Page 17 of No Going Back

Chapter 4

After being fully briefed on a hostage situation, Raven prepared their gear, then on Sam’s orders went to get some rest in the cots at the Farm. The FBI’s hostage rescue team were on scene at a school where international students and five faculty were being held by an armed group. The students were all from wealthy families and the group were demanding $10 million for their safe release. As of now, no one had been hurt and negotiators were trying to resolve it peacefully. However, if things began to escalate, HRT had asked for an assist because the students were being held in two different areas of the school. This wouldn’t be a typical job for Onyx, but they were the closest available team.

Tyler hung back, taking a seat beside Mira.

“Hey, it’s really good to see you, even though we haven’t had much time to chat.”

“Ty, we saw each other a couple of days ago.” Despite her distant words, Mira smiled and his stomach flipped.

Tyler shrugged. “Still good to see you. You going to get some rest?”

“Not yet, I’m going to do some work here for a bit.”

“Anything I can help with?”

Mira looked at him. “You’re meant to be getting some sleep. You’re on standby, remember?”

“I’m good. Let me help.”

Mira sighed. “OK. While we wait on the school situation, I plan to keep working on the Aziz money trail.

“Trying to find the connection to Reborn?”

“Yes. Or at least to whoever might be working with Reborn here. He has to be sending money to someone here to fund an attack.”

“Tell me what you need me to do.”

Mira gave him instructions and showed him what to do. They worked side by side for almost two hours, keeping the conversation related to the work. Tyler didn’t care what they talked about. It felt good to be near her, even if he couldn’t touch her.

Mira stretched and rubbed at her neck. They were the only two in the room. Even Sam had gone to get some rest.

“Fancy a coffee?” Tyler asked.

“Sure. Decaf though.”

Tyler moved to the coffeemaker and switched it on. He turned, leaning on the counter while waiting for it to heat up. Mira was still rubbing her neck absently as she read something on screen. Without thinking, Tyler walked up behind her and placed his hands on her neck, using his thumbs to massage the tense muscles. She stiffened.

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