Brandon smiled wryly, “The military or the terrorists?”
Valerie snorted, “Cute. The military, or more accurately, extra-military. They are an ATAC team, which stands for Armored Tactical Assault Command,” and she pronounced it ‘EH tack’, putting the accent on the first part of the word. “I’m going to contact Steve, and see if he and his team can lend a hand. I know I mentioned that he is a federal civilian employee, but it’s a bit more than that. The ATAC is a covert ops division,” she made air quotation marks with her fingers to emphasize the term covert ops. “I’m not allowed to talk about what he does, but if he can help, I’m sure he will.
“We can have him co-ordinate with Ty on site and strategize. But it may take a few days until Steve and company can get their gear together and get to Jackie and Mike’s place. Ty could go in and stake out the neighborhood, keeping an eye on the house and report back to Steve if they try to move Mike.”
Jackie and Sally were just starting on their way back over to the group, and overheard the conversation. “I think that’s a great idea,” Sally said. “It’s like we have our own ‘A-Team’ riding to the rescue.” She was speaking mainly to bolster Jackie’s spirits, as she referred to the old TV show. Little did Sally know just how right she was. The Armored Tactical Assault Command team that Steve leads is basically the A-Team: highly skilled in the three I’s: infiltration, interrogation, and intimidation, as well as possessing the usual marksmanship and combat expertise. Each team member has been handpicked from the best of the best: all former Special Forces (Green Berets, Airborne Rangers, Seals).
Standing near the pressure hatch to the ladder-well, Tom suddenly dropped down onto one of the stools, looking distraught, face twisted with inner anguish. “What is it, Tom?” Brandon asked, concern mirrored on his face.