Page 134 of Rescuing Mia

Ethan chuckles, “Meet the future, Stormy. This is one of Mitzy’s Rufi units. They’re here to help us out.”

Stormy looks up at me, her expression almost comical in its incredulity. I can’t help but laugh, reaching down to pat her head. “It’s okay, girl. The Rufi is on our side.”

“Confirmed. All hostiles eliminated.” Mitzy provides positive confirmation.

“You ready for this next bit?” I ask softly, my eyes searching Mia’s, needing to know she really is okay.

She nods, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m ready.”

I know Mia is familiar with the plan, but it doesn’t make the situation any less daunting. Guardian HRS has coordinated through official channels, embedding our crew into the response teams.

This strategy, part of a witness protection approach, is crucial. Even though Mia won’t be going into WITSEC, we have to limit the number of people who could potentially discover she’s still alive.

The aftermath of a massive gunfight with multiple bodies demands a response, and we’ve mitigated the risks by integrating our operatives with the emergency responders.

“Let’s get you out of this vest.”

Mia struggles to sit, leaning on me more than I think she should.

“Blake? Check her for injuries.” I turn my head and call out over my shoulder.

“Sure thing.” Blake shoulders his weapon and comes to examine her.

“How’s she doing?” Ethan’s hawkish gaze lands on Mia.

“Took two bullets. One to the shoulder. One to the chest. Blake’s checking her now.”

“Good. I’m glad she’s safe.” Ethan turns his attention outside. “It’s a mess out there, but we got them all. Walt and Gabe will stay on patrol with the Rufi until this shit show is wrapped up.”

Mitzy’s drones buzz overhead, providing real-time surveillanceand ensuring no detail is missed. I’ve yet to train with one of the robotic ultra-functioning utility specialists, but I’m curious to see how they stack up against Stormy.

The wail of distant sirens fills the air, growing louder, and soon, fire trucks, police cars, and an ambulance flood the driveway. Red and blue lights flash against the night, casting eerie shadows across the vineyard.

It’s time to execute the next part of our plan. The emergency crews work quickly, assessing the scene and following our pre-arranged script.

Inside the house, the mood is somber and tense. We work quickly, moving Mia to a discreet corner where she climbs into a body bag. She shivers slightly, the reality of the situation sinking in, but she meets my eyes with unwavering resolve.

It’s a grim sight, one that makes my stomach churn, but it’s necessary for her safety.

I stand back, my heart heavy as I watch them zip the bag closed. It’s an unsettling sight, one that fills me with a mix of relief and dread. Relief that the plan is working, dread at the thought of losing her, even in pretense.

The morgue team, led by Skye and her medical personnel, carry the bag out to the waiting ambulance, their movements careful and respectful. The sirens start again, and the ambulance pulls away, taking Mia to safety.

As the scene clears, the police and fire crews finish their work, leaving the Guardian team to regroup. The house is quiet once more, the only sound the distant hum of the ambulance fading into the night.

With the scene secured, the rest of the team begins to clear out. Ethan claps a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. “You did good. Now we regroup.”

As we prepare to leave, I cast one last look at the spot where Mia was shot. My mind races with how things could’ve turned out differently. Mia is safe. That’s all that matters.

But, as we prepare to leave, I can’t shake the nagging feeling we’re missing something important.

These assassins lost almost too—easily.

As if they were sent to kill Mia and then die. Which is weird for assassins.

I search the bodies, feeling a bit foolish and more than a bit paranoid. It’s silly. What the hell am I looking for? What do I hope to find?

As I pat down the assassin who shot Mia, my hand brushes against something in his pocket. I reach in and pull out a small, folded piece of paper.

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