Page 117 of Rescuing Mia

“You’ll be strapped to me,” I explain, my tone gentle. “You’ll have a harness that attaches to mine, so we’ll move together. I need you to trust me implicitly, Mia. I’ve done this a thousand times. You just need to follow my lead. The regulator will feel a bit strange at first, but it will allow you to breathe normally. It sounds a bit like Darth Vader, but that’s completely normal.”

A small, nervous laugh escapes her lips. “Darth Vader, huh? I guess I can handle that.”

I smile, glad to see a hint of humor breaking through her fear.

“Exactly. And if you need to communicate, just tap on my arm.”

Her eyes search mine, seeking reassurance. “What about—getting into the submarine? How does that work?”

I take a deep breath, explaining as simply as I can. “Once we’re in the water, we’ll wait for the sub to arrive. It’ll come close to the surface, but we’ll need to dive down, where we’ll enter through an airlock system. It’s designed to be quick and efficient. I’ll guide you through it.”

She nods slowly, processing the information. “I trust you. I just need you to promise me we’ll be okay.” Her eyes meet mine.

I squeeze her hand, my voice unwavering. “I promise. We’ll be okay. We’ll get through this.”

She takes a deep breath, her grip on my hand loosening slightly. “Alright. This is totally insane.”

“Do I sense a bit of excitement?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Maybe nervous energy?”

A few hours later, Mitzy notifies the team that she’s confirmed a U.S. submarine is nearby and it’ll be here within eighteen hours. It would be nice if it was sooner. Every moment we spend aboard thistrawler makes me nervous. We’re exposed, and no doubt Red Phoenix’s assassins are planning how to board the trawler and complete their assignment.

But eighteen hours gives us another night to spend on board. An evening for Mia to get in a good night’s sleep and be well-rested for the mission ahead. We retire early and spend the night in each other’s arms, making love and whispering promises to each other.

Morning comes far too soon, and we’re back in the galley going over final plans.

“We must be far from the trawler when the sub arrives.” Ethan sets down his plate and addresses his team. “We’ll float in the water until they get here, using a beacon to guide them.”

Mia’s face pales, and she grips my hand tightly. I can feel the tremor in her fingers. “Float in the water? For hours? Nobody mentioned that.”

I know what she’s thinking. She’s terrified of sharks, but there is no other option. I squeeze her hand, trying to convey reassurance without words.

“The beacon is good to go.” Walt checks the beacon, a small device that will be our lifeline.

“Copy that,” Ethan says. “Walt and Gabe, when the sub arrives, the two of you will descend first and ready the locker for entry. Rigel, Mia is yours. Blake will be your support. Hank and I will monitor Walt and Gabe’s progress from the surface. When they give the signal, you and Blake will descend with Mia. Hank and I will follow.” He looks at each of us in turn. “Questions?”

“Does it really need to be hours? Like, you’re saying we’re going in the water and floating around for hours? Why can’t we stay on the trawler until the sub arrives?”

“Because,” Sam clears his throat, “we have to assume they’re watching us. We can insert the seven of you in the water. You’ll hover a few feet below the surface, no more than twenty feet. We’ll use that time to move the trawler away. Any eyes stay on us. Then you can surface, activate the beacon, and the sub will find you. I know it sounds scary, Mia, but you’re with the best of the best, and I trust the capabilities of my team.”

“Rigel?” She looks at me, perhaps hoping I’ll have another idea.

Unfortunately, this is a brilliant plan, and that’s not just because I thought of it. It’s because these remarkable people of Guardian HRS turned it into a reality within hours. If I had any questions about whether I wanted to join them, this sealed the deal.

“Mia, look at it this way. You might be able to see some really cool fish. There’s no telling what we might find. Once you conquer your fear, it’s going to be amazing.” Walt tries to reassure Mia that she can do this.

He doesn’t sayifshe conquers her fear, but rather,once she does. In his way, he’s telling her that he believes in her. I get what he’s doing, using a bit of psychology to help Mia, and it works.

“I guess.” Some of the tension in her body fades. She manages a faint smile. The fear is still there, lurking beneath the surface, but she’s resigned to do whatever it takes.

She’s not totally convinced, but this is the moment she decides there is no other way.

And that takes great strength.

I don’t think she realizes how incredibly brave she is.

“Okay, let’s do this. Check your gear and get ready.” Ethan checks CJ, who lifts one finger. “Mission go in one hour.”

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