Page 7 of Dismantle & Prevail

Need for Team Blackbird: Not at this time.

Team Lead: Wesley; Landon unavailable until further notice.

Notes: Mother and twin daughters suspected kidnapping. Suspect is an ex-boyfriend. Reported by Naomi’s husband. Suspect has no criminal history. Recon is needed.

End Report.

Exiting out of the case file, I type in the chat with all the team leads.

Aries: Made it to recon location. Scoping out property. Will give full report in 48-72 hours.

Landon: Understood.

Lachlan: Landon leave. Aries understood.

Landon: I will not leave. This is my damn company.

Carter: Leave Landon. Aries, let us know if you need assistance.

Aries: Will report back if assistance is needed. Landon leave.

Wesley: Landon leave, Allie is calling you.

Landon: Fuck off Wes. Aries, be careful.

The rest of the group chat echoes Landon’s warning, and I exit from the chat and begin walking up the hill. I can’t help but picture the pissed-off look on our leader’s face.

Landon Hayes, the creator of Resilience and the man who changed my life. He took a life that was meaningless after I lost Rayne and redirected my anger and hatred into a place where it could be used for good.

As the thoughts of the one true love of my life enter my mind, I pat my chest and close my eyes for a brief second. Allowing myself five seconds to let the grief and sorrow overtake me.

The buzzing of my phone brings me out of my head, and I open my eyes to see Boone’s name on my screen.

I’m about to slide to answer his call when something hard slams against the back of my head.

The world instantly goes black.

Chapter Three

Taylor