They had no idea what was coming.
CHAPTER 26
EVELYN
It had beeneight hours since we’d confirmed Sophia’s destination was the research facility in Helsinki.
Seven hours since we’d boarded the chartered flight.
Six hours crossing the Atlantic.
One hour since landing in Finland.
I felt every second my daughter was in danger, every breath she was in Innovixus’s hands.
I pressed my forehead against the cool metal of the panel van’s interior wall, trying to steady my breathing. We’d positioned ourselves along the E75 highway, a strategic point on the route from Helsinki airport to the Innovixus research campus. The tactical vest Trent had insisted I wear felt suffocating, the weight unfamiliar and restrictive across my chest.
“Target convoy maintaining course,” Kate’s voice came through my earpiece. “Four vehicles. Mercedes in position two, containing primary package.”
Primary package.
My daughter.
My five-year-old little girl, who liked strawberry ice cream and counted stars and never let anyone touch her stuffed rabbit except me.
Reduced to an extraction term.
Ozzy had hacked into Innovixus while we were airborne and discovered that they were moving Sophia to another, even more secure, black-site facility today, which made the team’s job both easier and harder. Easier than breaching Fort Knox. Harder because overtaking a convoy on the road was public. Messy. Dangerous.
But it was our only chance.
“Copy that,” Ethan’s voice, commander flat. “Roadblock teams, sound off.”
“Outlaw and Dealer, ready on primary.” Flynn’s voice carried that lazy Texas drawl even now.
“Sly, Preacher, secondary position set.” Leo’s voice was all business.
“Got three surprises placed along the route,” Rafe said, avoiding using his call sign ‘Sparky’, which I’d discovered he despised. “Give the word, and they’ll know we mean business.”
“Siren in position on overwatch.” Lyric’s voice was cool as glass. “Got eyes on the whole mess.”
“Maverick standing by with the finest ‘borrowed’ helicopter Finland has to offer. She flies like a dream.” Of course Nolan sounded like this was all good fun. I knew he’d do everything in his power to save Sophia, but I hated how flippant he sounded.”
“Vigil and Clarity, on standby in extraction vehicle,” Trent said from beside me, his voice a steady anchor in the storm of my thoughts.
The sounds of our cult names sent a chill down my spine. When Kate suggested I use Clarity as my call sign, I wanted to reclaim it as something strong, something good… but I just couldn’t. “Can we change those for next time?”
Trent looked at me, and a small, sad smile tipped the corner of his mouth. “There’s not going to be a next time. After this, you’ll never have to hear that name ever again.”
Tears flooded my eyes as I nodded.
“No time for that now,” Trent said softly and reached out to brush one away with his thumb.
I straightened my shoulders and sucked in a deep breath, pulling myself together. He was right. I could break down later, but right now, his team and my daughter needed me to be strong.
“Tell me the plan again.”
He leaned closer, his shoulder pressing against mine as he spread a map across our knees. His finger traced the planned route.
