Page 125 of Rescuing Mia
Gabe rubs his chin thoughtfully. “We could stage a car accident. Something that looks fatal but leaves no body to be found. If we make it look convincing enough, Red Phoenix might buy it.”
Walt shakes his head. “What if they demand proof? A car accident might not be enough. We need something more definitive. Something that doesn’t require a body for proof.”
Ethan considers for a moment. “What about a fire? A building fire with no survivors. It’s dramatic and hard to disprove, especially if we control the narrative.”
Hank interjects, “We could also use water again, like a drowning. Make it look like she was swept away.”
The room falls silent as the team mulls over the options. Each scenario has its merits and drawbacks. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision we’re about to make.
“If they’re looking for Mia,” I say, breaking the silence, “they know I was with her on theSerenity. If they can’t follow her because she doesn’t leave the facilities, they might follow me. I have to go down to my sister’s winery anyhow to pick up Stormy and bring her back. If they believe Mia is still alive, then what we need to do is watch and see if anybody trails me.”
Ethan nods, seeing the logic. “If someone finds you and trails you, we’ll know for sure that Red Phoenix still thinks Mia is alive. Then we can plan her death accordingly.”
Gabe leans back in his chair. “So, we use Rigel as bait. If they follow him, we get our confirmation. Then we decide the best way to stage Mia’s death?”
“Affirmative.” Ethan gives a sharp nod.
Blake stands, pacing slightly as he thinks. “We need to coordinate carefully. Mitzy will want her drones in on this. Any sign of a tail, we need to know.”
Ethan looks around the room, his steely gaze meeting each of ours. “That’s not such a crap plan, and it might be our best shot to draw them out.”
Mia suddenly stands, her posture authoritative and determined. “If it’s me they want, then it’s me they have to follow.” The room turns to her, curious. “Why can’t we use the winery to stage my death?”
Everyone looks at her like she’s lost her mind. She holds up a hand.
“Wait a second, hear me out. We can ensure Rigel’s sister and her husband are safe by having them leave the winery. Charlie team can go ahead and set it up. Rigel and I can get Stormy and make it look like that’s our only intention. If anyone follows us, we’ll know. We can stay for a night or two, however long it takes. If they send assassins, Charlie team will be there.” She turns to me. “You’ll be there, and Stormy will be there. With that many people, we can keep me safe.”
“Absolutely not.” I shake my head, standing to tower over her. I admit, it’s a shit move, but there’s no way I’m going to put her in danger like that.
“It’s really the best way.” Mia’s eyes flash with determination. “If we have to fake my death, we can do it there.”
The team members exchange glances, clearly uneasy.
“It’s not safe. There are too many variables.” Walt voices their collective concern.
“Hold on. I think Mia just hit it on the head.” Ethan raises a hand, cutting through the tension. “This could actually be the perfect plan. We’ll have to coordinate with the technical team to rig up something that looks convincing, maybe make it look like she’s been shot. But I think we can get this done.”
The room goes quiet as everyone processes Ethan’s words.
I hate everything about that plan. It’s sloppy, with too many variables to control. The only thing I like about it is it’ll be at the winery, a place I know well, and Stormy will be there.
I trust her with my life.
Slowly, heads nod in agreement.
“It’s risky, but it’s our best shot.” Gabe sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Agreed. We can’t afford any mistakes.”
“We definitely need to read in the technical team. I’m sure they can rig a vest with exploding blood, but what about her head? A bulletproof vest is going to do shit for a headshot.” Blake leans forward, his expression thoughtful.
I love these guys. Blake, I know well. We’ve fought and bled together, but the others are showing their truths.
I can trust them as well.
Ethan looks around the room, his eyes filled with resolve. “Alright, here’s what we’ll do. Charlie team will go in advance of Rigel and Mia to the winery. We’ll set up surveillance all throughout the property, as well as booby traps. We need to make sure every angle is covered.”
He pulls out his phone, calling in Mitzy. “We’ll need Mitzy to work on the tech side of things.”