Ashe took one hand off the gun and wiped it against his thigh then wiped the other. He used his sleeve to wipe sweat from his forehead. Carefully, he stepped closer to the door with the light. He stepped to the hinge side, seeing it opened inward. Using the wall behind him, he quickly checked the other doors on the second floor. One was open, but he couldn’t see inside.
Chig, never clear a house alone again.
A small sound came from inside the room. Then a sigh. It was someone. He lowered the Colt’s safety with his thumb. Using his toe and staying off from the door as much as possible, he nudged it open.
“I suppose your friends are coming. Not much time either way.”
“Ah, hell. This won’t take but a second.” Ashe put his front sight on North’s forehead.

From “The Elite Watch, a Chig Ashe Thriller” Available now.