Page 108 of Rescuing Mia
The next morning,we’re back in the galley of the trawler. The gentle rocking of the boat in the gentle swells of the Pacific soothes my nerves, but the atmosphere in the galley is thick and heavy with tension.
The cramped galley is filled with the imposing presence of the men from Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists, former Navy SEALs, and Delta Force operatives, all towering figures of strength and resolve.
I feel small amidst the sheer volume of male testosterone.
Rigel, seated beside me, his familiar presence offers a sliver of comfort. His steady gaze and the occasional brush of his hand against mine remind me I’m not alone. My heart races slightly, an intoxicating blend of anxiety and the simmering attraction I feel for him.
Last night, Mitzy confirmed the validity of the data I risked everything to obtain. She’s debriefed the team, and I’m eager to know what happens next.
Skye sits on my other side, her calm demeanor starkly contrasting the chaos swirling in my mind.
“You did the right thing,” Skye says, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. Her voice is steady, grounding me. “We’re here for you.”
“Thank you.” I swallow past the lump in my throat, trying to steady my breathing.
Across the table, Sam, the man in charge of Guardian HRS, clears his throat. “We need to discuss next steps. The CIA and U.S. Embassy know the situation and expect our recommendation for Mia’s protection.”
The room quiets as Sam speaks, the weight of his authority palpable.
Beside him is CJ, the lead of all the Guardian teams. His intense gaze is fixed on me. Blake, Gabe, Hank, Walt, and Ethan, the leader of the Charlie team, listen intently. Their muscular frames fill the small space, and their expressions are serious.
Forest Summers, the founder of Guardian HRS, leans against the wall, his presence a reminder of the organization’s formidable reach. With their vast experience in special operations, these men exude a quiet confidence that makes me feel both protected and overwhelmed.
I’ve never felt this out of my element, adrift and aimless. Skye’s touch helps, but the reality of my situation looms large. I’m surrounded by some of the most capable people in the world, yet I’ve never felt more vulnerable.
“What are our options?” Rigel, beside me, leans forward, his presence solid and reassuring.
“We have three alternatives,” Sam begins, pressing his hands against the metal table. “The first is a staged death and a new identity for Mia.”
“Death?” My eyes widen. “Isn’t that a bit extreme?”
“As long as they consider you a threat and know you’re alive, your life’s at risk,” he explains.
“But death? How does something like that work?”
“We create a scenario suggesting you didn’t survive, allowing you to disappear and start anew.”
“How?” I ask, my voice barely steady.
“New identity,” Rigel says, looking at Sam for confirmation.
“Like WITSEC?” I’ve heard of the program.
They do it in the U.S. to protect witnesses called in to testify on high-profile cases.
“Correct,” Sam nods. “But WITSEC isn’t an option since this is an international matter with no criminal charges.”
“No criminal charges?” I turn to Rigel, trusting him above all others. “They’re stockpiling deuterium. Isn’t that the very definition of criminal?”
“It is,” Sam says, his expression serious. “However, WITSEC is specifically for cases within the United States where witnesses are protected until and during a trial. It’s a program designed to safeguard individuals who are testifying against domestic criminals. In your case, the threat comes from Red Phoenix, a Chinese company, making this an international issue.”
I frown, trying to process the implications. “But what they’re doing is illegal. Why can’t I be protected under WITSEC?”
“Because it’s beyond our borders,” Sam explains, his tone patient. “WITSEC isn’t equipped to handle threats from foreign entities. While the stockpiling of deuterium is indeed criminal, it’s not something that falls under the jurisdiction of a U.S. court. This means there won’t be a domestic trial where you’d testify, which is the primary purpose of Witness Protection.”
Rigel squeezes my hand, grounding me as I take in Sam’s explanation. The low, droning noise of his fingers tapping on the table underscores the gravity of the situation.
“So, what are my options then?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly.