“Last time, you disappeared. It’s not so much your problem as it is mine,” he confessed. “You’re making progress and I don’t want you to digress. If something happened to you…”
“Then you’ll burn the world down to find me,” she said softly.
Julio paused and gazed at her. Her eyes reflected hope for the first time since they returned home. The nightmares still occurred, but leaving Harrison in Russia seemed to make the demons bearable. Rebecca’s strength showed in her fight for them. This lead might bring her even more closure.
“Can you be ready in ten? Matthew’s waiting,” he said, giving up on fighting her.
Rebecca let out a little squeal and pulled out her already packed go bag. “Let’s get moving, Hernandez, we got people to save. I think you need a call sign. I’ve given it some thought, and you should be Phoenix. You burned the world down and helped us rise from the ashes. It may come in handy one day.”
“I like it. Can I call Jameson asshole one and Matthew asshole two, like Leo names his men?” he teased.
“No. We can’t swear in front of all the kids,” she said, heading downstairs.
“Rebecca,” Kara called. “You’re leaving?”
“I’m sorry. It’s part of my?—”
“It’s your job,” Kara finished with a grin. “Save as many as you can. I’ll be close now and can help teens like me know they’ll be okay.”
Rebecca kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Kara.”
Julio squeezed her as the couple promised to make up dinner with her parents.
“You’re in good hands,” Rebecca told them. “Kara and Rachel have spent a lot of time together, and I trust her to manage things in my absence.”
Rachel blushed, and her expression showed Rebecca her gratitude.
They drove to the private airstrip and boarded the plane.
“It’s about time,” Matthew groused. “I didn’t expect the extra luggage,” he said, jerking his head toward Rebecca.
“Get used to it, we’re a team. It seems like having a CIA agent on our side might come in handy someday,” Julio said, placing the go bags in the bins.
“You took the job?” Jameson asked. “Hell, yeah. Congratulations, little Hummingbird.”
“What did you call me?” Rebecca let out a laugh.
“I overheard you talking with ladies during your bring your own wine event. You and Rachel discussed the team’s call signs. I found one for you. You’re a hummingbird. Did you know they’re known for their endurance and strength? They survive in diverse habitats. Not to mention, they’re beautiful birds,” Jameson said. “Don’t accuse me of snooping to listen to your conversation. Matthew sent me to his office for some paperwork.”
Rebecca sat in the seat next to the window. Julio sat beside her and she lay her head against his shoulder.
“Hummingbird,” Julio said, testing out her name. “It fits you. I like it.”
“It appears, we’ll start the day with a new chapter,” she said, smiling up at him. “Phoenix and Hummingbird. While we’re at it, what do you think of changing the ranch’s name? It will represent a place of safety and refuge for all. I think we should call it Haven Ranch.”
Julio considered it for a moment and smiled. “It fits. And I can’t wait to start a new chapter with you,” he murmured before turning to Matthew. “Fill us in on what you found. Rebecca will join our meetings going forward.”
Matthew winked at her as he informed them of Gerard’s movements and the property listed in his wife’s name.
“How long will it take for us to get there?” she asked.
“Less than two hours. I have alerted the local authorities and have a warrant for his arrest ready. I have a feeling we’ll find a few more victims.”
“They’re survivors,” Rebecca corrected Matthew. “We’ll need a bigger plane to accommodate these rescues if we want to bring them to the ranch to heal. I’ve already requested one for use as part of my incentive package.”
“Good thinking, Hummingbird,” Matthew said, pulling out the latest blueprints of the home.
Julio went over the details. “The law enforcement officials will barricade the roads to prevent anyone from leaving. We’ll breach here and here,” he said before glancing at Rebecca. “I’ll need you here,” he pointed to the latest satellite image of the property.”
