Bonus irony? Nov saved her life, only to get snatched by a dealer in need of leverage.
We interrogated one of Felone’s drunk flunkies outside a saloon and managed to get the location of their base. It’s not far, just well hidden.
“We’ll have to split up” Vlad proposes. “I’ll get captured and infiltrate the place. You two hang back, wait for my signal, and maybe pull in Jason and Xenon. Akifumi might even lend us backup. He’ll love the chance to dismantle a Coalition outpost.”
“I’m in,” I say immediately. “But I’m the one going.”
“You sure about that?” Igor asks. “Wouldn’t it be smarter to wait for reinforcements?”
“Sam’s in there," Vlad and I answer in unison.
“Okay, say no more.”
But Vlad isn’t backing down. He crosses his arms, glaring at me.
“Ayden, buddy, it’s a bad idea. You’re too… emotionally invested. If they hurt her, you’ll lose it. I should go instead.”
“It’s not a debate, Vlad. I’m going. With or without you.”
He raises an eyebrow.
“You’ve never lost your temper, huh?”
“Not in years. Not since training. And not with Sam. I’ll keep it together.”
He frowns, unconvinced.
“Let’s not kid ourselves. You’re in love with her. That’s dangerous.”
“First of all, I’m NOT in love with her,” I say, maybe a bit too loud. “I’ve known her since she was a kid. We were there to recruit Logan, remember?”
“If you say so,” he mutters.
“Second of all, I will stay focused. And third—again—I’m going. Deal with it.”
Vlad lifts his hands in mock surrender.
“Fine, fine! You’re the one going on vacation. Take the two-seater. Track her down. Keep her safe. We’ll prep the rescue mission.”
“Glad we’re on the same page,” I say, heading to the exit.
“Right. You sip cocktails under the stars while Igor and I do the real work,” he calls after me.
“Exactly. I’ll ask Sam to make me a piña colada while she recounts her thrilling kidnapping story. Dream date, huh?”
“Want me to pack a lounge chair for you?”
“Only if it comes with a tropical playlist. Skip the metal though—I don’t think Sam’s ready for that.”
Vlad sighs.
“Seriously, Ayden… you sure you’ve thought this through? What’s your actual plan?”
“My plan is called Improvisation. I get near their base, get myself caught… then wing it.”
“You have a real gift for making bad ideas sound almost reasonable.”
“Thanks. Jason taught me.”
