Page 137 of Rescuing Mia
“He’ll expect that,” Forest says. “He could lead you into a trap.”
Stitch nods, a wry smile playing on her lips. “He will definitely lead me into a trap. That’s a given, but I’ve learned a thing or two since then. When I was a kid learning how to code, he was theringleader, the master of the deep dark web. He taught me everything I know about hiding and misdirection. But now, I have an edge he won’t expect.”
“What’s that?” I ask, intrigued.
“I have the might of Guardian HRS behind me. I know his patterns and his weaknesses. Malfor thrives on being a step ahead, on making people think they’re closing in on him when he’s already moved on. I’ll lead him down a false path. I’ll make him think I’m coming at him head-on while I’m really circling around behind him.”
Mitzy leans forward, her interest piqued. “So, a feint. Draw his attention one way while we discover his secrets another way?”
“Exactly,” Stitch confirms. “I’ll engage him where he expects, in the places he’s fortified, making noise and drawing out his defenses. Meanwhile, I’ll be working in the shadows, piecing together the clues that will lead us to his real location. It’s a delicate balance, but if I play it right, he’ll never see it coming.”
“It’s a risky plan, but it might be our best shot.” Forest nods, his expression thoughtful. “Stitch’s plan is daring, but it gives us a way to take control of the situation.”
Sam nods. “Every available resource will be dedicated to this. We’ll coordinate with international agencies if we have to. Malfor is not getting away.” Grim determination fills his face.
“That isn’t going to be easy,” Blake says quietly.
“Easy or not, we don’t have a choice,” Forest says.
There’s a moment of heavy silence, the weight of what we face settling over us.
Then Skye speaks, her voice quiet but steady. “I know who you are.” She looks around the table, meeting each of our gazes. “Your strength, your courage, the sheer stubbornness that drives each and every one of you. If anyone can stop Malfor—it’s us.” Her words hang in the air, a rallying cry, a call to arms.
And as I look around at those gathered, at the resolve in their eyes and the set of their jaws, I know she’s right.
Guardian HRS doesn’t back down.
They don’t give in.
Wedon’t give in.
I’m one of them now. I’ve found what was lacking when I was in the Navy. For the first time in what feels like a very long time, I’m exactly where I belong.
I was born for this job.
Because I’m a Guardian.
“Let’s get to work,” Forest says, bringing the meeting to a close. “We have a ghost to hunt, and time is not on our side.”
As we file out of the room, I can’t help but feel the weight of the decision that lies ahead for Mia.
Chapter Forty-Eight
MIA
I sitacross from Rigel in a quiet room at Guardian HRS, my mind spinning with the weight of everything that’s happened. The thought of changing my face, losing a part of myself, feels surreal and daunting.
Scary.
“Are you sure about this?” Rigel’s voice is gentle, filled with concern as he reaches out to take my hand. “Whatever you decide, I’m with you.”
“I am.” I look down at our entwined fingers, then back up at him. “I want to feel safe again, to live without constantly looking over my shoulder.”
His eyes soften with understanding.
“I’m nervous though.” I sigh, biting my lip. “It’s just—changing my face feels like losing a part of myself.”
“I know,” Rigel squeezes my hand gently, “but it might be the only way to truly escape Sentinel’s reach. There’s more to it, and I just want to make sure you’re up to it. There are negatives. Risks.” He continues holding my hand, stroking the back of it with his calloused fingers. “The surgery, the recovery, the emotional toll. It’s not a decision to take lightly.”