Page 96 of Yours

The SUV slowed as Seamus pulled off the main road, gravel crunching beneath the tires as we approached the designated meeting point. A clearing in the woods stretched ahead, thedense canopy of trees playing long shadows on the ground under the faint moonlight.

This was the spot—far enough from the cabin to keep us hidden, but close enough to finalize the plan before we moved in.

Declan was already unpacking his equipment, his fingers flying over his laptop as he adjusted the drone feed on the screen. The grainy black-and-white image showed the cabin, its outline barely visible through the thick trees. Red dots marked the positions of guards patrolling the perimeter, their movements slow but methodical.

“Looks like about a dozen outside,” Declan said, his voice calm, but focused. “Several at the front entrance, more in the back, and a couple circling around. No signs of traps, but I’d bet my laptop there’s more waiting inside.”

“Right,” I said firmly. “We stick to the plan. Bradan, you’re with me on the entry team. Declan, keep the feed up and monitor any movements. Seamus?—”

Before I could finish, the low rumble of approaching vehicles cut through the stillness. The team tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons. I turned quickly, my jaw tightening as headlights flickered through the trees.

“It’s them,” I muttered as the vehicles came into view.

Three black SUVs rolled to a stop just beyond the tree line, their doors opening almost in unison. The first figure to step out was Kieran Murphy, his tailored suit striking an almost jarring contrast against the dark forest. His brothers Aidan, Cormac, and the twins Connor and Caden followed close behind, each of them armed and carrying the same air of quiet authority.

Ada Murphy emerged last, her expression as sharp as her tailored coat, her confident demeanor a reminder that she was just as formidable as her brothers.

“Kieran,” I said, stepping forward as he approached.

“Ronan,” he replied, his voice cool, but not unfriendly. He glanced at the cabin in the distance, his piercing blue eyes narrowing. “So, this is the mess we’re walking into.”

“Not quite a mess yet,” I said. “But it could be if we don’t handle it right.”

Kieran smirked faintly, his hands resting on his hips. “Good. I’d hate to think I brought my family out here just to watch on the sidelines.”

I glanced at his siblings, each of them watching the scene with the kind of calm focus that came from years of experience. “You brought enough firepower?”

Connor grinned, patting the stock of his rifle. “We’re Murphys. We always come prepared.”

“Glad to hear it,” I said. “Let’s get to work.”

“Here’s how it goes,” I directed. “Seamus, you’re leading the perimeter team. I want six men stationed at key points around the cabin. No one gets in or out without your say-so.”

Seamus nodded, his expression hard. “You got it.”

“Bradan, you’re with me on the entry team,” I continued. “We’ll use the distraction Declan’s setting up to draw the guards to the south side of the cabin. Once they’re clear, we move in through the north entrance.”

“Understood,” Bradan said, his tone steady.

“Declan, keep eyes on everything,” I said. “If anything changes—if their rotations don’t line up or if you see something we missed—you let us know immediately.”

Declan didn’t look up from his laptop. “Already on it, boss. Drone is up in the air, and I’ve got the feed synced to my phone. You’ll have updates in real time.”

“Cormac,” I said, turning my gaze on the Murphys. “You take Aidan, and your team will take the east flank. Sweep for anyone trying to slip out. Connor and Caden will come in from the west.”

“Done,” he said, his tone clipped.

“Ada, Kieran,” I continued, “you’re with Bradan and me on the entry team. We’ll hit the north entrance and move straight into the cabin.”

“Got it. And what about Leena?” Ada asked, her voice softer, but no less serious. “Do we have confirmation on where she’s being held?”

“Second floor, west side,” Declan said, pointing to the screen. “Based on heat signatures, it looks like there’s at least two guards stationed outside the room. Possibly three.”

“Not bad for a bunch of Russians,” Bradan muttered darkly.

“They’re careful,” I said. “And they’ve had time to prepare. But they’ve underestimated us. That’s their mistake.”

Bradan nodded, his grip tightening on the strap of his rifle. “We get her out fast, boss. No fuckups.”

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