Page 9 of Duty Devoted
“But given how rapidly things are deteriorating,” Merrick went on calmly, “we’ll reduce that to a week. It’s not ideal—but it’ll give them just enough time to wrap up what they can.”
I found myself studying the reactions on-screen. Relief warred with anxiety across the Valentinos’ faces—relief that someone was offering a solution, anxiety about what that solution might entail.
“Is the extraction safe?” Catherine asked. “I mean, is getting her—them—out dangerous?”
“We have extensive experience operating in cartel-controlled territory,” Ethan replied. “The key is speed and stealth—get in, secure all the medical personnel, and extract before hostile forces can respond.”
Richard’s aggressive gesturing intensified as he processed the information, his movements becoming more frantic. The sharp, chopping motions triggered another flash of memory.
—officers shouting orders, the crack of rifle fire, blood on concrete, blood fucking everywhere?—
I blinked, forcing myself to focus on Ethan’s steady voice as he continued the briefing. I didn’t look at Ty this time.
“What do you need from us?” Richard asked, his decision already made.
“Authorization from Compass Medical to proceed with extraction operations,” Ethan said, looking toward Dr. Merrick. “And financial authorization for the operation.”
Merrick adjusted his glasses nervously. “Compass Medical authorizes your team to evaluate the situation once you’re there and extract all four doctors from the Corazón clinic when you see fit. The safety of our personnel is our primary concern.”
Catherine narrowed her eyes at Dr. Merrick. “Evaluate the situation? Have you not heard anything that has been said? You sent our daughter into some godforsaken?—”
Merrick shook his head. “No offense, Mrs. Valentino, but Compass didn’t force Lauren to go anywhere. She came to us, asking for a remote position. She knew the area was unstable and that there was risk. She also knew that was a place she could do the most good.”
Catherine looked like she was going to argue further, but Richard placed a hand on her shoulder. “Money is no object. We’ll cover all costs. We just want Lauren home safely if it’s no longer safe there. And her colleagues, of course.”
Obviously, getting Lauren out had already been a topic of conversation between Dr. Merrick and the Valentinos—and the reason the Valentinos were part of this call at all. A nonprofit organization like Compass Medical Outreach wouldn’t be able to afford the cost of this sort of operation and extraction, even if Citadel worked for free and only charged them what it cost us.
Concerned, rich parents willing to foot the bill made everything much easier.
It also made me wonder if Lauren Valentino was just in Corazón to piss them off. We worked with all sorts of clients who found themselves in dangerous situations because of stupid choices.
“There’s another potential complication. Just want to make sure everyone is aware of it.” Jace brought up weather data on all our screens. “Hurricane Tristan is live in that region. Category 3 storm, possibly strengthening. Right now, not heading for Corazón, but it could become a factor.”
Richard scrubbed a hand down his face. “A hurricane? On top of everything else?”
“Worse, natural disasters often trigger increased criminal activity,” Ethan explained. “Emergency services become overwhelmed, communications break down, and existing power structures become even more volatile. The Silva cartel will likely use the chaos to consolidate control or eliminate remaining opposition.”
“What if the hurricane stops the extraction?” Catherine asked.
“Then our team will stay with them and keep them safe until the storm has passed and extraction becomes an option again.” Ethan gave a reassuring nod. “We’ll probably use the storm as part of our cover story for why the team is there.”
“You should also be aware that we haven’t been able to reach the team in over a week,” Dr. Merrick explained. “That is not uncommon, so while we’re worried, we’re not panicked.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “But they won’t know we’re coming.”
Dr. Merrick nodded. “That’s correct.”
The call continued for another fifteen minutes, covering operational details and communication protocols. Throughout, Richard’s agitation never subsided, his pacing becoming more frantic as he absorbed each piece of tactical information—I finally had to stop looking at him altogether to keep myself focused.
And goddamn if Ty didn’t notice that too. But he was smart enough not to say anything.
Still, I needed to get this shit locked down tighter.
As the screen went dark, I found myself studying the reflection in the blank monitor—my own face, weathered by too many missions in too many hostile territories. I looked fucking ancient.
“Well, that was fun,” Jace muttered, fingers still dancing across his keyboards. “Nothing like terrified rich parents to start the day.”
“Can’t blame them,” Ethan said, leaning back in his chair now that we could speak freely. “Logan, assessment?”
