Deadlock Rebels - Stolen Rifle

“Care to peek at the spoils?” Ashe bypassed the lock of the closest one. Inside lay a row of Seraphim scoped rifles in gunmetal gray, the Arbalest logo etched into their black stocks. “How do you like those, Jesse McCree?”

A fixed stare answered that question. With reverent intensity, he reached out, fingers brushing along a barrel. “I like them just fine.”

“Top of the line,” Ashe continued. “Intimidating, accurate, and complete with lethal and nonlethal modes. Exactly what we’ll need.”

[...]

“Stay where you are,” a drone ordered. “The police have been contacted and will be arriving shortly. As temporary authorized proxy, your rights are as follows: You have a right to counsel, if you can afford it. You have a right to medical attention, if you can afford it. You have a right to—”

The drone exploded in a ball of fire as shots filled the air. Its remaining companion turned toward the gunfire, only to share the same fate a moment later. The security drone dropped like a rock at Ashe’s feet. She kicked it away, and then jumped up and looked toward the road.

There was just enough light to make out the dark silhouette standing on the back of the truck, rifle raised.

“Move it, rich girl!” Jesse jumped down to the road. “There’s more coming!”

Ashe looked behind her. Sure enough, lights dotted the sky in the distance, moving in on them fast, like a swarm of fireflies. She grabbed her rifle and bolted for the truck.



- Deadlock Rebels, Chapters 4 and 5