Lethal Rage by Brent Pilkey

And for fuck’s sake, don’t stand in the open. Use the cars for cover. If someone starts coming out the window, yell at him or whatever it takes to keep him inside. I don’t want any needless foot pursuits.
    â€œThe rest of us will enter the building through the southeast door. We’ll let you know as soon as we hit the door. Tank takes the door, Sy and myself in first, then Kris and Taft, then Tank and Jack.”
    Mason sketched the apartment’s layout on the chalkboard. “It’s a typical Regent Park two-bedroom. The door opens onto the living room, with a little kitchen off to the left. Sy, when we go in, you cut into the kitchen, then down into the dining area. I’ll go to the right to cover the hall. Kris, Taft, cover the living room. Tank, go where you’re needed. Once they’re all in, Jack, you join me and we’ll clear the bathroom and bedrooms. Everyone got that? Good. Now remember, the plan will hopefully last at least until we take the door. After that, it’s a crapshoot. Meet in the parking lot in ten.”
    A few minutes later Jack and Sy were leaning against the trunk of their scout car. Sy was having one of his rare smokes and Jack swigged a Diet Coke. “I don’t get it, Sy. I’m excited that we’re on the entry, but why would Detective Mason have me back him up down the hall? Why not Tank?”
    Sy dragged on his cigarillo and let the smoke drift lazily from the corner of his mouth. “When Rick told me about the warrant yesterday, he asked me if I felt you would be okay to come along. I told him about the guy with the knife down at Street City and how you saved my ass. How’s the hand, by the way?”
    â€œStitches came out on days off.” Jack held up his hand. “Got my first work-related scar.”
    â€œGood for you.” Another drag, more lazy smoke. “I said you have a level head and you can be trusted.”
    â€œTrusted not to fuck up?”
    Sy shook his head and wispy tendrils of smoke zigzagged through the air. “We all fuck up sooner or later. No, he wanted to know if you could be trusted
when
things fuck up.” Sy studied Jack. “I told him you could be. I wasn’t wrong, was I?”
    â€œNo, of course not. I was just thinking about how this could go wrong and hoping I’m not the one to cause it.”
    Sy snorted. “Like Rick said, if the plan lasts up to the door, we’re laughing. Everything after that is a crapshoot. Just keep your head on straight and if you shoot anyone make sure it’s a bad guy.”
    â€œI don’t think I’ll have any problem with that. The MCU guys are a rather distinctive-looking group.”
    â€œI think the term is ‘eclectic.’”
    They stood in a companionable silence, Sy with his stogie, Jack with his Coke, faces upturned to the sun, enjoying the warmth. Fall was not far off and Jack meant to savour what was left of the summer.
    â€œYou and Jenny close?” he asked, not turning his head.
    â€œShe got you, didn’t she?”
    Puzzled, Jack faced Sy. “Got me? What do you mean?”
    â€œDon’t give me that innocent look, partner. I’ve seen it before and, trust me, you won’t be the last.”
    â€œWhat are you babbling about?”
    â€œJenny.” He sucked deeply on the cigarillo, flaring its tip. “She has this effect on guys. They take one look at her and they’re tripping over themselves to get to her. For some guys, it’s her eyes, others it’s her smile. Some guys just can’t explain it.”
    â€œAnd what do
you
think it is about her?”
    Sy took another drag, then watched Jack through the drifting smoke. “I think she has that effect on guys because she’s just a very sensual woman. A modern-day siren.”
    Jack huffed an indignant laugh. Almost a Sy snort. “She’s good-looking, but I wouldn’t go that far.”
    Sy