just ahead. CCTV's will be inside."

"Move fast and stay low," Ghost nodded before taking point.

Soap gestured for Nicolette to follow Ghost. Nicolette nodded and followed the man through the yard. There were crates and debris for cover, if necessary, but it was better to not get caught. They followed Ghost until they came to the door of the security building. Rodolfo confirmed, "Two inside. Let's take them out before they call their amigos."

They stacked up on the door with Soap ready to open it. He rushed in quietly to take out one while Rodolfo fired a couple of shots from his suppressed rifle. He looked around and said, "Clear."

"We'll use the closed circuit to locate my men and Alejandro," Rodolfo said as she approached the computer. He raised his brow when Nicolete stuck a USB cable into his computer and attached it to her tablet, "You're thinking of something?"

Nicolette had a thought and decided to have a little fun. She just needed to get in and make a sew things difficult for the Shadows. She grinned and replied, "Just a little something for fun. It won't interfere with what you need to do." She turned to Ghost and said, "Just something to add to the diversions I am certain you are planning."

Ghost nodded, "I'll plant charges on the outside. Soap, your eyes'll guide me." He looked at Nicolette who was listening even though she was busy on her tablet. He shook his head and groused, "One of these days that hunk of junk will buy it."

"And that will be a cold day in hell, asshole," she replied, not even looking up. "After all, I know hardware and software." She looked up and gave a simpering smile, "And you've always liked what I cook up."

Ghost shook his head as Soap and Rodolfo took their positions at the computers. He said, "I'm out, watch for me."

"Rog. Good luck, Lt.," Soap said as Ghost ran out the building.

"He won't need luck," Nicolette said. She had been watching the direction Ghost left in. "It's why he's La Fantasma." She was thoughtful as she said it before she went back to what she was doing.

Soap studied her before getting down to business. He guided Ghost to potential targets for explosives. It was almost a reversal of roles with him guiding Ghost this time. It also struck him that Nicolette did the same thing when she was in ops command. He gave a slight shake of his head and focused on getting Ghost past the Shadows.

When Ghost knifed a Shadow and dumped him in the trash bin, he couldn't help but say, "Time to take out the trash."

Shut up, Soap. Fucking hell…

And I'm sure you'd love it if it came from me.

Keep it tactical you two.

Nicolette chuckled as she finished what she was doing. It didn't take her long and she used her connection to tap into the cameras Soap was using. She let Soap do the guiding since Ghost gave him that job. She would just observe just in case something got missed. She wasn't saying that it did, but she was the more paranoid and OCD of the bunch. She called it hedging her bets when really it was for peace of mind.

"Sleep tight shithole."

Nicolette shook her head at Soap's commentary. She knew that he was doing it mostly to be annoying to Ghost. She was equally bad, and she encouraged Soap to do the same when they double teamed the man. Of course, they did it in small doses since they last thing was to really piss off Ghost to the point where the captain would have to step in.

We're all set here, Johnny. Have we located Alejandro?

"Perfect timing," Rodolfo replied, "I found him."

Soap looked over at Rodolfo, "Where?"

"Stand by."

Soap saw the camera image shift. He saw Alejandro and the man looked spitting mad. "Bloody fucking hell. That's him."

"He's in solitary. Two on the door," Rodolfo confirmed.

Soap nodded, "I see 'em. Ghost, we got him. He's alone. Two Shadows on guard."

Not for long. RV outside the cellblock. We'll pry him loose.

Soap nodded, "Roger that. On the move."

Nicolette had disconnected her cable and packed her tablet. She nodded at Soap and Rodolfo, "Good job. Rudy, you might just surpass me one day." She gave a sisterly punch to the man's shoulder.

"Alejandro would've come for us."

"No doubt." Nicolette made a slight face at that since she was fully aware of what Alejandro was capable of.

"Definitely," Soap agreed as he gave a brotherly handshake to Rodolfo.

"Let's get some Vaqueros," Rodolfo prompted as he slung the pack over his shoulders. He turned to lead the way to the cell block.

Soap shared a look with Nicolette, and she followed, adjusting the pack she had on her back. He followed, covering their six. "Ghost, what's your status?"

Comin' your way.

"Copy. We're on the move."

Is that above, below, or through objects, Ghost?

Piss off, Ryan.

They made it to the cell block to find two Shadows blocking the way. Ghost decided to let Nicolette have fun and said, "Ryan, take out one. Soap, the other."

Even with a pack full of weapons and ammo, Nicolette was able to move stealthy and was on the Shadow before he realized what was going on. She knifed him quick from years of practicing on knowing where the kill and wound points on the human body were. She shook the blood off her knife and put it back on her belt as Rodolfo called it clear.

"That's my girl," Soap whispered, not able to help it as he walked up to the door and tested it. "Locked."

"We'll need to breach it."

"No Rudy," Ghost said, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "Knock."

Rodolfo nodded and moved into position. The others stacked on the door ready to move in once the door opened. He gave two knocks and waited.