Page 283 of Operation: Defiance

Mirroring his language is the worst thing I can do. I change nothing, and hit Send.

Inara picks up on the first ring. I’m not surprised. “Are we a go?”

“Yes.”

“Talk to me,” she says. Already operational. Already ready.

“Voss made contact. I have forty-five—forty-three—minutes before I need to present myself in Kent. Asher—” My voice fails me without permission. I swallow, try again. “He’s in bad shape. I don’t know what they did, but he can’t talk.”

There’s a brief pause on the line. “Can’t…how?”

“He tried. There was…nothing. His mind is still there. He was able to give me a signal—briefly. But he’s bleeding, I don’t think he can walk, and he’s⁠—”

“Raine. Listen to me.” She’s quieter now. Serious in a way that stops me from spiraling. “Hidden Agenda’s doctor used to be Air Force Pararescue. Everyone who’s ever served knows that PJs are off the charts batshit, but also the most capable medics on the planet. Doc will know what to do.”

Her confidence reassures me enough I can breathe again. “Okay. You’ll be in position when I get there?”

“Yes. On a roof four hundred meters from the facility. Full view of the lobby. I scoped it out on street view, then had Doc and Natasha do a drive-by. They’re waiting at the Siren Coffee on Revival Way. Meet them there, and Nat will be your driver.”

“The GSD Security Service is highly trained. I don’t know how many Voss will send. At least two with Asher. But for me…”

“I can handle two in under sixty seconds if you and Asher are clear. Most important thing you can do? Stay low. If you can, tell Asher to do the same. Doc will be around the corner, ready to breach as well. Natasha’s been out of the field for a long time, but she was a Ranger. She hasn’t forgotten how to clear a room. Trust me, Raine. We’re the best at what we do.”

She says it like we’re talking about something mundane. Gardening or painting or birdwatching. Not taking down a corrupt government organization that erases women.

“If you’re still in Bellevue, you need to get in the car,” she says. “I’m running one last gear check and then I’ll be on my way. Packing a couple extra goodies for Nat. Just in case. Gas mask, det cord, signal jammer… The basics.”

The basics?

“Wait. I…you wouldn’t have access to a small flash bang, would you?”

She laughs. “Hon, I could get you a rocket launcher if you asked. A tiny little flash bang? Pretty sure there’s one in my glove box. But I’ll throw a handful into my bag. Natasha will have them for you.”

I almost laugh. The sensation is so at odds with everything happening, it catches me off guard. For a moment, I focus on the laptop screen, at the still of Asher’s face staring into the camera.

I’m coming. I choose you. Always.

“Raine,” Inara says, breaking the silence that’s gone on too long. “I’ve got you. Both of you. Understand?”

“Yes.” I do understand. I don’t entirely know how to handle that understanding. “Thank you.”

“You can thank me when you and Asher are safe, and this Voss asshole is six feet under. For now, get in the car.”