BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 55

Lucas

"Going in. Go, go, go!" The voice crackles through my earpiece, signaling the start of the operation. The team and I are posted at a distance, watching the video footage from the tactical cameras worn by the SWAT Team.

Now we wait.

After much deliberation, it was decided that the FBI would take the lead, backed by Ruby Creek and Lakeview Police Departments, along with SWAT. The goal was clear: apprehend former Special Agent Robert Kessler while preserving the chain of evidence and eliminating any room for error. It was the right move, but it didn't sit well with me at first.

Every instinct screamed at me to be a part of the takedown. To look that bastard in the eyes and make him feel every ounce of the fear and pain he put us through. But after last night—after Embree said yes to my proposal—I saw things differently. My need for revenge, that burning urge to settle the score, suddenly didn't feel as important. Not because Kessler's actions don't matter. They do. And not because I'm over it—far from it. But because in the end, Kessler lost. He didn't destroy us. Embree and I won. This time, when it counted the most, the bad guys failed, so why let them steal any more of our precious time?

The way I see it, I've spent enough of my life consumed by all the wrong things. I wasted too many years chasing down shadows, haunted by the past, letting fear and my demons dictate every move I made. But now? Now I have everything I've ever wanted, and it's like a veil has been lifted. Clarity—it's my new best friend. What matters to me now is simple. My future wife. Our children. Our life together. Living it to the fullest, without fear, without hesitation. The past no longer has a hold on me because the future is everything, and I'm not about to waste another second looking back.

"Checking in. How are you?" Ben's voice comes up from behind me, a solid hand gripping my shoulder in a quiet show of support.

"I'm straight. Breathing steady." It's a lie, but one I hope rings true before this day is done.

"Good." He gives me that look—the one where his eyes narrow just enough to let me know he's reading me like an open book. He's always been too damn perceptive. The furrow in his brow tells me he sees right through me, and honestly, with the way I'm feeling, I'm sure the entire team can sense the tension simmering under my cool, calm exterior. But I'm grateful that, for once, he lets it go.

"I spoke to Agent Halder this morning. Once Kessler's in custody, she'll leak the documents we discussed to the press."

The official story is that Robert Kessler, a disgraced former FBI agent, kidnapped the wife and children of a missing agent as an act of revenge for being fired. A premeditated act the FBI was aware of and failed to prevent. It's simple, believable—a narrative that will make headlines and should spark outrage.

While Kessler's identity will be made public, Creed's name, his role, Embree and the kids—they're all shielded. The gritty details of Creed's disappearance, the investigation he was working on, and the murky water we've all had to wade through. Those are sealed up tight. Redacted. Essentially erased from public view. What we're leaking to the media was carefully curated—authentic enough to get the reaction we need from the public and those at the agency who wish to harm us while ensuring we all remain protected. Everyone except Kessler.

"Jen's on standby. Once everything goes public, she's filing the lawsuit. When it's all said and done, the agency won't dare touch Emilia, the girls, hell... any of us. And for those at the agency still hellbent on revenge, Owen's put together a nice insurance policy. If anything happens to any of us, we'll expose every dirty secret the agency tried to hide during their witch hunt against Emilia. Give it a few more weeks, and this will all be behind us."

Ben's confidence is palpable, but I'm not quite there yet. Not until I've seen Kessler cuffed, the story exposed, and the FBI's incompetence in their handling of this situation laid bare for the world to see. Only then will I allow myself to indulge in a moment of relief.

"It won't really be over, though, will it?" I murmur as I repeat the thought that's been running through my mind like a broken record. "It doesn't exonerate Creed. By all accounts, he's still a ghost, forced to keep running and hiding from those trying to silence him." I shake my head, worry gnawing at me as I think back to last night's conversation. I'm deeply concerned about what this will mean for the three children I love and promised her I'd protect.

"Yeah, but he's alive, isn't he? And we've bought him time. That's exactly what he needs to fight back, to gather the evidence that'll clear his name. With Embree and the girls out of harm's way, they don't have anything to hold over him anymore. He's free to do whatever needs to be done."

I nod, but the knot in my chest remains tight. "And Mason? You're okay with him staying out there, in the field?"

Ben's shoulders lift in a casual shrug, his eyes narrowing as they focus on some distant thought. "He thinks he can help," he says simply. "Something about this situation has stirred up old ghosts for him. He's convinced there's a way out of this, and he's all in on helping Creed find it. When I voiced my concerns, he was adamant. Said he'd watch Creed's back no matter what." Ben's grin widens slightly, a hint of pride shining through, and it catches me off guard. "Even told me he'd have his resignation letter on my desk by morning if I tried to stop him."

I raise an eyebrow at his reaction. It's odd he's finding pride in a moment like this, but with Ben, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He's a man who appreciates those who follow their own code. Those who act on instinct rather than on orders.

"When one of my best employees feels that strongly about something, what kind of boss would I be to interfere? I told him to keep his job and gave him my blessing. He'll stick to the plan—traveling with Creed but keeping his distance. He'll be another set of eyes, watching his back and making sure he stays clear of any trouble."

"Thank you for that." I mean it, but Ben raises a brow, clearly skeptical of my gratitude. "What?" I ask him, confused.

"You expect me to believe you're good with using Offset Tactical resources to protect your fiancé's ex-husband? The same guy who kidnapped her and—during said abduction—fathered the child she's currently carrying?"

"Don't be such a fucking asshole, Ben." I turn to face him, my muscles tensing, fists practically begging to shut him up should he dare say another word. The mere mention of that day makes my blood boil.

Ben throws his hands up in defense, taking a step back. "Jesus! Stand the fuck down. That's not what I meant. I'm not judging, alright? I'm just curious. After everything he's done, why the hell do you suddenly care about that man's safety?"

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Author's Note:

I'd love to hear what you think of this scene. Are you surprised Lucas didn't insist that he be part of the operation to apprehend Kessler? How do you feel about Lucas's inclination to help Creed? Why do you think he wants to help?

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