HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 36

Unexpected Turn

A shudder ran through Lia as she entered the home. The air was tense, each pulse repeating her mind's unrelenting countdown. Kevin and Jake's worried looks heightened her desperation.

"What's going on, Lieutenant?" Kevin asked, his brow furrowed in worry.

Lia gestured for them to follow her into the living room. "We need to talk. There's a plan we need to execute," she said, her voice steady but urgent.

Jake exchanged a worried glance with Kevin as they settled into their seats. Taking a deep breath, Lia continued, "We have 24 hours to prevent Colonel De Vega from leaving the country. We must act now."

"But how, Lieutenant?" Jake asked, anxiety lacing his voice. "This situation seems beyond our capabilities."

Lia nodded, fully aware of their doubts. "We must collaborate with Major Ocampo, who has resources to help us."

As Lia outlined the plan, the urgency of their mission crystallized. Kevin and Jake listened intently, their expressions shifting from confusion to determination. They were prepared to do whatever was necessary to protect Lucas.

In the neighboring room, Lucas, who had been napping, stirred and entered, bewildered and furious. "What's going on?" he demanded, his gaze shifting between Lia and the others. "Where did you come from, Lia?"

Lia turned to him, her heart pounding. "Major Ocampo called me. Lieutenant Colonel De Vega is planning to escape, and we need to release the evidence I have."

"Okay, so what's the plan?" Lucas asked, his voice taut with tension.

"We can't involve you," Lia said, her tone firm yet softening.

Lucas narrowed his eyes, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "I don't need protection. I'm ready to face De Vega. I'm not afraid of him!"

Lia stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Lucas, if we present you to De Vega now, he might use it against you. He could exploit your fake death. We need the evidence first to incriminate him. You can act once everything is prepared and the evidence is ready for court."

"Lia, I never thought I'd hear this from you," Lucas said, his voice steady, yet hurt.

"Can you just trust me? We're in danger, and we need to act quickly."

He shook his head, frustration mingling with fear and anger. "How can I trust you when you don't trust me?"

Lia's heart sank, but her resolve remained. "Please, trust that I care about you and want to keep you safe."

Not wanting to argue further, she turned away to prepare what she needed, clutching two USB drives tightly. Lucas's eyes burned with hurt and anger as he stared at her.

"Why did you do this, Lia?" Lucas demanded, his voice trembling. "Why did you leave me in the dark?"

Tears welled in Lia's eyes as she met his gaze. "Lucas, we have to do this for your safety. I can't bear to lose you."

"Do you understand how much this hurts?" Lucas's voice cracked. "You didn't even tell me. I believed we should have mutual trust."

Tears streaked down Lia's cheeks as she approached him cautiously. "Your life matters. I can't afford to lose someone else dear to me."

"How can you say I mattered to you when you left me?" Lucas choked out.

Lia reached out tentatively, wanting to comfort him but hesitating. "I have to leave now. We must prohibit De Vega from leaving the country."