Luc. One of those signatures has to be Luc.
"Standard tactical entry. Secure the targets, extract the asset, medical on standby." Remy's gaze locks on mine. "You stay here. Andy keeps you secured. When we have Luc, medical moves in. Clear?"
"Clear."
He disappears into the darkness. The tactical team moves through the trees with practiced precision. Night vision makes them visible for moments before they fade into shadows.
Andy monitors multiple comm channels. Fragments come through—team positions, approach vectors, countdown to breach.
"Breach in three... two... one... go."
Silence stretches. Nothing comes through.
Finally: "Targets secured. Primary asset located. Medical needed immediately."
Andy's already moving, starting the engine. The SUV lurches forward, closing the distance to the house. Emergency medical vehicles follow, lights still off.
We pull up as the tactical team carries Luc out on a stretcher. He's unconscious. Blood on his face. Wrists showing marks from restraints. But breathing.
The medical team swarms him immediately. They load him into the ambulance, start an IV, check vitals.
I'm out of the SUV before Andy can stop me. I run toward the ambulance where Luc lies too still.
"Simone—" Remy tries to intercept me.
I push past him. Drop to my knees beside the stretcher. Luc's face is battered. Bruised. Cut. His chest rises and falls.
"What did they give him?" I ask the paramedic working the IV.
"Unknown substance. Treating for potential overdose and head trauma. We need to get him to the hospital. Now."
"I'm coming with him."
"Ma'am—"
"I'm coming with him." I don't wait for permission. Just climb into the ambulance as they load the stretcher.
Remy appears at the door. Looks at me. Nods once. "I'll follow with Andy. Go."
The ambulance doors close. Sirens wail. We're moving fast through dark streets toward the nearest hospital.
I take Luc's hand. It's limp. Unresponsive. But warm.
"Don't you dare die on me," I whisper. "Not after everything. Not now."
His fingers twitch. Just slightly. Like he heard me.
The paramedic continues working. Monitoring vitals. Adjusting the IV. Calling ahead to the hospital with patient information and estimated arrival time.
I don't let go of Luc's hand. Even when the ambulance swerves. Even when we hit rough pavement. I hold on.
We reach the emergency entrance. A medical team is waiting.
They wheel Luc inside. I follow until a nurse stops me at the trauma bay doors.
"Family only beyond this point."
The lie forms automatically. "I'm his fiancée."
