Page 127 of Rescuing Mia
“Consider it done.” Mitzy grins like a lunatic. She loves this kind of shit.
Me? I’m not a fan.
This is a battle I’m doomed to lose, but if I’m forced to be a part of it, we’re going to do it on my terms.
“Are you sure about this? It’s dangerous.” I look Mia in the eye. She’s smart and understands the risks. Ultimately, it’s up to her.
“I’m sure. It’s the best way to end this once and for all.” She nods, her eyes meeting mine with fierce resolve. “And besides, I trust you. I trust all of you.”
I take a deep breath, my heart swelling with the depth of her trust.
“This is what we’re going to do…”
Chapter Forty-Four
RIGEL
After a weekof prep and countless drills inside Guardian HRS’s impressive virtual reality training ground, we’re ready. I don’t want to leave the protective walls of Guardian HRS, but that wasn’t my decision.
Mia and I drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in a bulletproof car provided by Guardian HRS. It handles like a dream and glides smoothly along the winding road.
The coastline unfurls beside us, the vast expanse of the ocean glittering under the midday sun. Waves crash against the rocky cliffs, sending up sprays of white foam that catch the light and glitter like diamonds. Seagulls wheel and cry overhead, their calls mingling with the rhythmic whoosh of the sea.
Ahead of us, the road curves through a landscape of rolling hills and verdant valleys. Patches of wildflowers dot the roadside, adding splashes of color to the dry, brown grasses. We pass through small coastal towns, their charming, weathered facades reflecting the laid-back vibe of seaside living.
Charlie team has been hard at work over the past few days, setting up surveillance, rigging booby traps, and testing varioussetups around the winery. They’ve mapped out every inch of the land, ensuring we have the upper hand in case anything goes wrong.
As we turn off the highway, the landscape shifts from rugged coastlines to the gentle, undulating hills of wine country. The road narrows, flanked by rows of meticulously tended vines that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The air is fragrant with the scent of grapes and earth, mingling with the faint hint of salt from the distant ocean. The sound of birds singing and the rustle of leaves in the breeze create a tranquil symphony.
“This place is incredible. Is this really where you grew up?” Mia gazes out the window, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Yeah, it is,” I reply, my voice tinged with nostalgia. “My sister and I grew up here. She’s ten years older than me, so when our parents died, she basically raised me.”
“I’m so sorry.” Mia turns to look at me, her expression softening. “That must have been tough for both of you.”
“It was, but it brought us closer together. She’s more than just a sister to me—she’s like a second mother and my best friend all rolled into one.”
We drive past the main entrance, the gates already open in anticipation of our arrival. The winery sprawls out before us, a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
The main house stands proudly atop a gentle rise, surrounded by lush gardens and shaded by ancient oaks. Barns and outbuildings, weathered but well-maintained, dot the landscape, each adding to the rustic charm of the place.
I pull the car to a stop in front of the main house. The sound of gravel crunching under the tires is almost soothing. As we step out, the warm, earthy scent of the vineyard envelopes us. I take a deep breath, letting the familiarity of home wash over me.
“It’s beautiful. I can see why you love it here.” Mia stands beside me, her eyes taking in every detail.
“Thanks. It’s been in our family for generations. My sister and her husband Mike have worked hard to keep it going.”
“Where did they go?” Mia asks.
“She didn’t say, which is probably best.”
“Why’s that?”
Do I tell her the risks of this going south? How my sister can be leveraged against me if I happen to be taken? Interrogation is no joke, but if I don’t know—I don’t know, and no amount of torture can extract information I don’t have.
“She said a vacation sounded great.”