Page 131 of No Going Back

“Thanks to Tyler, we’re confident these two are the top of the Reborn food chain. Hakim appears to be on the ground in Daram while Omar handles the money and getting his brother the weapons and explosives he needs from his hotel in Islamabad. We think the cafe is where Omar and Hakim meet.”

“Still not enough to go get him?” Dex glanced at Sam who shook his head.

“Two brothers meeting at a cafe is not a crime. We can go after Hakim for what he did to Tyler, but one, we then have to explain what Tyler was doing there, and two, we still have nothing on his brother. It could force Omar further underground. When we take them, we take them both. End their operation once and for all.”

Tyler’s gaze traveled around the room. He wasn’t alone in wanting to get these bastards. They would all love to go and hunt them down, but as he also now understood, they needed to do this the right way.

“Sam. What do you think Hakim meant about Lazir? He said they wouldn’t rest until they got him back, but then said they weren't going to ask for his release.”

It had been bothering him. How else were they planning on getting Lazir back other than asking for some kind of prisoner exchange? Washington would never agree to an exchange, but why wouldn’t they ask?

“I don’t think he meant anything. Probably just trying to get under your skin. Lazir isn't going anywhere. He is under armed guard twenty-four seven in one of the most secure sites in the world. And he will never be released for any exchange, ever.”

“We have identified the Reborn members you guys killed in Pakistan,” Kelly said, “and CIA will be deploying agents to talk to their families, see what we can find out. If they’re still alive. There are also some messages and numbers on the cellphones that NSA are working on.”

“We get the Aziz brothers,” Tyler asked, “how long until someone else takes over? Do you really think it will end Reborn. We've taken out several key players, dozens of cell members but they just keep coming.”

“He has a point.” Mackie said.

“It’s a good question,” Kelly answered. “Can we be sure they won’t resurface? No. We thought Lazir was top of the tree, but he wasn’t. Now we know who is. Taking the Aziz brothers out cuts off the money supply. Whether we like it or not, Omar Aziz is a respected businessman. Has the connections to get the money. That will be difficult to replace. Without money, they can't get weapons or explosives. They can't plan elaborate attacks. If it doesn't eradicate them altogether, it will severely reduce their capabilities.”

Tyler nodded. “That will be a day to celebrate.”

“You got that right.” Dex threw the ball at him. He snatched it out of the air.

“Alright, that’s about it, unless anyone else has anything?”

“Well, as we’re all here, I think we should all head to Dex’s for a barbecue,” Liam volunteered.

Dex looked at Kelly who rolled her eyes. She turned to Liam. “Like I could say no. But you guys need to get meat and beer. We’re out.”

“Yes ma’am, consider it done.” Liam smiled.

The teams got up, readying to go. Tyler walked over to Mira.

“Hey, beautiful.” He perched on the edge of the table.

“Hey. You good to head over to Dex’s?”

“Yeah, of course. Be good to catch up with everyone. Haven’t seen Nyx in a while.”

“How was your session?”

“Great.”

“No mention of a return date?”

“Hey, guys.” Dex interrupted them and they both looked to the Raven leader. “Ty, can Sam and I have a quick word?”

“Sure.” He stood.

“Mira, why don’t you go ahead to ours with Kelly? We'll be there shortly.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She stood, giving Tyler a quick kiss. “See you soon babe.”

“You will.” He watched her walk out with Kelly, then followed Dex to his office where Sam was waiting. “I’m feeling a sense of déjà vu.”

“This won’t take long, Tyler,” Sam said. He leaned against the wall with his arms folded. “So, how are things?”