Page 288 of Unexpected Hero

A few of the men begin cursing, some of it in Russian. I tune it out.

It’s possible some of the tangos were missed on our external scan. Subduing all of them is essential.

“You two, do a sweep,” I order Shep and Aaron, pointing them in separate directions. They tear off.

My head on a frantic swivel, I search the faces of the women in the living room. It’s hard to determine in the green haze of the night vision lenses, but I don’t recognize them.

No Lettie.

My windpipe swells, and it gets harder to breathe. A tremor rocks my hands. The typical steely calm that’s always been my companion on countless ops is absent.

I need to find her. Where is she?

Bolting to my feet, I strain my eyes to inspect the room more closely. I sweep my vision from side to side and back again. There has to be more girls here. In the corner maybe? Behind the couch?

Nothing. No one.

“Lettie!” I bellow, my voice cracking and composure decimated.

Shep reports that the east side of the structure is clear of tangos.

“West side clear,” Aaron chimes in next. “Only more girls.”

More girls. Maybe my Lettie is back there.

I race toward the kitchen, desperate for the first glimpse of her. “Lettie, are you in here?”

None of the girls jump up and race into my arms.

“Turn the lights on,” Klein instructs Mia over the comms.

That’ll help. She’ll be able to see me and know it’s safe to come out.

Any second, I’ll hear her angelic voice.

The power flickers on as I race through the disgusting space, putrid odor assaulting me.

No Lettie in the kitchen.

No Lettie in the living room.

I sprint toward the hallway.

“Lettie! Lettie Holt! Violet!”

Please be here, sugar. Please be here. Tell me I’m not too late.

I bang open doors, one after another, giving no fucks if I break through walls.

A closet. A bathroom. Another bedroom.

I’ll tear this place down if I have to.

Brick by fucking brick.

“Lettie! It’s me, sugar. Answer me!”

No reply.

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