61. Not gonna get us

16 6 32
                                    


Ana's POV

As soon as we step downstairs, we're greeted by the anxious expressions of our partners, their eyes wide with concern as if they've been waiting for us to outline a safety plan and lift their spirits. It's clear they're feeling the weight of the perilous mission ahead, especially considering they've likely never faced adversaries as tough as those that Xavier and I have encountered in our assignments. Their fear is evident, and it's our responsibility to reassure them and strategize for what lies ahead.

It's no secret that our boss consistently gives the toughest tasks to me and my partner. He has mentioned multiple times that our team is his first choice for these challenges. I can only imagine how overwhelmed Clara, Nate, and Lisa must be feeling right now with the chaotic mission we've dragged them into. After a lot of thought—and agreement with Xavier—I made the tough choice not to involve them any further in this tangled mess. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure if it was the right decision or if we'll regret it later. Only time will tell.

What I do know for certain is that I can rely on Xavier. He would move mountains to keep me safe, and that gives me a solid sense of security. And that goes both ways—I'm ready to do whatever it takes to ensure he remains uninjured as well. With everything on the line, all I want is for both of us to make it through this unharmed.

As we unveil our wild and reckless plan, the room falls silent, and the expressions on everyone's faces turn to pure shock.

Nate's eyes widen, and his voice trembles with concern. "Are you out of your mind, Ana? You're headed straight for trouble with those guys! And don't you realize? Xavier won't think twice before jumping in to rescue you, putting himself right in their line of fire!" His worry for both of us is unmistakable, and I can see the fear etched on his face as he speaks. "I'm genuinely scared for you two!"

"I can understand your worry, Nate," Xavier interjects, his voice steady. "But honestly, we don't have any other option. The thought of Ana being in there weighs heavily on me too, but I'll do everything I can to keep her safe. I'll stay in the shadows, monitoring her from a distance. We all know she won't be able to use the earpiece any longer—it would raise too many red flags if they found it. Concerning me, there's no need to worry about it."

"Exactly," I affirm, my determination shining through. "There's no room for hesitation now. I can't keep the earpiece, but with Xavier watching my back, this plan is our best shot to succeed."

Clara's face reflects her anxiety as she quietly voices a concern, "But how will we know if you're okay in there, Ana? Xavier won't have direct access to the building, and spying from a distance could be dangerous, especially since they've seen our car from the last chase."

"We're not using that car again," Xavier replies calmly, a hint of resolve in his tone. "Once I drop Ana off, I'll rent a motorcycle. It'll give me the kind of stealth I need to keep my eyes on her, plus the agility to get away quickly if things go wrong."

"And it'll just make you an easier target to take down as well," Nate chimes in, his voice laced with irony but underlined by genuine worry. "Xavier, I can't let you go there!"

"I understand, Nate, but we are in charge of this mission, so the plan is already set," my partner responds, his tone unwavering and calm. "I won't be around for the next few days. I need to keep a close eye on Ana—day and night. I'll probably grab a hotel room near the casino for some rest in between. Just do me a favor and stay safe here. If anything goes wrong, I'll let you know, and you can fly back home immediately."

"Don't worry, everyone! We're going to make it through this, and we'll bring back the information we need!" I say, infusing my voice with as much reassurance as I can muster.

If you only knew...Where stories live. Discover now