"As ready as I'll ever be," Lily replied, adjusting the tactical vest they'd fitted for her. It was lighter than Blade's, designed for mobility rather than maximum protection, but it would stop most handgun rounds. Beneath it, she wore fitted black pants and a long-sleeved compression shirt, Blade had instructed her on what to wear. It was practical clothing that wouldn't restrict her movement.
"Irish says the meeting's about to start," Makenzie said, her usually bubbly demeanor subdued. "Everyone's in the chapel."
The chapel was what the MC called their meeting room, where official club business was conducted. Lily had been surprised when Lucky insisted she attend the planning session, but grateful, too. If she was going to risk her life as bait for Jose, she deserved to know exactly what the plan entailed.
"I'll be right there," she promised. "Just need another minute."
Makenzie hesitated, then stepped fully into the bathroom, letting the door close behind her. "Can I say something? Girl to girl?"
Lily nodded, curious.
"What you're doing is really brave," Makenzie said earnestly. "Like, superhero brave. And I just wanted to say that if... when you get back, if you ever want to talk about little stuff, or DDLG, or anything... I'm here. So are Trinity, Emilee and Savannah. We take care of each other and we’d all love to get to know you better."
Unexpected tears pricked at Lily's eyes. She'd spent so long feeling alone, feeling like her desires and needs were somehow wrong or shameful. The idea of having a community, friends who understood that part of her, was almost overwhelming.
"Thank you," she managed, her voice slightly choked. "That means a lot."
Makenzie smiled, then surprised her with a quick, fierce hug. "Now go kick Jose's ass so you can come back and we can have a proper little playdate. My Daddy makes the best chocolate chip pancakes in the world."
Lily laughed despite herself, the tension breaking momentarily. "It's a date."
Together, they walked through the clubhouse to the chapel. The mood shifted as they entered the main area, patches moving respectfully out of their way, nods of acknowledgment passing between them. These men, these warriors, were treating her not with pity or concern, but with respect. Like one of their own going into battle.
The chapel doors stood open, revealing a room dominated by a large wooden table. Around it sat the club's officers. Lucky at the head, Irish and Savage flanking him, Rampage and Arrow on the sides. Blade was there too, looking pale but alert in a wheelchair Doc had insisted upon. His eyes found hers immediately, warm with pride and cold with worry all at once.
"Perfect timing," Lucky said as Lily entered. "We were just about to begin."
Makenzie squeezed Lily's arm once more, then moved to stand behind Irish's chair, her hand resting on his shoulder. The other officers' littles were present too, standing behind their men in a show of support. Trinity behind Savage, her expression analytical as she studied the maps spread across the table. Emilee behind Arrow, her usually cheerful face solemn. Blade had explained to her that the littles didn’t normally attend these meetings, but, when they’d heard about Lily’s bravery and her part in all of this, they wanted to come as a show of solidarity. Sometimes, Blade said, it was easy for the men to forget aboutthe adult side of their women, and this was a good reminder of the dichotomy of each woman.
Lily moved to Blade's side, her hand automatically finding his. His fingers entwined with hers, warm and reassuring.
"How's the pain?" she asked softly.
"Manageable," he replied, though the tightness around his eyes told her otherwise. He was suffering, but too stubborn to admit it, too determined to participate in this planning session to allow Doc to medicate him fully.
"Jose's deadline is tomorrow at noon," Lucky began without preamble. "We've received the coordinates for the exchange." He nodded to Jay, who pulled up a satellite image on his tablet and transferred it to the larger screen on the wall. Jay, Phantom, and several other members of Valhalla were honorary brothers. They helped out when needed even if they didn’t ride motorcycles. Blade explained operator brotherhood was even stronger than MC brotherhood.
"Middle of nowhere," Savage observed. "Abandoned quarry about three hours from here. Open sight lines, minimal cover. He's chosen his ground carefully."
"Defensive positions here, here, and here," Irish added, pointing to elevated sections around the quarry's rim. "Perfect for snipers. He'll have the high ground, literally and figuratively."
"Unless we get there first," Rampage suggested. "Secure those positions before the meet."
Lucky shook his head. "Too risky. Jose will have advance scouts checking the area. If they spot our people, Marcus is dead."
"So what's the play?" Arrow asked, his tactical mind already working through scenarios.
All eyes turned to Lily. This was her mission, her risk. Her call, ultimately.
She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "We give Jose what he's expecting. Me, alone, arriving at the coordinates at the specified time. Seemingly surrendering myself to save Marcus."
"While we..." Savage prompted.
"While you're in position, but not where he'll be looking," she continued. "Not on the high ground, not in the obvious defensive positions. Somewhere unexpected."
"Below," Blade said suddenly, his tactical mind latching onto the idea. "The quarry must have access tunnels, maintenance shafts. Old equipment bunkers."
Jay was already typing furiously on his tablet. "Checking geological surveys... yes, there's a network of tunnels beneath the quarry floor. According to this, they were used for moving equipment and personnel during the mining operations."
