Page 16 of Code Name: Grit

“That’s not acceptable,” she countered, her voice hardening.

“The mission comes first, Lumi. Always.”

“You wouldn’t leave me behind if our situations were reversed,” she challenged, eyes flashing.

She had me there. The thought of her in Belcastro’s hands made my blood run cold.

I met her gaze steadily. “Fifteen-minute window for immediate extraction attempt. After that, you call in K19. No heroics.”

She studied me for a moment before nodding once. “Agreed. When are we returning to the city?”

“Tonight. We make initial contact with the terminal manager first thing tomorrow morning.”

Admiral calledthe team together for a final briefing.

“Our intel indicates the Belcastros are targeting specific shipping containers,” Admiral began, highlighting sections ofthe terminal on the digital display. “We believe they hold high-value cargo—likely weapons or drugs.”

“What’s our primary objective?” Tank asked.

“Intelligence gathering,” I answered, repeating what I’d said to Lumi. “We need to identify exactly what the Belcastros are after and why Cassio is personally involved.”

“And if we get the opportunity to disrupt their operation?” Lumi asked.

Admiral’s expression was grim. “Absolutely not. We need to understand the full scope of their plan before we move against them.”

When the briefing concluded, I found myself alone with Lumi in the equipment room as we gathered additional gear.

“Second thoughts?” I asked.

“No. Just…processing.”

“It’s not too late to reconsider your role.”

Her eyes met mine. “If you say that one more time, I’ll ask to partner with someone else.”

“I’d never allow it.”

Her mouth gaped. “You’d notallowit?”

“Nope,” I admitted. “I wouldn’t miss a chance at this op for anything.”

She closed her mouth and narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“Because we’ve got something the Belcastros don’t.”

“What’s that?”

“You.” I held her gaze. “Your insights into their operations give us an advantage they can’t anticipate or counter.”

She smiled faintly. “I hope you’re right.”

“I usually am.” I grinned, trying to lighten the moment. “It’s one of my more annoying qualities.”

That drew a genuine laugh from her. “I’ve noticed.”

As we prepared to leave, Dante stopped us, his expression stormy. He pulled his sister aside for a private word.

“If he figures out who you are—” he began.