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Nem’s question would’ve raised my hackles. However, Schön responded in the way she typically did, calmly and concisely.
“I am integral to this team, ma’am. More than anyone, I can aid in finding her.”
“Agreed. Magnet? I’ll ask your opinion as well.”
“Schön’s participation in this is essential. My opinion, as you asked, is the mission should not move forward without her.”
“Very well. You have my full support. You already did, by the way. I’m just stating it to make it official.” She jotted down notes on a paper we couldn’t see. “What about Rogue? I’d like to speak with the three of you together. Would that be possible now?”
“Affirmative,” I said, sending him an urgent message. A few seconds later, there was a knock at the door and he joined us.
“I want to impress upon you the importance of what you’re about to do. You especially, Schön.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“By returning to Gozo, the path you’ll walk will lead you straight into danger.” She paused. “This is not the same as a raid, Agent Baur. If you return to Nonna Vella’s restaurant with the intention of learning more about her eldest daughter, you will be vulnerable.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Magnet? This is your op. Are you absolutely certain about this?”
“My recommendation is we return to Shere prior to going to Gozo and craft the op as tight as possible. The entire coalition’s participation is essential in making sure we have covered every possible scenario.”
“Agreed.”
“Rogue?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“You will be going in with Schön. The stakes are equally high for you. Not only do I expect you to get out of there unscathed, but I am ordering you to get Schön out of there the minute you or anyone else senses danger.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he repeated.
“I’ll arrange for transport in the morning. You can let the rest know you’ll be traveling to Shere first. Once here, we’ll craft the plans for Gozo.”
“Will do, Nemesis.”
“Schön, I will leave it up to you. However, I am making the offer to brief the team still in Shere on our conversation. If you’d prefer to do it yourself, I will respect your decision. Part of what I will tell them is that a brief will be forthcoming but not immediately.”
“I’d appreciate that, ma’am.”
“Magnet?”
“I agree it is the best course of action.”
She nodded. “Rogue, please alert those waiting downstairs that we’ll continue our briefing in fifteen minutes. Magnet and Schön, I do not expect either of you to be in attendance.”
“Roger that,” I responded. “Oh, one other thing. I suppose it can wait until tomorrow, but I established a rapport of sorts with Charlene Vella-Borg. I would like to be the one who interacts with her with a similar objective as Schön’s with Francesca.”
“Of course,” said Nem. “Anything else?”
I looked at Schön, who shook her head.
“Not at this time, Nem.”
“I’ll see you both tomorrow, then.”
“How are you?” I asked Schön after the call with Nemesis ended and Rogue left the room.
