Ghost’s smile widened as he raised his weapon, but before he could strike, the hotel room’s window exploded inward in a shower of glass. Jackson Hayes crashed through, landing in a controlled roll between James and the assassin.

“Get down!” Jackson shouted, shoving James behind an overturned table as gunfire erupted from outside. Ghost dove for cover, his own weapon barking in response.

“What the hell is going on?” James demanded, his heart hammering against his ribs.

“Your sister’s baby wasn’t an accident,” Jackson said, keeping his eyes on Ghost’s position. “It’s part of something bigger.”

Across the room, Ghost’s laughter cut through the chaos. “The Hayes boy himself. How...