Page 78 of Playing with Fire

Algerone nodded. "Which is why we use a ghost team first to confirm his location," he explained. "Once we have confirmation, we send in the strike team directly behind them. Hit him before he has time to react."

"I can set up remote surveillance," Leo suggested, already pulling up satellite imagery of the target property. "We could deploy micro-drones for perimeter monitoring, then tap into their security feeds once we establish blind spots."

"Smart," Xion agreed, leaning over Leo's shoulder. "Those new Ghost Bat tactical drones can maintain position for hours without detection. Perfect for a covert op."

"No," I said immediately, the word sharp enough to make Leo look up in surprise. "You're not going anywhere near this location. Not physically, not digitally. If Phoenix detects your signature in their systems, you become an even bigger target."

My expression hardened. "With all due respect, I'm not sitting this out. My skills are necessary for this operation."

The tension in the room shifted as everyone registered the subtle power struggle unfolding. Xion and Xander, who had been quietly reviewing tactical options at a side terminal, exchanged glances. Maxime carefully avoided making eye contact with anyone, though I caught him glancing at Algerone as if seeking guidance.

"We'll need a multi-layered approach," Algerone interjected smoothly, diffusing the building tension. "Mr. Astrada's technical expertise will be essential, but can be deployed remotely. The actual reconnaissance should be handled by operatives less personally connected to the situation."

My jaw clenched at Algerone once again positioning himself as the voice of reason. What made it worse was that he wasn't wrong. Leo was too valuable to risk, but we needed his skills.

"My Alpha team will handle the ground reconnaissance," Algerone stated, nodding to Maxime, who immediately began typing on his tablet. "They're specialists in covert observation. Former special forces with extensive experience in passive surveillance."

"I'll coordinate digital surveillance," Leo said. His eyes met mine, challenging me to contradict him. "Remote access only, multiple proxies, completely untraceable."

The room waited for my response. Despite Algerone's resources and Xander's skills, this was ultimately my hunt. Phoenix had targeted me, had threatened what was mine. The final decision had to be mine.

I met Leo's determined gaze. "Fine. But you operate from the secure terminal in our quarters, with triple authentication and a physical kill switch I control. Any sign of your position being compromised and I pull the plug, no questions asked."

Relief flickered across Leo's face, quickly replaced by determination. "Deal," he agreed, already turning back to his screens to begin preparations.

"We move tonight," I declared, looking to Algerone for confirmation. "Full tactical package, communications blackout except for encrypted channels. Ghost team goes in first for confirmation, strike team follows immediately to contain him. No chance for him to slip away."

"I'll lead the strike team personally," Algerone stated, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Maxime's head snapped up from his tablet, alarm evident in his usually composed features. "Sir, with all due respect, that's too great a risk. We have trained operatives who can handle this."

"This isn't negotiable, Maxime," Algerone replied, his voice gentle but firm. "Felix Burns has attacked my family. He's infiltrated my organization. This isn't merely business. It's personal. I need to handle this myself."

The room fell silent. Algerone Caisse-Etremont, notorious for orchestrating from the shadows, was putting himself directly in the line of fire. It was unprecedented.

"Then I'm coming with you," I said, the words out before I could reconsider them.

Algerone's eyes met mine, surprise flickering briefly before being replaced with something that looked disturbingly like pride. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"Sir," Maxime tried again, genuine concern breaking through his professional facade. "At least allow me to accompany you as well."

"No," Algerone and I said simultaneously, but Algerone continued, "We need you coordinating from here with Leo. If something goes wrong, you're the only one besides us who knows all the contingency protocols." He placed a hand on Maxime’s shoulder briefly and that seemed to calm him.

As the room erupted into activity, I moved to Leo's side. "Promise me you'll be careful. No unnecessary risks."

Leo's hand covered mine, squeezing briefly. "Same goes for you. We're better together."

Together. The word settled in my chest, both comforting and terrifying. I'd spent so long operating alone, trusting only my own judgment, my own skills. Having Leo as a partner—truly a partner, not just someone to protect—was still an adjustment. One that felt increasingly necessary.

I nodded before straightening, my expression hardening as I returned to mission planning. Phoenix thought he understood me, thought he could predict my moves because he'd studied my past hunts. But he'd made one critical miscalculation.

He'd only studied the hunter I had been. Not the one I'd become with Leo at my side.

Hourslater,ourpreparationscomplete, I found myself alone with Algerone in the weapons vault beneath the Sentinel. The space gleamed with polished metal and composite materials, every surface designed for maximum efficiency. Handguns, rifles, tactical gear, and specialized equipment lined the walls in perfect order. It reminded me of how I kept my own room—everything in its place, nothing extraneous.

"You prefer precision handguns for your work," Algerone observed, opening a case to reveal a collection of custom firearms. He selected one, a matte black 9mm with a custom grip and integrated suppressor, and offered it to me grip first. "This should suit your requirements."

I accepted the weapon, checking the slide and sighting down the barrel before testing its weight and balance. Perfect, as expected. "How do you know my preferences?"

---