Armed Response. Janie Crouch

was a pretty damn big part.

      Jace turned to Philip. “You’ve got to sell it, to get us more time. Derek will come after you just to teach you a lesson.”

      Philip didn’t look thrilled, but then again, Jace wasn’t sure he ever did.

      “I can handle a few bruises,” Philip echoed.

      Jace nodded at the other team members. They weren’t excited about being left out of most of the action, but they understood the advantage of his plan. Of keeping Derek off balance as long as possible.

      “Remember.” Lillian turned to him. “Rules are that you can only take five more steps after you’re hit. Make them count.”

      They all stood and made their way closer to the twenty-yard square area Derek was guarding. There was some cover of trees and boulders, but not a lot. Derek definitely had the tactical advantage.

      Jace and Lillian separated from the rest of the team. Philip and Saul would be drawing Derek’s attention—hopefully—from the other end of the field.

      “If Saul gets all gung-ho and takes off, then gets hit, this isn’t going to work,” Lillian whispered. “I’m not sure it’s going to work even if he doesn’t.”

      Jace couldn’t help himself—he bent down and kissed her, fast and hard. “If there’s anyone I would trust to get me out of a situation when I’m wounded, it’s you.”

      “You’re nuts, Eakin.” She shook her head. “Let’s try this crazy plan.”

      They waited for the signal. It came just moments later.

      “Because we have to stick together, Poniard, don’t you dare leave me here to get shot.” Philip’s words were soft, like they weren’t meant to be heard. Jace and Lillian could barely make them out.

      But that meant Derek could, too.

      Jace didn’t wait. He scooped up Lillian—she rolled herself into as tight a ball as possible—and he ran. He only had to make it halfway before he got shot. Far enough that his back would be to Derek, and the team leader wouldn’t see the hidden person Jace had curled in his arms. Derek would be expecting Lily to try to run her own route and make it through. Wouldn’t expect her to agree to be carried.

      “Damn it, Saul, wait!” Philip again, hopefully going from the script, and not saying it because Saul really had taken off.

      It bought Jace the few extra seconds he needed. He kept Lillian tucked high against his chest as he felt the first paintball hit his back. Three more followed rapidly.

      Damn, those did hurt.

      This whole plan was relying on the fact that Derek wouldn’t stay and watch Jace “fall” onto the boulder in front of him. He had too much else he had to keep track of. Jace got his five more steps in, then set Lillian on the ground. She immediately began sprinting toward the finish line.