Ezra cracked his knuckles. “Let’s give Ortega a surprise he won’t forget. He thinks he’s got the upper hand, but he’s in for a shock.”
Logan, ever the strategist, she’d learned, was intently studying the blueprints of Ortega’s mansion. “There are multiple entry points. We can split into teams and enter from two different locations. It’ll give us a better chance to find Clara’s father and make him have to split up his guards to deal with us.”
Max chimed in, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll need to be coordinated and precise. Timing will be critical. A single misstep could jeopardize everything.”
Carter, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. “What about Lopez? We can’t let him slip away now that we know he’s the mole.”
“We’ll inform Senior Officer Miller about Lopez,” Seb said decisively. “He can handle that end while we focus on the rescue. Right now, our priority is Clara’s father and taking Ortega out of play.”
Arlo started setting up their communication devices. “I’ll ensure our comms are secure. We can’t afford any leaks or interference.”
Toby checked his equipment. “We might not get a second shot at this. Let’s make sure it counts.”
Ezra nodded. “We will. They fuck with our families, they get to feel the full force of our wrath.”
As the team hustled around, preparing for the mission, Clara felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the danger, she knew they were united in their resolve to save her father and stop Ortega once and for all.
Seb approached Clara, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. “We’ve got this, Clara. It’s going to be okay. We’re going to bring your dad home safe and sound.”
She nodded, the weight of the mission settling on her shoulders. As they finalized their plans, she knew she was about to embark on one of the most perilous and pivotal missions of her life. The thought was daunting, but with Seb and his team by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead. She’d been the lone wolf for far too long, and it felt good to finally be part of a pack. And that was exactly what Seb and his friends were, despite the fact that they were all a different species.
Carter looked up from the map, his expression serious. “We’ll be in and out before Ortega even knows what hit him.”
Logan added, “Don’t forget, we need Ortega alive for interrogation.”
The team moved with precision, each member clear on their role in the high-stakes operation ahead. Clara felt a surge of gratitude for this group of people who had become more than just allies—they were her lifeline in a world that had turned upside down.
As the meeting drew to a close, Clara caught Seb’s eye once more. There was a promise in his gaze, a silent vow that they would see this through together. With a final nod to her team, Clara steeled herself for what was to come. The mission to save her father and take down Ortega was about to begin.
Before they began their rescue mission, Clara and Seb made a detour to meet with Senior Officer Miller. Their need for swiftness wasn’t lost on Clara as they entered Miller’s office, a room filled with the subtle hum of machinery and the faint scent of aged paper and coffee.
Miller looked up from his desk, his expression one of surprise. “Clara, Seb, what’s going on? Your call sounded urgent,” he said, taking in their grim expressions.
Clara took a deep breath, a steely resolve in her eyes as she regarded Miller. “We have reason to believe that Senior Officer Lopez is the mole within our operation,” she began, her voice steady but charged with emotion.
Seb stepped forward, laying out the details of their sting operation. “We fed contradictory information to you and Senior Officer Lopez, about the raid on Ortega’s operations,” Seb explained.
Miller raised his eyebrows. “You thoughtIcould be the mole?”
“It was nothing personal,” Clara said quickly. “But it was the only way we could be certain. Activity at the location linked to Lopez confirmed he’s the one passing information to Ortega.”
Miller’s face registered shock, then hardened with realization. “Lopez? I can’t believe it,” he muttered, the weight of the betrayal evident in his voice. “I’ve known him for years… And you’re sure?”
“As sure as we can be. Ortega’s men showed up to move a lot of important documents that tied him to his crime.”
“And the documents?” Miller enquired.
“We have them,” Seb confirmed, “We think they contain enough evidence to convict Ortega, but just when we thought we were home and dry, Ortega rang Clara. He has her father and wants to make a trade for the paperwork.”
Miller bit out a curse. “That snake. The sooner he’s behind bars, the better. What’s your plan?”
“We’re going in to rescue him,” Seb confirmed.
None of them, not even Clara had ever considered making the trade.
Miller shifted into a mode of action. “Okay, then we need to move fast. I’ll coordinate a team to apprehend Lopez. He won’t get away with his part in all of this.”
Clara nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “My father is being held at Ortega’s mansion. Ortega wants to make the trade at nine.”
