Page 13 of Code Name: Grit

“We’ll need to report back to the team,” Grit said as we approached our hotel. “Though as late as it would be when we got there, I don’t want to make the trip tonight. We’ll return in the morning.”

“Copy that,” I whispered, looking down at Grit’s thumb still resting on my wrist, then up at him. Never in my life had I craved someone’s touch, someone’s protection, the way I did his. My eyes bored into his, silently questioning why he hadn’t let go, but he gave nothing away.

5

GRIT

“Based on what you and Lumi observed, the Belcrastros are poised to make a major move toward claiming the shipping terminal territory as their own,” said Tank, interrupting the tense silence that had fallen over the command center where we’d returned early this morning.

“What’s strange,” Dragon added, pulling up surveillance feeds, “is they’re not maximizing revenue in the territories they’ve already secured. They’ve taken over three gambling operations but reduced the house edge. Protection rackets are charging less than under Castellano.”

Lumi leaned forward, studying the data. “That makes no sense. The Belcastros have always been efficient at extracting maximum profit.”

“Maybe they’re trying to build goodwill with the locals?” Tank suggested.

“Mob families don’t care about goodwill,” I said. “They care about money and power.”

“What’s their fucking hurry if they aren’t upping profits?” I said under my breath, slamming my laptop shut before glancing over at Lumi, who’d been uncharacteristically quietsince our return from surveillance. Something about seeing Cassio Belcastro in person had shaken her composure, revealing a vulnerability I hadn’t witnessed before.

“We need to implement our undercover identities now,” I said, my gaze still fixed on her.

“Rushing into an op half prepared puts everyone at risk,” said Dante, watching his sister the same way I was.

I met his concern with unwavering resolve. “So does waiting until it’s too late.”

Admiral stepped forward, examining the surveillance photos spread across the digital table. “What’s your assessment, Lumi?”

She straightened. “Cassio wouldn’t be personally involved unless the stakes were exceptionally high.”

“Which means?” Tank prompted.

“Which means Grit’s right—we need to get inside now.”

“What’s the rest of our story?” I asked, moving closer to where she sat next to Atticus.

“Security consultants with a broad portfolio,” he replied. “The terminal manager is spooked by recent thefts, which gives you your entry point.”

“As a married couple, right?” I asked, only to see if Lumi would react.

She did, looking up at me with the ghost of a smile touching her lips.

“It doesn’t seem necessary for them to be married,” said Dante.

“Too late to change it now,” I clapped back.

When he made a disgusted noise, I ignored him.

Lumi stoodand walked out onto the deck overlooking the lake, and I followed. “We need to talk about what happened at the terminal.”

“Nothing happened,” she insisted, though her eyes betrayed her.

“You froze when you saw Cassio.”

“For half a second.”

“Half a second too long in the field.”

Her eyes flashed with defiance. “I’ve made it this far by controlling my reactions. Seeing him in the flesh was…unexpected, that’s all.”