Terminal Velocity

by Andy McNab

  Kat said, ‘You OK, Ethan?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You look a bit dazed.’

  Ethan did his best to recover and squeezed back in next to her on the sofa. ‘No, I’m fine,’ he said.

  ‘You sure? What you went through; that was tough.’

  Ethan nodded.

  ‘If you need to talk about it …’

  ‘No,’ said Ethan. ‘To be honest, tonight is exactly what I need.’

  Kat once again sent one of her killer smiles his way. Ethan said no more and turned his attention to the movie; he had a feeling that if he said anything he’d make a tit of himself.

  About half an hour into the film a very familiar engine growl pushed its way through an open window.

  Johnny got up, walked over, pulled back a curtain. ‘Sam.’

  ‘He doesn’t usually come to things like this,’ said Kat. ‘Normally keeps his distance from us. Probably afraid we’ll see his softer side if he has a drink with us.’

  A knock rapped at the door and Johnny answered it. Sam followed him back into the flat. Everyone nodded, no one said a word. Sam walked into the lounge and pulled out a folder.

  Then Ethan asked the question on everyone’s lips. ‘What is it, Sam? What’s going on?’

  Sam stared at the team and gave a two-word answer: ‘Party’s over.’