Page 68 of Taken from Her
The radio crackled with their coordinated response as her team mobilized across Phoenix Ridge—Angela deploying marine units, Julia coordinating with federal resources, and Morgan accessing digital intelligence networks.
Everything they'd built together focused on a single objective: bringing Lavender home alive.
Diana started the engine, exhaustion burned away by desperate purpose. Less than three hours until low tide opened the rescue window. Time enough to coordinate approach strategies, but not enough for any mistakes or hesitation.
Diana drove through the empty streets toward the marina where her team was assembling. The federal operation had proven their collaborative approach could save lives.
Now they had to prove that their love could secure and strengthen rather than compromise everything that mattered to them.
The radio filled with tactical coordination as Phoenix Ridge mobilized to save the woman who'd taught an entire police department that caring about people made them better at protecting everyone. Diana pressed harder on the accelerator,racing toward a rescue that would test everything she'd learned about leadership, partnership, and the courage required to be truly seen and trusted by people.
Diana reached for her radio as the marina appeared ahead. "All units, this is Chief Marten. We have a rescue operation to plan."
The industrial waterfront spread before Diana's assembled team like a tactical map.
Diana stood beside the marine unit's boat, studying surveillance photos that confirmed their target. The building Lavender's coded message had identified sat at the water's edge, accessible by boat channel and connected to escape routes that would challenge conventional police response. But Diana's team wasn't conventional anymore.
"Thermal imaging shows four heat signatures," Angela reported, consulting her tablet. "Three are grouped together in what appears to be an office area, and one is isolated in a separate section that could be a holding space."
Diana's chest tightened. One isolated signature. Lavender, alone and waiting for rescue that had taken too long to arrive.
"Marine approach confirmed," Lieutenant Lindsay Fletcher said from the marine unit’s boat. "Channel depth allows us to reach the building's dock, but we'll be exposed during the final approach."
"Ground units?" Diana asked.
Julia checked her positioning map. "Two patrol units are securing perimeter roads, but the building's water access gives them significant escape advantages if they run."
Diana absorbed the assessment, recognizing the complexity of the operation. Her team was exhausted from the federal raids, running on reserves and determination rather than optimal readiness. But Lavender was counting on them, and she knew they wouldn’t let down her or Lavender.
"Communication intercepts?" Diana asked Morgan.
"Electronic chatter suggests they're planning to relocate in a few short hours," Morgan replied, monitoring banks of technical equipment. "We're operating within a narrow window before they move her to an unknown location."
Six-thirty a.m.
Forty minutes until sunrise would end their operational advantage. Time enough for rescue, but only if everything went perfectly. They had one chance at this.
Diana checked her gear one final time: tactical vest, communication equipment, and medical supplies for immediate trauma care. Around her, the team prepared with the focused efficiency of people who understood that failure meant losing someone essential to their professional family and community.
"What’s the federal coordination situation?" Diana asked.
"Agent Delacroix is standing by with backup units, but he's deferring to local command," Julia reported. "This is our operation."
Diana nodded. "Approach phase marine unit advances to building perimeter, ground units maintain containment positions, and technical support monitors all communications."
The boat moved through harbor water, the motor silent and morning mist providing natural concealment as they approached the target building. Diana positioned herself at the bow, weapon ready, mind focused on the requirements that would bring Lavender home alive.
"Perimeter secured," Lieutenant Lindsay Fletcher whispered through communications. "No external guards are visible, but electronic countermeasures are active."
Diana studied the building's structure, identifying entry points and potential resistance positions. Professional architecture suggested serious planning and resources, but also predictable patterns that tactical training could exploit.
"Breach in thirty seconds," Diana announced.
The team moved with synchronized precision: Angela leading tactical entry, Julia coordinating civilian safety protocols, and Morgan monitoring communications for intelligence about resistance or escape attempts.
Diana followed Angela through the breach point, weapon drawn, moving through a space that immediately confirmed their intelligence. Office equipment, surveillance monitors, and temporary furniture suggested an operational headquarters for the criminal network they'd been dismantling.
"Three suspects secured," Angela reported as tactical officers moved through the facility. "No weapons drawn, minimal resistance."
