Page 63 of King of Praise
“You don’t have to do this.” Zeke’s words carry the weight of years of friendship, of trust earned through shared battles. “We can find another way.”
But we all know there isn’t time. Whatever Francesca has planned, it’s already in motion. The attack on me was likely just the opening move in a larger strategy. A way to get my attention. We need to know what we’re facing before her next strike lands.
“I’ll do it.” The decision feels heavy on my tongue, yet somehow inevitable. “But we need contingencies in place. If she’s working with Nicolo—”
“Already handled.” Eli’s confidence steadies me. “I’ll have a team on standby, ready to extract you if things go sideways.”
Seb adds his own reassurance. “And I’ll work my contacts, see what other intelligence we can gather. You won’t be going in completely blind.”
Zeke studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, accepting my commitment while shouldering the responsibility it entails. “We’ll need to get you a suit. And you’ll need a wire—something subtle enough to evade detection.”
The discussion turns technical as we hash out details. Entrance and exit strategies, communication protocols, extraction signals. Each element must be perfect. One mistake could prove fatal.
As the others focus on logistics, my thoughts drift to Naomi. She’s waiting at the cabin, safely hidden from the chaos about to erupt in Columbus. The urge to protect her has become sofundamental I sometimes forget it wasn’t always there. Now it colors every decision, adds weight to every risk.
At least she’s safe. The thought steadies me as we continue planning. Whatever happens at Francesca’s estate, whatever intelligence I uncover, Naomi remains beyond reach of our enemies. I’ve made sure of that.
The meeting stretches into afternoon, sun shifting across the office floor as we refine our strategy. When we finally disperse to our various assignments, Zeke holds me back with a gesture.
In the sudden silence, with security measures ensuring our privacy, Zeke asks the question I’ve been avoiding. “Are you sure about this? After the attack—”
“I’m sure.” The words are automatic, despite us both knowing the risks. “If she’s behind this, it means she chose me when I was attacked. Out of all of us, I have the longest history with her. This could be a ploy to turn me against you and join her. Make being on your team look too dangerous.”
He nods slowly, accepting my determination while wrestling with his own concerns. “Just be careful. We can’t afford to lose you.”
The sentiment, unusual from my typically stoic friend, catches me off guard. But before I can respond, he’s already turning away, retrieving a bottle of whiskey from the bar behind his desk. The conversation is over, though its implications linger.
I reach for my phone as I leave the club. Naomi answers on the first ring. Her warm voice eases some of the tension from my shoulders. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself.” I can hear her smile in her tone, imagine her curled up with one of the books I bought her. “Coming home soon?”
“That’s why I’m calling.” I keep my voice steady, giving nothing away. “I might be later than expected. Don’t worry if you don’t see me tonight.”
A pause, brief but heavy with unspoken questions. “Everything okay?”
“Fine.” The lie tastes ashy but necessary. “Just some business that needs handling. Nothing to worry about.”
“Micah.” She trails off, and I can picture her biting her lower lip, a habit that surfaces when she’s concerned. “Be careful?”
“Always am.” This, at least, isn’t a lie. Caution has kept me alive through decades in this dangerous world.
Another pause, longer this time. “I miss you.”
The words hit me smack dab in the chest, intensifying my need to see her, to ensure she never faces the dangers about to unfold in Columbus. “Miss you too, lovely. Try not to worry.”
We disconnect, but her voice echoes in my mind as I head toward my next task—meeting with our security consultant to begin preparations for tonight’s infiltration. Each step carries me further from the cabin, from Naomi’s warmth and safety, toward whatever waits in Francesca’s carefully laid trap.
But it’s all necessary. To keep Naomi safe, to protect everything we’ve built, I have to know what Francesca’s planning. Have to identify the traitor who might have already compromised our organization. The risk to myself is irrelevant compared to the larger stakes.
Still, as I navigate Columbus’s busy streets, Naomi’s final words replay in an endless loop.I miss you.
I force my thoughts back to the mission ahead. Sentiment is a luxury I can’t afford right now.
Francesca Barone won’t hesitate to exploit any weakness she discovers.
And caring for Naomi definitely qualifies as a weakness.
Chapter 17
