Eye for an Eye, an (Heroes of Quantico Book #2): A Novel Read Online Free Page A

anymore. Someone who wanted to send a message to the world.
    But that didn’t fit, Mark realized. Shooters who wanted to attract attention tended to seek crowded, very visible places to make their statement. Places where they could inflict the most amount of damage in the least amount of time. And in general they expected to be caught—or to take their own life rather than surrender.
    Today’s shooter had chosen an isolated park on a quiet Saturday morning. Only two people had been in range when he’d opened fire. His aim had been sound. And he’d made a fast getaway.
    That led to a very disturbing conclusion.
    “I don’t think this was a random shooting,” Mark said slowly.
    “Explain.”
    When Mark provided his rationale, there was a moment of silence on the line before Les spoke. “Steve, what’s your take?”
    “I don’t want to jump to any conclusions without some preliminary findings from the crime scene investigation. But I think Mark’s reasoning is sound.”
    “So do I. We could be dealing with a sniper who has a very specific target. I’m going to brief the CIRG team as soon as I hang up.”
    Again, Mark wasn’t surprised. The HRT was part of the FBI’s larger Critical Incident Response Group, which was charged with crisis management in large-scale, volatile situations. Some of the group’s resources would be tapped to assist with this investigation because of Mark’s involvement.
    The sound of shuffling papers came over the line. Mark pictured Les squinting, as he often did in tense situations, his ever-present unlit cigar clenched between his teeth.
    “Until we get a better handle on this, I want security on Mark 24/7. I’ll send Coop out there to assist.”
    Cringing, Mark imagined his teammate’s reaction to bodyguard duty. They’d worked a few dignitary protection details together through the years, and those had been among Coop’s least-favorite assignments. “I think we can handle this with existing manpower.”
    “The decision’s not open to debate. You and Coop have worked together for four years. He knows you—and your habits—better than anyone. He’ll be there this afternoon.”
    Coop did know him well, Mark reflected. They’d been on the same assault team since Mark joined the HRT, and when a mission called for partners, they were usually paired. It was unofficial, but that’s how Mark always thought of Coop—as a partner. And friend.
    “I’m also going to have Christy take another look at the hate mail and phone calls we got after your shooting incident and review her risk assessment,” Les continued. “See if she missed something.”
    Unlikely. Christy Reynolds was a top-notch profiler in the Behavioral Science Unit. She was good at what she did, and she didn’t miss much. But this time Mark kept his mouth shut.
    “I know everyone will be on this 24/7. Keep in touch over the weekend, and let’s regroup first thing Monday via conference call,” Les concluded. “By then we should have some data from the crime scene to add to the mix. Get any evidence to Quantico ASAP. In the meantime, Mark, pull up recent prison releases for cases from your days as a field agent. Anything else we need to discuss?”
    After a quick look at Steve, Mark responded. “No. We don’t have enough information yet.”
    “You okay?”
    “Yes.”
    “How’s the woman doing?”
    “She was stable when the EMTs took her out.”
    “Good. Keep me in the loop if anything comes up before the conference call.”
    The line went dead.
    As Steve replaced the receiver, he quirked an eyebrow. “He doesn’t waste words, does he?”
    “No. But he knows his stuff.”
    Steve turned to Nick, who’d moved off a discreet distance during the call, and waved him over. “Do you have room for one more in that pile-of-bricks rehab you call home?”
    “Sure. I can move some drywall and lumber aside.” Nick rejoined them. “What’s up?”
    “The Bureau is sending out one of Mark’s teammates. Until