Page 15 of Code Name: Grit

“Eye contact,” I said, holding her gaze. “The way someone looks at their partner when they think no one’s watching. It can’t be faked.”

“How are you looking at me now?” The question was barely audible.

I considered lying, brushing it off. Instead, I gave her the truth. “Like I’m wondering what would happen if I kissed you.”

“Maybe we should find out,” she whispered. “For the cover, of course.”

“Of course,” I agreed, though we both knew better.

I dipped my head slowly, giving her every opportunity to pull away. She didn’t. Instead, her eyes fluttered closed as my lips met hers—tentatively at first, then with growing confidence as she responded.

The kiss was gentle but deliberate, a conscious crossing of boundaries we’d both been careful to maintain. When we broke apart, her eyes remained closed for a beat longer than necessary.

“Will that convince them?” she asked, her voice unsteady.

“It convinced me,” I admitted.

She stepped back, creating a necessary distance between us. “I should get ready. Atticus will have our documentation soon.”

I nodded, letting her retreat.

Back inside the command center,Tank was coordinating with Dragon on additional surveillance equipment. “We’ve got earpieces with built-in GPS trackers,” he said as I approached. “Small enough to be undetectable in standard sweeps.”

“Good.” I forced myself to focus on the technical aspects of the mission. “What about weapons?”

“Limited options if you want to avoid detection. Standard-issue Glocks, ceramic if you prefer.”

Dragon joined us. “I’ve mapped out three potential extraction routes from the terminal, depending on where you might be if things go sideways.”

“Make sure our satellite uplink is operational,” I added. “We’ll need reliable communication with headquarters throughout the op. If we can’t get helicopter extraction, what’s plan B?”

“Kodiak’s team has established a safe route that avoids CCTV coverage. In a worst-case scenario, we have boats available to be staged at three different docks,” said Dragon.

Atticus approached with a tablet in hand. “Everything’s ready. I’ve created digital footprints dating back four years. Social media presence is minimal but consistent. You’re both listed as principals of Atlantic Shield Security Consultants, a shell company K19 maintains for ops like this.”

“What about physical credentials?”

“Badges, business cards, and supporting documents will be ready within the hour. I’ve also prepared a comprehensive security assessment proposal for you to present to the terminal manager.”

I squeezed his shoulder. “Good work.”

Lumi reappeared, now dressed in a tailored blazer and slim-fitting trousers, transforming her from field agent to corporate professional.

“Is this suitable?” she asked, gesturing to her outfit.

“Perfect,” I managed.

She nodded, then lowered her voice. “We should discuss emergency protocols in more detail. Specifically, what happens if one of us is compromised.”

“Right.” I pulled up the digital map of the shipping facility. “These service corridors provide the most direct escape routes. Memorize them.”

“And if we’re separated?” she asked.

“Emergency channel on the secured comms. If that’s compromised, proceed to any one of these three locations.” I indicated the points on the map. “Kodiak and his team will track and meet you wherever you show up.”

“And if you’re captured?”

“You complete the mission,” I said firmly. “Gather as much intelligence as you can, then coordinate with K19 for extraction.”

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