Page 148 of Trapped Truth

“Excellent,” he huffs.

“Angela revealed that Madden is burning through funds faster than he can replace them by selling Gael’s liberated stock of assets,” I chime in. “That suggests to me he’s still holding multiple victims.”

“I want them all alive.” Kade inclines his head, meeting my gaze. “They’re our priority along with our primary source, Angela. She is to be safeguarded at all costs.”

Nearby, Blaine’s fists curl into white-knuckled balls. He’ll be looking out for her. I’m sure of it.

“Med evac is to remain on standby here with the Intelligence Department.” Hudson gestures towards our two medics. “Sabrina and Luda, I want you stationed at strategic intervals in the woodland to assist with evacuation.”

“If there’s no one to evac?” Luda’s question comes out rough as gravel.

“Then feel free to join the fight,” Hudson responds without missing a beat. “The attorney general wants a scapegoat to ease public scrutiny. We’re going to give him one, dead or alive.”

Blaine squints into the distant woods with a dark, lethal intensity. “My father belongs to me.”

“Get in line,” Hylands snarls at him.

“I’ll race you there.”

“Do as you please.” Kade flicks his hand dismissively. “This case ends today, one way or another. No loose ends, no more escapees. I want this estate cleared out and secured by sundown. Is that understood?”

With a chorus of agreements, the impromptu briefing draws to its close. There’s nothing left to do but prepare to depart. I’m thankful to have my guys with me. Splitting up wasn’t on the cards this time around. We have enough firepower to cover all bases without spreading ourselves too thin.

“Can I say something?” I push past my hesitation.

Eyebrows pulled high and tight in surprise, Kade wastes no time nodding. “Go ahead.”

I clear my throat, glancing around our huddle. “For a lot of us, this mission is personal. The stakes are high. But no matter who we’ve lost or what’s on the line, we’re not going to give these bastards a drop more of our blood.”

Warner scrutinises me, his expression intense. “Damn straight.”

“Everyone comes home.” I emphasize every word. “Captives, agents, comms. The lot. No one else is being sacrificed in pursuit of justice. I think we’ve all lost enough to this sickness.”

“Everyone comes home,” Hyland parrots.

Flicking my attention to him, we share a long look. Tension lies there. Fear. He’s lost everything once before. He wouldn’t survive a second destruction. None of us would. This case has to be closed, but not at the expense of our lives or families.

“We’ve got you covered, Ember.” Oscar’s voice is clear and strong, despite his distance across the gathered circle.

“Always.” Kade nods.

Teeth bared, Gunnar rolls his shoulders back. “I’m ready to crack some spines.”

“Need a hand with that?” Axel offers him.

“You’ve still got a lot to learn, kid.” He leers at his twin. “Just don’t get in my way.”

Hudson claps his hands together, all suited and booted. “On that note, let’s move out. The daylight’s fading.”

Goodbyes are exchanged, then the meeting disperses, splitting into our respective raiding parties. I take Warner’s hand as we depart the makeshift base camp, squeezing twice then releasing. The message is simple.

Today, this evil meets its end.

And the rest of our life begins.

CHAPTER 25

WARNER