𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ◇ 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐃

Ç

"I'm just letting you know, I did not expect he escaped or was on the run," Dorn began, somewhat sheepishly.

"That's not why he's here," Rita cut in, shaking her head.

"My bad," Dorn muttered, focusing on his screens.

Rita turned to the rest of the team. "What is the point of a group chat?"

"To send TikToks," Kelly quipped, earning a few chuckles.

"No," Rita said, a touch exasperated. "But anyways, new teammate alert for those who didn't get the message."

Rafe raised an eyebrow. "At least it's not Grandpa Mike."

Rita smirked. "Just his son."

"Wait, what?" Rafe's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yeah, he's good. I mean, he was the guy we went after," Kelly added, leaning back in her chair.

"Wait, this was not on my New Year's list last year," Rafe said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Armando, standing by the door, couldn't resist a jab. "Does he ever stop talking, or does he need a mute button?"

Rafe shot back. "For your info, no. That's why your pops almost got his ass handed to him."

"I could take a pretty boy like you an—"

"Whoa," Dorn interrupted, raising his hands. "I'm just gonna interpret y'all because Armando has dropped bodies left and right. So, Rafe, if you don't wanna do the cupid shuffle, I suggest you don't go there."

"He's right," Rita interjected, bringing the room back to order. "But I have a new mission for y'all. Dorn, pull up the new information."

"Yes, ma'am," Dorn said, quickly bringing up the details on the large screen.

Rita began, her tone grave. "For the past three months, young women have been going missing at high-end parties. Not a night to remember, ladies and gentlemen. At first, we thought it was a serial killer, but no. Because a week later, after they would go missing, all their money was taken out of their accounts."

"So, sex trafficking?" Kelly asked, leaning forward.

"No," Rita clarified. "We had a couple of undercover agents who confirmed that wasn't the case. So, we took a deeper look and still, none of these girls had anything in common. Except, we were able to find out who they are targeting next: Njeri."

"A model?" Rafe asked, surprised.

"The only young woman close to a celebrity," Rita confirmed.

"I heard a little bit about her from a friend who worked with her during one of her recent fashion shows," Kelly added.

"Nothing still adds up, though," Armando said, his brows furrowed.

"Which is why tonight, at Jackson Wang's party, I need one of y'all to try to get close to her or even one of her friends," Rita instructed.

"Not gonna be easy," Kelly warned. "I heard Njeri's friends, Jace and Zane, are like her bodyguards."

"Tonight at 9. Be late, but not early. Wear your best because it is gonna be by the beach, and there will be street racing," Rita said, her eyes sweeping over the team.

"Stay sharp. This could be our best chance to get closer to protect the target."