Page 67 of Secrets Along the Shore

“I’m gonna have to go in,” Tyler muttered.

If he did, things would be complicated and dangerous. He’d have to infiltrate enemy territory to rescue a woman and her son. He’d probably go in solo, or with one other, to remain undetected. Maybe they’d have snipers on overwatch. The chances were slim that they’d get outunnoticed, and the moment they did, Viktor’s men would pursue them.

He didn’t hate the thought. It was what he did. The near presence of death made him feel more alive. He needed that rush of adrenaline that came with fighting. But what if he messed up again? Working with strangers would make things twice as difficult. He didn’t know them. He couldn’t rely on them. “It’s not going to work,” he muttered.

“Hey, Reid.”

He turned and found Adele standing by the patio doors. Her brunette ponytail flipped over her shoulder as she turned and gestured inside. “They responded.”

Not unexpected. But sooner than he reckoned. He shoved off the railing and followed her into the living room where Von’s team had spread out comfortably. Patrick sat in the dining room working on his computer. “Yep. I’ve got the location. Ten minutes away.”

Von leaned back in her chair in the living room. “Good.” She turned to Tyler. “They’ve agreed to a payment.”

Tyler folded his arms. “How much?” It’d be high. Really high. Something that Viktor didn’t expect Koen could pay. Koen wasn’t rich. He made a little extra money from working with Von’s team, but he still didn’t have enough cash to throw away.

“It’s high, but we can afford it.” She stared at the floor and tapped her finger against the armrest as if processing how it was going to work.

“It’s two mil.” Amir provided from his place beside his sister’s chair.

No. That was way too much. “Koen doesn’t have that kind of money.” Tyler stepped farther into the living room and rested his hands on the back of the chair opposite from Von. Viktor had either given them an offer he knew they couldn’t accept, or he had no idea who Elara’s dad was.

“I know that.” Von met his gaze.

Tyler frowned. “But you said you could afford it.”

She nodded. “I can pay it out of my own bank account. It’ll be a loss for us, but I’d rather lose money than my home.”

Her home? That’s what she cared about? A woman and her sonwere in danger, and she cared about her home. That was exactly what she was saying. She didn’t know for certain that Viktor would keep his word once he got that money. She wanted to take the easy way out to save her home.

“Thanks for your concern with our lives,” Adele sat beside Adam on the couch.

Their handler sighed and leaned forward in her chair. “You all know the risks or you wouldn’t be here.”

Adam shrugged. “She has a point.”

Tyler pressed his hands into the chair. “Do you think you can trust Viktor?”

“No, but I’m trying to take the easy way out.” Von stood. “Which is why, I want you to meet his men at the location he gave us and verify the proof of life.”

He eyed her. “Why me?” She had five other guys that she could send, and yet she chose to show some trust in him.

“Because you look a little more threatening than Paul.”

The American chuckled.

“I think that they’ll understand we mean business if they see you.”

Tyler nodded. Half the people he met saw how young he was, but the other half realized that his age had nothing to do with what he was capable of. He’d make sure these guys fell in the second category.

“Patrick will send you the address.”

A few seconds later, Tyler’s phone dinged in his pocket.

Von glanced at her brother. “We have reason to believe Viktor won’t be sending just one man, which is why Adele and Gage are both going with you. Adele will provide sniper support while Gage will be on the ground near you.”

While he would prefer to be alone, this mission required support, and he wouldn’t go without it. He gave a nod.

Von held his gaze. “Once you get proof of life, make sure they know that we’ll be handing over cash for an in-person trade. That way they can’t take the money and run.”