I nodded and held up a second handgun. “You’ll need one of these, then.”

Her nose wrinkled. “Ah, thank you, but no. Even were I not violently opposed to using a gun, I would not know what to do if I had it. No, mortal.” She shook her head, and her eyes glinted. “I am more than capable of killing humans, without mechanical help.”

“All right.” I didn’t like it, but I wasn’t going to argue. “Then let’s go.”

We sprinted for the fence and scrambled over, landing warily on the other side. Hugging the many low, darkened buildings, we headed in the direction from which the gunshots had originated. Though the lot was eerily silent now, and the structures deserted. I wondered if Ember and Riley had come this way, down this very path, thinking nothing was wrong. Not knowing that the Order was watching them, lying in wait to spring their trap. If they had come through here, they wouldn’t have suspected anything. There were too many places to hide; an army would be able to stay concealed until it was too late.

Peering around a corner, I caught a flash of movement and ducked back, pressing into the wall while Jade flattened herself beside me. I did a quick scan of the area. Rows of long gray warehouse buildings surrounded us and the large white building across the empty lot. NewTech Industries, the sign out front read. Two large delivery trucks sat near the main entrance, and a pair of black SUVs blocked the road to the front.

“Two assault teams,” I breathed, ducking back. “And another out front, holding the exits. They’re not taking any chances this time.”

Jade watched me, dark eyes somber. “What does that mean?”

I jerked my head in the direction of the building. “St. George would have waited until the targets entered the building before getting the order to move,” I said. “If they’d sprung the trap too early, they’d risk the targets flying away. Once inside, they would try to herd them farther in, to lower floors if possible, away from any windows or doors where they could escape. Meanwhile, a third team would be dispatched to block all exits out of the building, and there will be a sniper perched somewhere close by, just in case a target makes it through.”

Jade listened to this in silence, deliberating. “So, the first thing we need to do is clear the doors,” she said, calm and practical, as if she’d done this many times before. “Perhaps a distraction of some sort, to sow a little chaos in their ranks?” She smiled. “The appearance of another dragon across the lot would certainly cause them to sit up and take notice.”

“That might work,” I agreed slowly, “but it’ll be dangerous for you. Are you sure you want to risk it?”

“I believe, to put it in American terms, that ship has already sailed,” Jade said wryly. “I am here. I said I would help. If you need a distraction to reach your friends, I can provide one.”

“All right.” I nodded. “But I’ll need to take out the sniper before I can even think about getting to the front.” I peered around the corner again, searching the nearby buildings. A two-story warehouse directly across the road from the target building caught my attention, and I nodded grimly. If Tristan is here, that will be his spot. “Wait for my signal,” I told Jade, turning back. “Then see if you can draw the soldiers away from the entrance. They’ll probably call for backup, so be careful.” I shot a quick glance around the corner again, marking the soldier’s location, before ducking back again. “Once the soldiers are engaged,” I went on, “don’t worry about me or the rest of us, just get away from here. If you can make it to the car, drive back to the city and find a crowd. They won’t pursue you there.”

Jade blinked slowly. “And how will I know you’re not dead?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. “I am putting a lot of faith in you, mortal. I trust you are not going to rush in there, guns blazing, as you cowboys put it, and get yourself shot to pieces. And, if you do make it out, how will I know where to find you again? I don’t know this country at all. I would not know the first place to search.”

“Once we’re out and it’s safe, I’ll call you with our location.” She gave me a wary look and I held her gaze. “I promise.”

The dragon sighed. “I suppose I have no choice but to trust you,” she said. “You have proven yourself to be an honorable human so far, even for one who was part of the Order. I do hope this trend continues.” She gave a small nod and drew back a step, preparing to slip away. “I’ll wait for your signal, then. Good luck.”