Roth(Hell Squad 5) Read Online Free

in there and pull her into his arms. Comfort her.
    Frowning, he wondered who she’d been spending time with. She’d come out of the alien lab uninjured, unlike so many others who were still recovering from terrible experimentation, but she was obviously suffering some aftereffects. Dammit, maybe she really didn’t remember.
    “She’s the key, Laura. She knows something that can help us beat these aliens, I know it.”
    “This is the third time you’ve had her in here this week. Push too hard and she might break. Then you’ll get nothing.”
    So far, all he thought Avery wanted to do was knee him in the balls, or gut him with something dull and rusty. But Laura was in charge of the base’s prison and interrogation team because she was good. She knew what she was talking about.
    He raked a hand through his hair and looked again at Avery. He was pushing her too hard, and he knew, deep down, it wasn’t just about her. It was about his own dark secrets, his own guilt.
    She lifted her head, staring at the mirror like she knew he was there. Stubborn fire burned in her eyes. He didn’t think she’d break. She was too damn tough for that.
    “Let her go,” he told Laura. Then he turned and walked away.
    ***
    Avery tucked the small scraps of leftovers from the night’s meal into her pocket. Out in the base’s dining room, she could still hear the murmur of voices and the tinkle of cutlery on plates.
    “I’m out of here, Chef,” she called.
    “Righty-o, Av. Have a good one.”
    She waved and slipped into the tunnel. The corridor was empty and she hurried in the direction of the western exit. It was the perfect time, with everyone still busy with dinner.
    She passed close to the Hawk hangers and heard people talking. Probably the quadcopter mechanics carrying out maintenance. The small fleet of Hawks were vital for getting the squads in and out on their missions. They’d apparently lost one, just before Avery had come to the base—and they’d almost lost Hell Squad in the crash, too. So they were extra careful with the remaining ones. She itched to be in there, her hand running over smooth metal, preparing for a mission.
    Hunching her shoulders, she turned a corner and headed for the ladder to the surface. She climbed up quickly, bypassed the security on the hatch at the top and climbed out.
    Avery stood for a second and simply breathed in the brisk night air. It wasn’t cold. Summer was coming, and she could smell it in the spring-laden breeze and the promise of warmth. Still, up here in the mountains, the nights stayed cooler.
    She hurried into the trees, and wondered if he’d be waiting for her.
    She reached a fallen log and sat down. Gum trees towered above her and through the leaves, she could see the stars. They made her stomach tighten. Before the Gizzida, she’d looked at the stars in wonder, now she looked in dread. It made her wonder how many other warlike, advanced species were out there with their gazes turned toward Earth.
    Chafing her arms with her hands, she forced her thoughts away from aliens. Masters had peppered her with questions on them enough for today. She chewed her lip. Not that she really blamed him. He was a man dedicated to protecting others. He wanted to help. Hell, she’d been exactly like that in her job. Before.
    “Dino?” she called out quietly. “You there?”
    All she heard was the buzzing of insects and something rustling high in the trees. Probably a possum. She tapped her fingers against her thigh. It wasn’t like him to be late.
    “Special Agent Stillman, you know civilians aren’t permitted out of the base at night, or alone.”
    With an internal groan, Avery turned. “Every damn time I turn around…”
    Roth crossed his arms. He was wearing jeans and a white T-shirt that was stretched dangerously tight over all his muscles. Couldn’t the guy find a bigger size? She knew the clothing store at the base was a bit limited for choice, but still.
    “I’m not planning