Page 109 of Rescuing Mia
“We create a new life for you,” Sam assures. “It will involve changing your identity and removing you from Red Phoenix’s radar. But it won’t be through the official channels of Witness Protection. Instead, it will be through our own methods, ensuring your safety without the formal framework of WITSEC.”
A chill runs down my spine at the thought of being declareddead, leaving behind everything and everyone I’ve ever known. The prospect is daunting. When I was a little girl, this was never how I envisioned my life.
I’m a fugitive on the run.
Sam continues, “The second option is protective custody in a secret location. We’d place you in a secure facility, under 24/7 guard, until the threat from Red Phoenix is neutralized.”
“I’d be locked away?” I shudder; the idea of isolation is almost as terrifying as the danger. “For how long?”
“For as long as it takes.”
He doesn’t say it, but I get the gist. It could be for the rest of my life.
“Is there a third alternative?” Rigel asks, his gaze never leaving Sam’s face.
Sam leans back thoughtfully, but it’s Forest who answers.
“The third option is hiding in plain sight. Mia can join Guardian HRS as a consultant, working with our team to bring down Red Phoenix from the inside. She’ll have a new identity and can use her expertise to aid in the investigation. And we can protect her within the walls of Guardian HRS proper.”
A flicker of hope ignites in my chest at the prospect of fighting back and using my skills to help take down those who threatened my life. It feels like my part in this isn’t done.
“But hiding in plain sight?” I bite my lower lip. “Won’t they discover I’m alive? Won’t it put Guardian HRS at risk?”
Rigel squeezes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
His sincerity and commitment send a warm flutter through my chest. In the midst of chaos, Rigel’s presence reminds me I’m not alone in this fight.
The team debates the pros and cons of each option, weighing the risks while I grapple with the enormity of the decision before me.
It feels like I’m watching someone else’s life unravel.
A part of me recoils at abandoning everything I’ve ever known,the people and places that have shaped me. Starting anew, building a life from scratch fills me with dizzying fear.
I lean forward, resting my elbows on the cool metal table, my head in my hands. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and trembling fingers, but it does no good.
It’s like my heart’s a runaway freight train, a stampede of wild horses, a tsunami of sensation drowning me. What other metaphors can I use? It feels like they’re all rushing at me.
Skye’s hand rests on my back, a gentle pressure that anchors me while a tempest rages in my mind.
“It’s okay to be scared,” she says softly, her voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “What you’re facing… It’s not something anyone should have to go through.”
I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat, blinking back tears. The compassion in Skye’s words, the understanding in her eyes, is a lifeline, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is kindness and empathy.
Rigel wraps his arm around my shoulders, tugging me tight to his muscular frame. The determination etched into every line of his face sends a flicker of warmth through my chest.
In the short time I’ve known Rigel, he’s become a source of strength and steadfast support. I meet his gaze, seeing the depth of his commitment and the unwavering loyalty in his eyes.
The team continues to discuss options.
Sam outlines the logistics of a staged death and the challenges of creating a convincing scenario.
Mitzy chimes in, “It’s not going to be easy.” Her fingers drum on the table. “Red Phoenix will be watching closely, looking for any sign that Mia survived. We need to be meticulous, cover every angle, and ensure there are no loose ends.”
The idea of isolation, of being cut off from the world, is abhorrent to me.
What kind of life is that?
But even as fear threatens to overwhelm me, a spark of determination arises. I’ve come too far and fought too hard to let RedPhoenix win. Whatever sacrifices I have to make, I’ll face them head-on, with the strength and support of the incredible people around me.