Page 30 of Rescuing Rebel

I fucked up—plain and simple. Broke every rule and protocol like a blind, infatuated fool.

There’s no way to spin it. No way to lessen the bitter taste of betrayal. I got played, and now Guardian HRS is compromised because of my mistakes.

All that’s left is to own up and accept the fallout. CJ’s disappointment. The damage control we’ll have to implement because I failed to guard what matters most—the secrecy and security of our organization.

I’m under no illusions. Careers have ended over less. I’ll take my licks without complaint or excuses. I let passion blind me, and these are the consequences.

I don’t know who said this first, but it’sTime to face the music.

Squaring my shoulders, I ready myself to confess everything and take my licks because I forgot my duty in a heated moment of self-indulgence. However, I quickly sniff my pits and detour to my temporary quarters. I smell like sea, salt, sand, and sex. No way in hell am I facing CJ smelling like that.

I’m still new enough to Guardian HRS that I’m living in Guardian HQ dormitories. After showering and shaving, I make myself presentable, then head out with a heavy heart. By the end of this, Guardian HRS will be a footnote in my career, a massive black mark on my record.

Jaw clenched, I enter the briefing room to face the leaders who trusted me. They took Rex’s word that I was qualified to lead Charlie team. Little did they know I would compromise everything.

Sam’s steady eyes, CJ’s scowl, and Mitzy’s knowing gaze all focus on my failure.

“CJ briefed us, but I want to hear from you.” Sam crosses his arms, a scowl firmly fixed on his face. He’s not pleased. “What the fuck happened?”

I meet his stare and take in a steadying breath. “I allowed myself to be compromised by a survivor we rescued.” As I recount meeting Rebel, Sam’s expression darkens.

“What specifics did you disclose?” Sam’s scowl nearly unmans me.

Every sordid detail shames me further, but I hide nothing.

Bile rises in my throat. I close my eyes, sifting through feverish memories. “Operational details. Training methods. Team compositions. Technical capabilities. Too much. I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Mitzy leans forward. “Can you clarify the technical details?”

“I described our drones, embedded trackers, and surveillance systems.” The leaders exchange concerned looks.

“This intel could be dangerous in the wrong hands, but it’s not enough to undermine our security if used against us.” CJ rubs his jaw. “We need to find this woman.”

Sam runs a hand down his face, but his eyes never leave mine. “What’s done is done. We control the damage. Recall everything you can about this woman.”

I slump in my seat, the weight of my failure pressing down on me. “Of course, I resign as Charlie leader. My lapse in judgment has endangered everything.”

Sam clasps my shoulder. “Ethan, you made a mistake but admitted it instead of hiding it. That shows courage. Your resignation isn’t needed.”

“But…” It’s not like I’m not grateful, but this isn’t the kind of dressing down I expected.

CJ nods. “Guardians take care of our own. We’ll find Rebel and make it right.”

Sam meets my eyes. “I believe you’re the right man to lead Charlie team. One failure doesn’t outweigh all the good you’ve done.”

“Hell, we’ve all been young and stupid,” CJ adds with a snort. “You owned up to it. Clean up your mess and move on.”

The weight of their trust slams into me, almost buckling my knees. My chest tightens, air jammed in my lungs. I fight to keep my eyes dry, jaw clenching. I can’t afford to crack. Not now. I vow to prove worthy of their trust and handle this crisis with decisive leadership, no matter what it takes.

However, days later, Mitzy enters the briefing room grim-faced. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve employed every tracking method imaginable. There’s no sign of Rebel anywhere.”

A chill sweeps through me at those ominous words. Rebel vanished off the face of the earth? If that was ever her real name. That woman holds dangerous knowledge that could bring down Guardian HRS.

All because of me.

* * *

Weeks later,my pulse spikes when CJ’s name flashes on my phone.

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