Page 24 of My Special Ops Neighbor
As federal agents continued securing the scene and processing evidence, Yvette began shutting down her warfare systems and archiving the intelligence she'd gathered. The basement that had served as their command center for the final battle was now quiet except for the hum of cooling equipment and the distant sound of federal vehicles outside.
"What happens now?" Vincent asked.
"Now we make sure this sticks," she said, already planning the follow-up investigations that would be needed. "Curtis is just the beginning. There are probably dozens of other defense contractors using similar fraud schemes. Congressional corruption networks that need exposure. International connections that require investigation."
"Sounds like you're planning to stay in this line of work."
Yvette looked up at him, seeing the question in his eyes. "Only if I have the right partner."
His smile was fierce with anticipation. "I can't think of anything I'd rather do than help you take down criminals who profit from other people's suffering."
"Even if it means more nights like this? More danger, more bureaucratic interference, more people trying to kill us?"
"Especially then." Vincent's hands framed her face, his thumbs tracing along her cheekbones. "We just proved that we're unstoppable when we work together. Your analytical brilliance and my tactical training—we can take on anyone."
Through the windows, Yvette could see the burns from Curtis's incendiary devices finally dying out, leaving only charred circles in the grass where his trap had become his cage. Federal agents were loading the last of his mercenaries into transport vehicles while crime scene technicians documented the evidence.
"It's really over," she said, finally allowing herself to believe it.
"This case is over," Vincent corrected. "But I think we're just getting started."
As if to emphasize his point, Agent Bates reappeared with her phone. "I just got off a call with the Justice Department. They want to discuss creating a specialized task force for financial crimes that involve national security. Apparently, your methods tonight impressed some very important people."
"Our methods," Yvette corrected automatically.
"Right. Your partnership." Bates smiled. "They're calling it the most innovative investigative operation in federal law enforcement history. Real-time financial warfare combined with tactical defense operations. They want to make it a permanent capability."
Vincent's grin was pure satisfaction. "Sounds like we're going to be busy."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Yvette said, standing up from her workstation for the first time in hours.
Her legs were unsteady from adrenaline and exhaustion, but Vincent's strong hands immediately steadied her. The man who'd protected her life while she dismantled a criminal empire now held her like she was something precious and powerful all at once.
Chapter Eight
The house felt impossiblyquiet after the federal agents left.
