Page 37 of Code Name: Grit

“I’m not afraid?—”

“Yes, you are,” I interrupted. “And so am I. But if I have to choose between giving up this work or giving you up, I’d rather focus on the mission and forget the rest.”

Pain flashed across his features before he could mask it. “I see. Well, if that’s what you want, I guess I?—”

“It’s not what I want,” I said softly. “But I won’t beg you to like me.”

He stepped closer, close enough for me to smell his aftershave mixed with the pine-scented air. “Is that what you think? That I don’tlikeyou?”

“Your actions speak clearly.”

“My actions are trying to keep you safe.”

I shook my head. “No, they’re keeping you safe. From feeling something that scares you. I get it—you lost someone you loved, and the thought of going through that again is terrifying.”

“You have no idea what it was like,” he said, his voice raw.

“Then, tell me.” I held his gaze.

For a moment, I thought he might. Something flickered in his eyes—a war between opening up and shutting down. Then his phone buzzed, the sound slicing through the tension between us.

He glanced at the screen and stepped back. “Tank needs us back at the command center.”

The professional mask slipped back into place, and I knew the moment was lost. I nodded and turned to walk away, but he caught my arm.

“This isn’t over,” he said quietly. “We need to finish this conversation.”

“When?”

“After the briefing.” His eyes held mine. “I promise.”

We returnedto find the others gathered where Tank had new satellite imagery displayed on the main screen. “They’ve moved the operation,” he explained. “After Keller met with Venutti, they completely abandoned their activities at the Port Authority terminal.”

“They’ve shifted everything to another warehouse across the river,” Dragon added. “It’s also owned by a shell company,but three layers removed from Belcastro’s interests. We nearly missed the connection. Now that we know it, we need to establish surveillance.”

I studied the layout, immediately noting vulnerabilities in the perimeter security. “There’s a service entrance here,” I said, pointing to the eastern side. “Minimal camera coverage, based on the position of these poles.”

“Good eye,” Admiral said before turning to Tank and Dragon. “Get it set up.”

Tank nodded first, then shook his head. “The strangest thing is what happened to the shipment. We’ve monitored all their known distribution channels, but there’s no sign of the weapons or drugs hitting the streets.”

“Something doesn’t add up,” Dante said, frowning. “They went to extraordinary lengths to secure that cargo from the Port Authority terminal, and now, it’s just…disappeared?”

“It’s possible they’re stockpiling,” Grit suggested. “Or using alternate channels we haven’t identified yet.”

“Or there’s something else going on entirely,” I said quietly, earning curious glances from around the table.

The briefing continued, with assignments distributed for the new op. As we prepared to disperse, Admiral placed a hand on my shoulder.

“In light of the new developments, I’m keeping all teams intact,” he said. “Grit remains point on field operations, and you’ll continue working with him.”

Dante caught my eye from across the room, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. I refused to acknowledge his smug expression or the relief that flooded through me.

As the meeting ended, I headed back to the lakeside path, needing space to think. The cool air cleared my head as I walked, replaying everything that had happened in the past week.

Footsteps crunched on the pine-strewn path behind me. I knew without turning that it was Grit.

“You promised we’d finish our conversation,” I said, keeping my back to him.

---