He heard that mumbled curse and in some pushed aside part of him, he felt a small spark of hope. Maybe Joe would see how torturing Booker hadn't been something that Nicky could just let happen. Maybe later, when the mission was over and they were somewhere safe (because in his mind, all missions were a success until they weren't), he and his husband could actually talk without losing their tempers.

It was wishful thinking. It was also far from his forethought.

Accepting his rifle back, he replaced it where it had been, the sights and balance carefully chosen so that the huge gun didn't break his shoulder with recoil. The plan made him purse his lips...but he nodded. It was the only choice they really had.

And really...he shouldn't be needed at all. It wasn't like Quynh was going to attack them. Right?

He caught Joe's chest plate and used it to pull him forward so he could press their foreheads together. Be careful, it said. I love you, it said.

"If it comes to that, don't bother searching her. Just crush his wrists. She...she probably won't stay down for long anymore."