Then a crisp, hyper-professional voice echoed through the speaker. It didn't sound like a lawyer's office and it didn't sound like a gang member. Naval Special Warfare Command Operations Center. State your authorization. Boyd frowned, glancing at the sheriff.
Montgomery's face had suddenly lost all its color. Jackson leaned down toward the speaker. This is Chief Petty Officer Jackson Hayes, Team 7. Authorization code Sierra Bravo Niner. I am declaring a broken arrow scenario, code Echo 7.
Myself and Petty Officer First Class Tyrone Miller are currently being held unlawfully by local law enforcement at the Oak Creek Sheriff's Department in Texas. Sensitive equipment is present and at risk of compromise. There was a microsecond of silence on the other end followed by the rapid clacking of a keyboard. The voice on the phone shifted instantly from administrative to a tone of cold, lethal urgency. Authentication confirmed, Chief Hayes.
Sit rep received. Are you under direct hostile fire? Negative. Restrained, uninjured. Local law enforcement is attempting to breach encrypted transit cases.
They are hostile and non-compliant with federal warnings. Understood, Chief. Hold your position. Do not engage unless lethal force is required for self-preservation. Escalating to Jagged command deck immediately.
The cavalry is mobilizing. Out. The line clicked dead. The silence in the Oak Creek Sheriff's Department was absolute. Heavy enough to suffocate him.
Sheriff Montgomery looked like he was about to vomit. He looked at Jackson, who was standing completely still. His eyes burning with a quiet, terrifying intensity. Boyd, however, forced a loud, nervous laugh. What kind of prank was that?
Naval command. You think I'm an idiot? You got your buddies to play a little radio game to scare us. Frankie. Montgomery whispered.
His voice trembling. Frankie, look at their posture. Look at the way they talk. If they are who they just said they are. They're nobodies, Boyd roared, slamming his hand on the desk.
They're drug runners playing a game. Lock him back up. They stay in the cell until the arraignment at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. Judge Higgins will tear them to pieces. Jackson was marched back to the cell and the door was locked.