Page 47 of The Fixer

Reyna smirked from her spot leaning against the wall. “Let’s just hope your definition of ‘good’ hasn’t gotten rusty, Sands. Lang’s not exactly the kind of guy you take down with good intentions and a handshake.”

Jake shot her a look but didn’t argue. “Daniels knows what’s at stake. He’s risking a lot even meeting with us.”

Lyndsey’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, her gaze darting between Jake and Reyna. “Do we have a plan for if this goes sideways?”

Jake’s lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. “Of course. But let’s hope we don’t need it.”

The energy in the room crackled like static electricity as they finalized their preparations. When the door to the conference room opened, the sound seemed deafening. Lyndsey’s breath hitched as a tall man stepped inside, his presence commanding. His broad shoulders and close-cropped hair gave him an unmistakable military air, but it was the way his gaze softened when it landed on Jake that spoke volumes. Lyndsey recognized him as the man who had tied Reyna in his ropes the night before.

“Jake,” the man said, his voice rich and warm despite the edge of caution in his tone. “It’s been a long time since we’ve worked together.”

Jake crossed the room in three strides, his hand extended. “Too long, Daniels.”

The two men clasped hands in a firm grip that lingered before Daniels clapped Jake on the shoulder. “Still playing hero, I see.”

“Someone’s got to,” Jake replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Lyndsey watched the exchange with a mix of curiosity and unease. There was history here—layers of camaraderie and loss that hung between them.

Daniels’s sharp gaze swept the room, landing on her. “And you must be Dr. Marrin,” he said, his tone respectful. “The woman at the center of all this.”

She rose to her feet, extending a hand. “Lyndsey. And yes, unfortunately, that would be me.”

He shook her hand firmly. “I’ve read your file. Impressive work. Dr. Marrin.”

“We’re hoping the FBI can help us ensure Lang doesn’t twist it into something it was never meant to be,” said Reyna in a tone that belied what Lyndsey had seen pass between them when Daniels had bound her in his ropes.

Lyndsey nodded, feeling a flicker of something hopeful ignite in her chest. “That’s the plan.”

As they settled into the conference room, Daniels spread out a set of blueprints and surveillance photos across the table. “Lang’s network is sprawling, but it’s not invincible. He’s careful, but he’s also arrogant. That’s where we hit him.”

Reyna leaned over the table, studying the maps with a critical eye. “So, what’s the weak spot?”

Daniels tapped one of the photos—a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. “This. It’s one of Lang’s main distribution hubs. If we can intercept a shipment, it’ll lead us to his higher-ups and the money trail.”

Jake frowned, his jaw tightening. “That’s easier said than done. Lang’s going to have eyes on this place twenty-four-seven.”

“True,” Daniels admitted. “But we’ve got a window coming up. A shipment’s scheduled to move out tomorrow night. If we can hit it hard and fast, we might just have a chance.”

Lyndsey watched the two men strategize, their conversation a seamless blend of military precision and years of shared experience. Despite everything, there was a camaraderie between them that gave her hope. Jake wasn’t just a lone wolf—he was part of something bigger. And now, so was she.

As the conversation continued, Daniels glanced at her. “Dr. Marrin, we’ll need your expertise to make a positive identification of anything that is proprietary to your research. That way we can tie it to Lang directly. Can you handle that?”

Lyndsey nodded. “Absolutely.”

“No,” started Jake.

“Lyndsey’s proven herself,” said Reyna. “Besides if she can identify it when we intercept it, it’ll save us time—time that might be critical.”

Lyndsey shot her a grateful smile.

“Good,” Daniels said, his gaze lingering on Reyna before shifting back to Jake. “You’ve got a hell of a team here, Sands. Let’s make this count.”

The meeting ended with a clear plan, but the stress and strain in the air remained. As Daniels left to make his own preparations, Lyndsey stayed behind, her fingers flying over her keyboard as she sifted through the data. She might not be an expert code breaker or computer analyst, but she had surprised herself with how easily she had adapted her research skills to the tasks needed to protect that research.

Jake moved to stand beside her, his presence steadying. “You okay?”

She glanced up, her expression thoughtful. “I think so. Daniels seems... capable. And trustworthy. He’s with the FBI and is a member of the club?”

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