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Scrolling through with that name in mind, I smiled when I found what I was looking for a second later. Clicking on his account, I wasn't surprised that his password and two-factor authentication were more complex.
Maximizing the screen, I checked that the others were still okay and clicked on the comms. “I found the system. I just need a minute to deactivate it. You guys, okay?”
A loud rumble started far off, and I cursed, knowing that our time was running out.
“Um, you might want to hurry. I think that’s them.”
Minimizing the cameras, I focused on the security system, knowing I couldn’t be distracted at the moment, or we’d all be toast. My brow began to sweat as I punched in the code to reroute the two-factor so Frankie wouldn’t get a notification. Once I had the code to decrypt everything set, I scanned it quickly, afraid I was missing something. The rumble grew louder, and I knew it was now or never.
Striking the key, I watched as the code flew across the screen, praying it would work. When it beeped green, granting me access, I stared at it for a second, convinced I was seeing things.
The rumble reminded me I was out of time, so I quickly clicked the cameras as I shouted into the feed.
“Go, you have maybe sixty seconds before the bikes are on you.”
As I said that, I found them touching down into the bakery and running over to the drawer the book was supposed to be placed in. It felt a little too easy that there wasn’t a giant safe, but I was guessing Frankie felt secure enough with his lasers to leave it unprotected. It made me wonder if the girlfriend was involved or if she was innocent in all of this. Lasers were easier to hide than a giant safe.
The noise outside grew louder, and I encouraged Nicole and Milo as they began to make their way back up. Quicker than I thought possible, they were up and climbing out of the hole. That was when I realized that Asa had climbed up there with them and had pulled them up quicker. Together, the three placed the vent back and removed their equipment just as the motorcycles made it to the parking lot.
Jolting, I reversed the sequence, setting the lasers and the alarm back on, praying I bought them enough time before the bikers realized we’d been there. Watching the front, I kept my eyes peeled on the three guys as they headed toward the door.
“Once they’re in the building, you’ll have a short window to get off the roof and book it,” I whispered, too worried my voice would carry over their comms.
I watched as they nodded, affirming that they’d heard me. I glanced back down, glad that the bikers seemed to be here for a regular visit, their chatter and manner relaxed. Once the door was unlocked and they were all through the doors, I shouted the all-clear.
“Now!”
The three of them began to climb over the edge, Asa going first, then Nicole with Milo last. I couldn’t help but feel pride that they’d put her in the middle, trying to give her some protection. Though I doubted she needed it with how badass she was, it made me love my guys' thoughtfulness. The door jingled open, and I sucked in a breath.
“Freeze.”
Their movement stopped, and I could hear their breathing as they waited. One of the bikers looked to go to his bike, grabbing something out of his saddlebag before returning to the store. Once he was in, I hurried them down the rest of the way. Just as Milo’s feet hit the pavement, sounds of disorder erupted from inside as things began to be turned over.
“Go! You don’t have long.” They quickly took off around the building, and I let out a breath as they ran out of view, finally safe from the men inside. I kept my eyes glued to the bakery, watching the bikers as I waited for my team to reconvene with me. I was parked a couple blocks over, so it would take them a few minutes.
Switching back to Cohen’s channel, I was preparing to tell him we were safe when I heard a conversation. I instantly knew I shouldn’t listen, but the fact that Ryker and Cohen were talking had me unable to switch off.
“Your team is looking good,” Ryker said, and I could almost picture him crossing his arms, his smile smug as he made that statement like he was responsible.
“They are, but it’s not because of you,” Cohen said, echoing my thoughts.
Ryker sighed, the sound filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “If I need to say I’m sorry again, I will Cohen. I was an asshole with no clue how to deal with my own emotions. I panicked and punished you for them. That wasn’t fair.”
I wished I could see Cohen’s face to know what he was feeling right then. The words felt true from Ryker, and I knew it would go a long way toward Cohen forgiving him, but I wasn’t sure if it was enough.
“I appreciate that, but it’s in the past now. I’d like to move forward in our working relationship and keep it civil.”
“Is that all you want?” Ryker asked, his voice quiet, and I wondered if he was too scared to voice what he really wanted in life.
“Yes,” Cohen said, but I didn’t quite believe him. The door to the van started to open, jolting me out of my eavesdropping, and I clicked a button, trying to make it sound like I had just come on.
“The team has returned to the van and successfully completed our mission. Headed back to base,” I said, keeping it brief since I knew Ryker was there.
Cohen cleared his throat. “Excellent. You’ve all shown great skills tonight and the ability to adapt to the circumstances. And if I’m not mistaken, you’re the first team done. Looks like you four are Order material. See you back at base.”
I smiled, not missing how he only said four of us. It felt nice that, for once, our group had been accredited the work we’d done, and the one member hoping to coast on our coattails wouldn’t be able to.
I turned around, finding Asa and Milo beaming at me. Jumping up, I wrapped them both in hugs, needing to feel that they were safe more than I was willing to admit. They both briefly kissed me, their hands touching me, and I wondered if they’d been concerned even with me stuck on surveillance.
