Walker leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. “Webb will have his people sweep her the moment she walks in. You’re sure this will pass?”
“Positive.” Terrel pulled out his tablet and tapped a few commands. “The transmitter uses a frequency that standard detection equipment won’t pick up. It’s the same technology we developed for the Kimura operation last year.”
Reed remembered that operation—a corporate espionage case that had required them to plant listening devices in a Tokyo boardroom protected by some of the most sophisticated counter-surveillance equipment in the world. If Terrel’s tech had fooled that system, it would fool Webb’s people.
Not that it made Reed feel any better about sending Elena into the lion’s den.
“Let’s go over the plan one more time,” Vince said, spreading a map of the area around La Prince across the coffee table. The restaurant occupied the ground floor of a renovated building in the Arts District, surrounded by galleries, boutique shops, and converted loft apartments. “We’ve got plainclothes officers positioned here, here, and here.” He pointed to three locations on the map. “Plus, unmarked vehicles at both ends of the block.”
James studied the layout, his injured shoulder still held carefully against his body. “That’s a lot of coverage. Webb’s going to be looking for exactly this kind of setup.”
“He’ll be anticipating it,” Elena agreed, rising from her chair and moving to examine the map. She was wearing a simple black dress that Reed had watched her choose that morning—elegant enough for an upscale restaurant, practical enough to allow freedom of movement if things went sideways. “Webb knows I’m not stupid enough to walk in without backup. He’ll have his ownpeople scanning the perimeter, looking for anyone who seems out of place.”
“Which is why we’re staying back until you give the signal,” Reed said. “You go in, you make the proposal, you leave. The moment you’re clear of the building, we move in and take Webb before he can disappear again.”
Vince nodded. “LAPD tactical teams will seal off both exits. FBI agents will handle the arrest inside. By the time Webb realizes what’s happening, he’ll be in handcuffs.”
“What about his security team?” Walker asked. “Elena identified at least three men inside, probably more outside.”
“We’ll have overwhelming numbers,” Vince replied. “Webb’s people are good, but they’re not going to start a firefight in a crowded restaurant when they’re outgunned ten to one. They’ll stand down.”
Reed wished he shared Vince’s confidence. Webb was unpredictable, desperate, and had nothing left to lose. Men like that didn’t always make rational decisions.
“The key is timing,” Vince continued, looking at Elena. “You need to keep Webb engaged long enough for our teams to get into position, but not so long that he gets suspicious and bolts. Make your proposal, let him think about it, then excuse yourself. Once you’re outside, we move.”
“And if something goes wrong inside?” Elena asked quietly.
“Then you use the safe word and we come in early.” Reed’s voice was harder than he intended. “But nothing will go wrong. You’re going to walk in, deliver your lines, and walk out. Simple.”
Elena met his gaze, and Reed saw something flicker in her eyes—determination, maybe, or resolve. She nodded once, but there was a set to her jaw that made him uneasy.
“Local law enforcement knows the score,” Vince added. “If we give the signal, they’ll lock down a three-block radius within ninety seconds. Webb’s not getting away this time.”
Lord, Reed found himself praying—the habit coming more naturally now than it had in years—please protect her. Please bring her back to me.
The hours crawled by with agonizing slowness. They reviewed the plan three more times, ran communication checks, and studied the restaurant’s layout until Reed could have navigated it blindfolded. Elena remained calm throughout, her focus sharp and steady in a way that reminded him of the capable person she was.
At six-thirty, she began her final preparations. Reed watched her check the small Glock 43 that would be strapped to her thigh beneath the dress, a last resort if everything else failed. She moved through the routine with practiced efficiency, and Reed felt a surge of pride mixed with terror at the woman she’d become.
“It’s time,” Vince announced, checking his watch.
Elena turned to face the room, and for a moment, no one spoke. James and Terrel wore matching expressions of grim determination. Walker gave her a single nod of respect, while Vince was already reaching for his communications equipment.
Reed crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, not caring that his brothers were watching. He held her tight, memorizing the feel of her against his chest, the scent of her hair, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat.
“Come back to me,” he murmured against her ear.
“I will.” She pulled back just enough to meet his eyes. “I have a proposal to reject, remember?”
Despite everything, Reed laughed. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”
“Never.” She kissed him once, quick and fierce, then stepped away. “I’ll see you on the other side.”
And then she was gone, walking out the door and into the fading evening light, leaving Reed with nothing to do but wait and pray.
The audio feedcrackled to life in Reed’s earpiece as Elena entered La Prince.
“I’m inside.” Her voice came through, soft but clear. “The hostess is seating me now.”
