Nobody comments on it.
Probably because they understand.
Probably because they’d feel the same way if it were one of theirs inside that building.
Lucas crouches lower beside me and unfolds a rough terrain sketch in the dirt.
“Clay and Russ take roof entry,” he says quietly. “Miles and I hold perimeter and create distraction if needed.”
“Five-minute window,” Clay adds.
“Less.”
I check my weapon automatically while speaking.
Magazine locked.
Safety off.
Ready.
“Once they realize she’s gone, this place lights up.”
Lucas studies me briefly in the dark.
“If this goes sideways—”
“It won’t.”
The answer comes too fast.
Too certain.
Because there is no version of tonight where I walk away without her.
Lucas sees it immediately.
The obsession.
The certainty.
Maybe even the desperation.
But all he does is nod once.
“Alright.”
I rise slowly from the ridge and take one last look at the compound below.
Every light.
Every guard.
Every possible exit.
Then I picture Olivia somewhere inside waiting for us.
Waiting for me.
