Page 67 of Rescuing Ally: Part 2

“Training exercise,” Forest suggests. “Extended deployment simulation. Happens all the time.”

“That works for a few days,” Ethan points out. “What about longer term?”

“We cross that bridge when we get to it,” Sam responds.

But there’s another issue burning in my mind. “How do we know your people are clean?” I ask Collins directly. “Harrison worked for you for twenty years. How do we know there aren’t others?”

Collins’s expression hardens. “Because I’m personally vetting every specialist who goes in. People I’ve worked with for years, people whose backgrounds I know inside and out.”

“That’s what you thought about Harrison,” Hank points out, his voice carrying cold logic.

The challenge hangs in the salt air. Collins stares at us both, then nods slowly. “You’re right, which is why every one of my people gets the same EMP treatment you do. Full decontamination before they enter the facility, and once they’re in, they stay in until this is over.”

“Anyone who enters that facility commits to seeing this through to the end,” Mitzy adds.

“What if your specialists don’t like our methods?” I test his commitment.

“Then they can find new jobs. I didn’t build my company by putting up with bullshit.” Collins’s smile carries predatory satisfaction.

Walt shifts on his driftwood seat, the question he’s been holding back finally emerging. “How long before we know something? Before we get intel we can actually use?”

“Unknown. This quantum entanglement tech is going to take time to crack.” Mitzy’s admission carries scientific honesty.

“We don’t have weeks.” Carter’s statement rings with flat certainty.

“Then we make sure it takes days.” Collins’s expression hardens, and his voice carries the certainty that whatever resources are required, whatever specialists need to be acquired, whatever obstacles need to be eliminated, he’ll make it happen.

Because his daughter is missing and somewhere out there, beyond the horizon, Ally waits for rescue.

“Collins, get your facility up and running,” Sam says. “Mitzy, pick your team and get ready for immediate deployment. Everyone else keeps up the normal routine until further notice.”

Collins rises from his seat, movements carrying boardroom authority even in this informal setting. “I’ll do whatever it takes to bring my daughter home. Whatever resources you need. Whatever rules need breaking. Whatever enemies need eliminating.” His pale blue eyes lock with mine, then shift to Hank. “But when this is over, we’re gonna have a talk about my daughter’s future.”

“Looking forward to it. Should be a hell of a conversation.” I let my own steel show.

“Real interesting.” Hank nods beside me.

I catch his eye and something passes between us—a shared moment of amusement at Collins’s assumption that he’ll have any say in how this conversation goes. For a split second, Hank’s mouth quirks up at the corner, and I feel my own grin starting to form. It’s the first time we’ve been on the same wavelength since our fight, that automatic synchronization we’ve always had when facing down someone who thinks they can intimidate us.

The moment feels good. Right. Like the partnership that’s kept us both alive through hell and back is on the mend.

“Yeah, I think it will be.” Collins studies us both for another moment, then shakes his head. As he heads toward the gondola platform, I catch Hank’s eye across the dying firelight.

Ally’s father doesn’t approve of us, but he needs us.

And right now, that’s enough.

The war just gained a new front.

Time to see if money and desperation can accomplish what tactical expertise hasn’t. I’m not a techie, but it finally feels as if we’re doing something rather than spinning our wheels.

TWENTY-THREE

The Choice

ALLY

Morning arrives like a slap.Crusted blood cracks at the corners of my mouth when I attempt to swallow. Muscles scream from yesterday’s electricity—no, not yesterday. Longer. Time bleeds here. Stretches. Contracts. Becomes irrelevant until pain marks its passing.