Page 93 of The Merciless King

Both are risky.

If we wait, they could be moved, and we might never find them again. If we do it at the time, lives could be lost, including mine.

Including Amy’s.

But if we don’t try, this has all been for nothing.

I know what the answer is. What it has to be.

And it means saying goodbye to Gianna in twenty-four hours. Forever.

“We take them down tomorrow,” I say.

“I’ll have some of my top guys standing by,” Connor says.

“You’ll be adding me to that list,” Mack says, laying his arm along the sofa cushions.

Connor turns to him. “You going to run that past Summer first?”

“No. She knows I’d only do this if it was important. Brax is a Marine. I’m not sitting at home knitting while his life is on the line.”

“You knit?” Decker asks and Nathan snickers.

“I’m also sitting right here.” I lift my hand. “And I don’t expect any of you to risk your lives. You’ve already done enough.”

“Semper Fidelis,” Nathan says.

“Semper Fidelis.” Mack nods.

“Semper Fidelis,” Connor repeats, and my chest tightens.

“Yeah man. Semper Fidelis.” Decker slaps me on the back.

Semper Fidelis.

Forever Faithful. Always Marine.

These Marines were never going to let me do this alone. I was a fool to ever think they would.

It’s not how we work.

It’s not how we were trained.

“Well, looks like I’m about to get divorced,” Decker says, lifting his foot onto his knee with a loud sigh. “But at least it’s not the Mexicans this time.”

Mack snorts.

“Let’s knock out some plans before the women join us,” Nathan says, mirroring me and leaning forward on his knees. “You’ll need to tell them you have to phone your buyer. That they are awaiting your call. That he has other options and time is of the essence.”

Good idea.

“Lean on the timing thing and remind them you are the middleman. So, it’s not your decision and that it's not negotiable.” Decker adds. “Make something up about time zones. Most people have no clue.”

He has a point. I wouldn’t have a clue what time it was in Spain or Germany right now.

“I haven’t said where in Europe, so that gives me flexibility.” I tell them.

If this was legitimately my business, I would be telling them the least amount possible.

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