Page 92 of Rescuing Rebel

“Two dozen women held captive. As for hostiles…” I tick through our estimates in my head. “At least thirty armed guards, plus administrative staff with military backgrounds.”

CJ blows out a breath, scrubbing a hand over his stubble-shadowed jaw. “It’s doable, but you need weapons and one hell of a distraction.”

Before I can respond, Mitzy nudges her way into view of the camera, psychedelic neon hair framing her youthful face.

“I’ve got this. We can weaponize the Rufi. Send them via HALO jump.” Her words come rapid-fire in her signature style. “They’ll carry weapons, explosives, and supplies.”

CJ nods approvingly. “Solid start, but Charlie needs more than the Rufi for extraction.”

An anticipatory grin splits Mitzy’s face.

Stitch pipes up. “I’ll disable power to critical systems. With comms and surveillance down, Charlie team can grab the women in the chaos.”

“Sounds solid,” I agree without hesitation. This might be our only shot to cripple Kaufman’s operation and save those women.

CJ’s mouth twitches, a ghost of a smile. “How about this? Alpha and Bravo teams HALO in with the Rufi. The Rufi peel off to supply your team while Alpha and Bravo prep for a diversion outside Haven’s walls. That should give your team the cover you need.” His eyes gleam. “Time to pull the trigger on Operation Exodus.”

“Exodus?”

“Sounds like it needs a catchy name.” CJ doesn’t apologize for naming my Op.

“Copy that.” I glance at my team, happy to see nods all around. They’re tired of playing pretend security experts and are ready for action.

Mitzy cracks her knuckles, already immersed in planning her technological ambush. “Stitch, stay in contact with me. I don’t want any hiccups. We’ll initiate when you signal. I’ll get creative and see what else we can develop from this end.” She winks before moving offscreen, fingers flying over keyboards.

CJ meets my gaze through the monitor. “Stay sharp down there. Bring those women home.”

“Will do.”

CJ’s face splits into a fierce grin. “See you topside, Charlie-One.”

The screen goes dark, and I turn to my men. “Kaufman invited me to the auction. That takes me out of the prep work with the Rufi. Once the diversion starts, I’ll grab Rebel and meet at the tunnel.” At least, I hope Rebel will let me grab her. I don’t know that she will, and it’s slowly killing me.

“The Rufi are an awesome bonus. Did she say fully weaponized?” Gabe punches his fist in his hand. “A real mission with weaponized Rufi. About damn time.”

I couldn’t agree more. Mitzy’s combat robots will provide critical support during our escape.

“Let’s work on our part.” It’s time to run through timelines and positioning. We run through several scenarios, picking each apart. We’ll continue to refine our plans until the mission’s over.

Because the best-laid plans always go to shit during combat.

THIRTY-FOUR

Ethan

Later that night,I’m summoned to dinner with Kaufman. The candlelit dining hall is hushed, filled only with the soft clinks of fine china and silverware. Crystal glasses of crimson wine sparkle under the warm glow. The tantalizing aromas of roast beef, buttery potatoes, and fresh greens fill the air, at odds with the tension palpable between us. It smells amazing and would be a great dinner if not for the host.

I take my seat across from Kaufman, hyperaware of Rebel’s presence by his side.

Kaufman eyes me over his glass, swirling the wine before taking a leisurely sip. “Tell me, how goes the hunt for our little security breach?”

I cut into the tender steak, keeping my tone casual. “I expect definitive answers before the auction.”

“I should hope so. Your team is cutting it close.” Kaufman drags his fork through the drizzle of sauce on his plate. “The systems must be secure for my clients. The auction must proceed without issue.” His tone brooks no uncertainty.

“We’ve traced the breach and are locking it down tight.” I infuse confidence into the lie and swallow the last of the excellent Pinot Noir in my glass. It’s exquisite, which irks me. Degenerate scum like Kaufman don’t deserve such fineries. “You have my word.”

The moment I set my wine glass down, one of the servers fills it.

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