AllFreeNovel
Share Us
RIDGE
Iwas glad Tryst had suggested Seraphina’s mother stay here in Mexico. If it had been me, I couldn’t help but wonder whether she would’ve agreed so easily. As it was, I wasn’t sure Sera should be there when the raid took place. Because that was the plan—a full-blown raid.
While Varilla claimed Luisa was on the container ship bound for the UK, the parameters for his deal remained the same. Until we had confirmation Luisa was alive, nothing was officially on the table. Him telling us she was on the container ship was merely a concession.
A text from Ares said a more detailed brief was sent via a secure server. I excused myself from the group gathered and went outside. If necessary, I’d return to Tryst’s place and read it on my laptop.
When I logged on, the first piece of information I saw was we’d be on a flight scheduled out of the Ciudad Obregón Airport at fifteen hundred.
Second, as opposed to only one container transporting victims, Ares reported intel suggested there could be as many as ten. After seeing the one in Yavaros, my guess was one the same size would hold twenty, maybe thirty people. While the victims could be drugged, it would still take two or three men to guard them.
Thus, a full-scale raid was being coordinated between K19 Shadow Ops, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the UK’s National Crime Agency, and Military Intelligence Section 5—Britain’s equivalent of the US Department of Homeland Security. Ares also mentioned Interpol was on standby, should further assistance be required.
K19 was sending at least four from their Shadow Ops team and had requested support from the six of us from Los Caballeros who’d participated in the raid on the single container in Yavaros. Our main role would be victim assistance.
Given the container ship’s arrival time likely couldn’t be pinpointed until the day of, K19 and Los Caballeros would remain on standby two hours away, in London.
I sent a message, requesting Seraphina Reeve be permitted to travel with us, but I didn’t get an immediate response. Worst-case scenario, I would fly with her commercially and make arrangements for her to stay at the same hotel in London.
“I see you read the brief,” said Press, joining me outside the meditation building.
“Ten containers? Jesus.”
“On this ship alone. According to Ares, it’s the reason the bigger guns are coming from his team’s parent organization.”
“This is the first I’ve heard.”
Press nodded. “Ares only mentioned Doc Butler by name, but evidently, there are more traveling with us.”
I didn’t know Kade, aka Doc, well, although we’d met a handful of times at winery-related events.
My phone vibrated, and I saw a response from Ares, saying there was no problem with Sera traveling with us.
“Everything okay?” Press asked.
“Until Luisa is found, nothing can truly be okay, but for now, at least we have an idea of where she might be and a plan of action.”
“I concur. Also, K19’s involvement is a godsend. Without them, I doubt we could’ve managed the rescue on our own.”
I completely agreed.
While Press had offeredtheir plane for the trip to the UK, particularly since it was already in Mexico, Ares declined, saying K19 had one en route.
When we boarded, several other people were already on the aircraft. The only one I recognized was Doc, who greeted and introduced us to the rest of the group.
“These are my partners Razor Sharp and Gunner Godet. We have Mantis and Alegria Cassman in the cockpit, and this is my wife, Merrigan.” He motioned to the woman exiting the restroom. “Farther back are Dutch and Malin Miller.”
After I’d introduced each of us, I pointed out the Shadow Ops team members also on the plane to Seraphina. I only knew them by their code names. “That’s, uh, Cayman, Kodiak, and Puck,” I said, not exactly sure who was who.
Doc’s wife approached. “Seraphina, I’m glad you’re traveling with us. I want you to know the team is committed to keeping your sister safe.”
“I appreciate you saying so.”
“I asked Malin to participate in this op because of her experience in the Middle East. She knows much about the plight of exploited women and will be a good source of support. Alegria is a pilot but will be assisting with the victims once the rescue portion of the mission is complete. Do you have any questions?”
“Can I help?”
“Certainly. However, let’s put your participation on standby until we know how your sister is doing. She’s your first priority.”
