Page 77 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
Cole's fingers fly across his keyboard while Asher monitors communications. Alina hunches over documents, scribbling furiously before reaching for her laptop.
"Hold up," I say, moving swiftly to intercept her. "We need to be careful about our digital trail."
"I know how to cover my tracks," she snaps. "I'm not some amateur."
"I know exactly what you are," my voice drops to a dangerous register that makes her pupils dilate. "Let Cole handle the deep dives."
The friction between us is electric. I hate restraining her, but her safety matters more than her satisfaction—a principle that extends beyond just this investigation.
Suddenly, Asher sits up straight. "Boss, we've got a problem."
I'm at his side instantly. "What is it?"
He hands me a printout. "They've ID'd Alina. They're mobilizing to neutralize her."
My blood runs cold as I glance at Alina, still fuming at the table, unaware of the target on herback.
"Implement Protocol Echo," I order. "Round-the-clock surveillance on her. No one goes anywhere alone."
"What's going on?" Alina demands from directly behind me, startling me with her proximity.
I turn slowly. "You've been identified as a threat. We're increasing security."
The color drains from her cheeks, but her chin lifts with that familiar stubbornness I'm starting to expect from her. "All the more reason to keep digging."
"Absolutely not," I growl, stepping closer until I'm towering over her. "You're staying put."
"You can't just lock me away!" she challenges, tilting her chin up defiantly. "I'm part of this team."
"Goddammit, Alina!" I snarl, gripping her upper arms. "I'll do whatever the fuck I have to keep you alive. You don't get a vote." I release her as quickly as I grabbed her, my fingers tingling from the contact.
She storms off, fury radiating from her in waves that feels like a physical blow.
The quiet tension is shattered by Alina's sharp gasp. She's looking at a terminal and her voice shakes as she reads aloud. "Breaking news: SFPD Detective James Wilson critically injured in apparent hit-and-run. Currently in intensive care."
The room falls silent.
"Cole, verify," I bark.
Cole's hands move swiftly. "It checks out," he confirms gravely.
I turn to Alina, watching shock transform into guilt across her face.
"This is my fault," she whispers. "I put him in danger."
I close the distance between us in two strides, tilting her chin up with my finger. "Listen carefully, little hellcat. We don't know that for certain."
"If they've gone after Wilson, they're actively tying up loose ends," Cole interjects. "Our investigation is compromised."
I nod, mind racing. "Full sweep of our digital footprint. Jax, prep go-bags and escape routes in case we need to move quickly."
Alina's hands tremble. I grip her shoulders, leaning down until our faces are inches apart. "This isn't your fault," I say, voice low enough that only she can hear. "But I need you focused. Can you do that for me?"
Something transforms in her expression—that defiance remains, but now it's blended with resolve. She nods once, sharply.
"Pull together everything you and Wilson dug up," I order. "Every fucking scrap."
"Yes, sir." A hint of sarcasm in her tone that makes the corner of my mouth twitch despite the situation.
