Page 66 of Code Name: Grit

“Track both vehicles,” Admiral ordered.

“First one headed south toward Albany,” said Tank. “Second, with three heat signatures including what appears to be anunconscious body, based on the thermal pattern, traveled north before stopping at this location.”

The satellite image showed an abandoned industrial building near Saratoga Springs.

“That’s the old Castellano processing site,” Dante said, his voice breaking. He gripped the edge of the console so hard his knuckles went white. “Jesus Christ, they took her there?”

“Eight heat signatures inside,” Dragon reported, analyzing the thermal imagery. “One isolated from the others in what appears to be a secure room on the eastern side.”

“That’s her,” I said, studying the thermal imaging.

“Is she alive?” Dante asked, fear naked in his voice. “Can you tell if she’s alive?”

“Thermal signature is consistent with life,” Tank confirmed. “Her core temperature appears normal.”

Dante closed his eyes briefly, a shuddering breath escaping him. When he opened them again, the fear had hardened into cold determination.

“Giovanni Patriarca,” he said. “It has to be him.”

“I’ve confirmed his vehicle at the site,” Dragon added, highlighting a distinctive black Escalade in the satellite feed.

“Fuck,” Dante breathed, running a trembling hand over his face. “This is worse than I thought. Giovanni has a personal vendetta against the Belcastros. His father was killed?—”

“In a hit Giovanni attributes to Cassio,” I finished. “I know.”

Dante looked at me, genuine terror in his eyes for the first time. “If he finds out who she really is…”

The unspoken hung heavy in the air: Giovanni wouldn’t hesitate to kill Cassio Belcastro’s daughter.

“That gives us a window,” Admiral said and turned to the team. “Extraction priority alpha. Kodiak’s unit was already headed here, so they’re within range. Tank, continue satellitetracking. Dragon, maintain communications security. Alice, monitor every single message, outgoing and incoming.”

I examined the building layout. “Three possible entry points. East offers the most cover but adds time. North is most direct but exposed. West allows for simultaneous breach from multiple points.”

“West approach,” Admiral decided after reviewing the options. “Kodiak concurs. First team deploys in thirty minutes.”

“I’m on point,” I stated. It wasn’t a request.

“I’m going too,” Dante said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “She’s my sister.”

Admiral shook his head. “Dante, you’re too emotionally involved. You’ll coordinate the secondary team with air support. Grit leads the ground insertion.”

“Bullshit!”Dante exploded. “That’s my baby sister they have! I should be?—”

“The one making sure this operation succeeds,” Admiral cut in firmly. “Your tactical expertise is needed to coordinate the air and ground teams. If you go in hot right now, you’re a liability, not an asset.”

Dante looked like he might argue further, but Lark’s hand on his arm stopped him. His eyes met mine, and in them, I saw the same fear, rage, and desperation that churned in my own gut.

“Bring her back,” he said, his voice cracking. “Please.”

“I will,” I promised. “Whatever it takes.”

The op prep moved with focus. Weapons check, communications test, tactical gear distribution. I concentrated on the minutiae, forcing myself not to think about what Lumi might be experiencing right now.

“These are known associates of Giovanni,” Dragon said, bringing up the profiles on the display.

I memorized each face. “Security rotation?”

“Changing every thirty minutes,” Tank reported, analyzing the satellite feed. “Current shift started fifteen minutes ago.”

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