Page 107 of Silence and Surrender

“Because time is running out,” I said simply, gesturing to my stomach. “My pregnancy won’t stay hidden forever. And Rodger is accelerating shipments in Rotterdam, Hamburg…Marseilles. We need to dismantle the entire network simultaneously.”

“You have evidence?” Her interest was clearly piqued.

In answer, I turned to one of the laptops, bringing up files we’d carefully organized during our time in Tuscany. Shipping manifests with anomalous temperature controls. Financial transactions flowing through shell companies. Travel records correlated with disappearances.

“More than evidence,” Colton added. “We have a plan.”

For the next hour, we laid it all out for her—the surveillance, the server access, the coordinated raids we envisioned across Europe. Sari’s questions were precise, incisive, revealing both her investigative training and her deep knowledge of the case.

“This could work,” she finally said, reviewing the timelines we’d proposed. “But the coordination will need to be flawless. If they get even a hint that something’s wrong before we have the evidence secured...”

“They’ll destroy everything and disappear,” I finished for her. “We know.”

Sari looked up at me, really seeing me for the first time since the initial shock. “They think you’re either dead or still captive.”

“An advantage we intend to leverage,” Colton confirmed. “As far as the bank is concerned, I’ve been dealing with a family emergency. I return to work tomorrow, resume my role as their dutiful counsel.”

“While gathering the final evidence we need from the inside,” Sari nodded, understanding the strategy. “And I’ll coordinate with Interpol to prepare for simultaneous raids once we have everything we need.”

“Can your team authorize the resources without raising flags?” I asked. It was the critical question, one that had troubled us throughout our planning in Tuscany.

“Interpol has been building toward this for years,” Sari confirmed. “The moment we have concrete evidence linking the board members to the trafficking operation, we can mobilize teams across Europe.”

“And until then, we maintain absolute secrecy,” Colton stressed. “As far as the bank is concerned, nothing has changed.”

Sari’s eyes moved to my stomach again, a new softness briefly replacing her professional detachment. “How far along are you?”

“About four months,” I answered, feeling the now-familiar mix of wonder and terror that accompanied the thought. “Another reason we can’t afford to wait much longer.”

She looked between us, her eyebrows rising slightly. “And...you’re...the father?” she asked Colton, the surprise evident in her voice.

“We’re married,” Colton said simply, his hand finding mine.

Sari’s mouth actually dropped open for a moment before she composed herself. “Married? But you two...” she trailed off, clearly remembering our countless arguments over authentication procedures and compliance reviews. How we’d seemed to irritate each other to no end during meetings.

“Circumstances change,” I said with a small smile, squeezing Colton’s hand.

“Apparently,” Sari replied, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she studied us. “I never would have predicted this. Mr. By-the-Book Moreau breaking all the rules.”

Colton’s expression remained serious, though I caught the slight tension in his jaw. “Some rules matter more than others.”

She nodded, decision made. “I’m in. But we’ll need secure communication protocols. Ways to exchange information without raising suspicion.”

“Already prepared,” I said, opening another file that detailed our communication plans. “Colton will bring data home each evening. I’ll analyze it here, coordinate with Steele’s operational teams. You’ll be our bridge to Interpol and our eyes inside the bank when Colton’s movements are restricted.”

“Steele being...?” Sari asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Former art thief with an extensive network,” Colton explained. “His expertise in acquisitions and international connections has been invaluable. And Stryker, my trainer, handles all our direct security protocols.”

“And another reason the bank can never know I’m here,” I added. “If Rodger realizes the connection between Colton and Steele’s organization...”

“He’ll suspect everything,” Sari finished, understanding immediately. “Their entire operation would go dark.”

For a moment, we sat in silence, each contemplating the risks of what we were undertaking.

“It starts tomorrow,” Colton finally said. “When I return to the bank.”

Sari stood, picking up her briefcase. “I’ll prepare the access protocols. But we’ll need to establish a cover story for our meetings.”

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