Page 35 of The Dragon's Dream Mate (Savage Shifters Special Ops 3)

The men indicated that they were supposed to collect one more teenager, who would be waiting at a specific bus stop in town. The FBI had already collected him and called his parents. He was waiting at the police station. Hopefully, they would be able to scare some sense into that kid.

The men explained further that they were supposed to meet at The New York Harbor at eight tonight. They were to take the kids to a freighter calledGlobal Shipping VII.At that time, they were to turn the kids over to Henry Franks and Gregory Proctor and collect the other half of their pay.

The FBI and NYPD told the five of us that we were to officially step down from the investigation, as it was now in the hands of law enforcement. However, should we ‘happen’ to show up at the harbor meetup around six, then we could take part in the sting operation.

Then, Agent Mendenhall looked at Rainey. “Agent Baylock, I understand that you hired this team to make the rescue and that you have participated in the rescue as a civilian.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she answered.

“Therefore, you are not an official part of this mission,” Agent Mendenhall continued.

“That is correct, ma’am. However, I am fully aware that my actions, even if they were conducted while I was ‘off the clock’, could result in sanctions and even cost me my badge.”

Agent Mendenhall nodded and said, “That is what we are told when we signed up for this job.”

“In that case, ‘in for a penny, in for a pound,’ as the saying goes. If I’m already going to pay for being involved, I would like to see it all the way through.”

Agent Mendenhall smiled. “I figured you would see it that way. Therefore, if you should happen to show up, unofficially, with your team, then I would be honored to have your assistance.”

My heart dropped because I knew that Rainey would want to be there, and it would be dangerous. I wasn’t worried because she was a woman. She had already proven that she was more than able to take care of herself. I was worried because I didn’t want to lose someone else I cared about.

We spent several hours that morning listening to the law enforcement agencies make their plans for the takedown that evening. Around noon, we excused ourselves from the meeting to make our own plans.

Gage looked at me and then studied Rainey for a bit. I didn’t like where his brain was going for a single moment. It was as though I could read his thoughts.

“We are unofficial on this exercise. Although they unofficially invited us to meet up with them about six, I think that we should go a bit earlier than that,” he said slowly.

The four of us looked at him, waiting.

“Although law enforcement tries to be stealthy, often, they make a lot of noise, especially when folks are on the lookout for law enforcement. Also, this criminal organization could have a mole in the NYPD who might tell them who and what to watch out for,” Gage said.

We nodded. While most people join a law enforcement agency to make a positive difference in other people’s lives and to watch out for the safety and welfare of others, there are always one or two who end up being corrupt, just as there are in all walks of life.

“If the sting is compromised, then that could mean any other hostages they already have onboard the freighter could be in danger,” Gage said.

Gage was laying out his thoughts detail by detail because that was the way he thought. He was very analytical, and he wanted everyone to understand why he wanted to do things a certain way, although all of us, now including Rainey, would have followed him into the bowels of Hades. He had proven himself to us more than once.

He turned his gaze toward Rainey again. “You did a great job as a decoy once. Do you feel up to the job a second time?”

I had to bite my tongue to keep from protesting. This would be even more dangerous than the first time she went in. However, she was a grown, capable woman, and I told myself that I had to look at the situation in that manner. I had to separate my feelings from what was going on.

Rainey nodded. “I should be able to dig that outfit out of the trash and distract at least a couple of people.”

“Good. You are going to approach them and keep at least a couple of the people occupied on deck. A sweet innocent act would work, especially since they are looking for children.”

“I can definitely do that. I’m pretty sure I can keep their attention, at least for a few minutes.”

Gage smiled at her. “Perhaps if you do find yourself without employment at the FBI, you can join us.”

“I will certainly consider that. You guys have a lot more fun than I get to. I have to push more paper just to walk outside and breathe. Y’all get to take action,” she said.

She avoided looking at me as she said that. My heart stopped at the thought of working with her full time and having to watch her put herself in dangerous situations all the time.

Gage then turned his attention to the rest of us. “While Rainey has captivated the men on deck, we will have changed forms. Then, we’ll storm the boat.”

He looked pointedly at Jared, who had recently been shot while in his wolf form. “They will have guns, so be careful. We are still vulnerable in our shifted forms.”

We nodded, as we had been in a war and knew the dangers well. However, we understood Gage’s need to be protective.

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