Page 68 of Jenna's Protector

Stitch and Jeb put their heads together. Then they turn as one to face their screens. The interaction is a bit creepy, as if they’re thinking with one brain.

The room erupts into a flurry of activity, everyone energized bythis new lead. Meanwhile, Mitzy leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. She looks directly at me, a glint of determination in her eye.

“I’ve already sent the sketches to my geo-locating friends. Jenna’s drawings aren’t as good as actual photographs, but it’s something.”

“How does that matter?” I don’t pretend to understand a tenth of what this woman can do.

“Photographs capture the height of the sun, cloud cover, shadows, and other visual clues, but Jenna’s sketches are better than nothing. They’re working on pinpointing the location of the facility as we speak. I’m just waiting for word back from them.”

Maybe this is Mitzy Magic?

Hard to say. This seems to be an everyday thing for these people, but my mind is blown. I’m an excellent detective and can close cases with basically nothing but the barest thread to stitch together a case.

Now, if I had access to their resources?

Fuck, that would be epic.

As if on cue, Mitzy’s computer pings, a new message flashing across the screen. Her brow furrows in concentration. The room holds its collective breath, waiting.

Then, a grin spreads across Mitzy’s face. “They found it. The compound where Jenna was trained. It’s about a three to four-hour drive from here.” She looks up at me, her expression softening. “About two hours north from you.”

The entire vibe of the room suddenly shifts. Everyone, including me, sits up straighter, and the air crackles with renewed energy.

Blake leans in. “Told ya. Now that’s a bit of Mitzy Magic.”

“Great.” Sam, the leader of both the technical and Guardian teams, leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “So we know where it is. But who owns it?”

Mitzy’s fingers fly over the keys, pulling up new windows and documents. “I’m tapping into the local government’s records now. Building plans, construction permits, everything they have on this place.”

We watch as blueprints and schematics fill the screens. Theestate takes shape before our eyes. It’s a sprawling compound with high walls and fortified gates, just like Jenna described.

Jeb lets out a low whistle. “That’s some serious security. Whoever built this place didn’t want anyone getting in?—”

“Or out.” Stitch completes his sentence. “Looks like a prison.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s Jenna. I step out into the hallway to take the call, concerned something’s wrong.

“What’s up, love?”

“How’s it going over there?” Her voice is warm and comforting in my ear. There’s no sign of stress, which means I can relax.

“We’re making progress.” I lean against the wall, feeling some of the tension drain from my shoulders at the sound of her voice. “How are you holding up?”

“Max has been keeping me company. He’s quite the charmer with the customers.” Her voice carries a smile, making it easy to imagine the warmth in her eyes. “I think he’s interviewing for Marlowe Café Mascot.”

“I’m glad you two are getting along. I might start getting jealous.”

“Don’t worry, Detective.” She laughs, and the sound warms me from the inside out. “You’re still my favorite.”

“Better be after this morning’s shower.”

We talk for a few more minutes about everything and nothing. Just hearing her voice, knowing she’s safe and surrounded by the comforting bustle of the café, eases something in me.

When I step back into the briefing room, the energy is palpable. Mitzy is already deep into planning mode, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

“It’s isolated, way off the grid.” She pulls up satellite images of a dense forest surrounding the compound. “But it matches Jenna’s descriptions perfectly.”

“We need eyes on this place. See what we can learn.” CJ steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

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