Page 41 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost (Nightfall Syndicate #2)

twenty-seven

Asher

" W inchester Gala. Three hundred and fifty-seven guests. Two hundred eighty-four staff. Sixty-seven security." I trace the holographic perimeter, calculating angles and sightlines. "Four primary exits, two service corridors."

The blue light illuminates my team around the planning table. Cole stands across from me, analytical gaze mirroring my focus. Kade commands the head position, arms crossed, massive frame casting shadows. Jax shifts from foot to foot; perpetual motion even during briefings.

And Vanessa.

She practically vibrates with kinetic energy beside me, small frame leaning forward as dark eyes dart across the holographic display. Her fingers twitch, as if typing on invisible keyboards. When she moves for a better view, her shoulder brushes mine.

I don't adjust my position.

"Security grid looks impressive," Kade says, rotating the hologram. "But practical vulnerabilities—"

"Oh! I'm already in!" Vanessa bounces forward, hands flying over display controls.

"So their digital security has like three redundancies, right? But here's the thing, they all route through the same physical server room, which is totally amateur hour when you think about it because—" She pauses mid-ramble, expanding part of the layout. "Here! Right here, off the east corridor."

My eyebrow raises slightly. Not surprised by success. I expected that. Surprised by the speed.

"How deep?" Cole asks, professional interest clear.

"Full access to everything! CCTV feeds, guest list database, staff schedules, internal communications network—the works!

" That mischievous grin spreads across her face.

"Their system administrator literally uses 'Fluffy2019' as part of his password.

His dog's name plus the year he got hired.

I mean, come on, it's like they want to be hacked. "

Pride hits my chest first, immediate and warm. Then concern follows. Her skills are exceptional, but the risks of having her this deep in their systems...

"I've already mapped their guard patrol routes too," she continues, pulling up another overlay showing security positions in real-time. "They're super predictable—like, boringly predictable. Thirty-second gaps at these three points where coverage overlaps inefficiently."

My jaw tightens as I process tactical implications. Having Vanessa's digital access gives us advantage, but keeping her behind screens feels more controllable.

"So we have comprehensive digital access," Kade notes. "Next step is physical infiltration."

Jax steps forward, energy practically crackling off him. "We should put Reyes on point for this op. She already knows their system architecture inside and out, plus she's got that whole unassuming thing going for her."

Every muscle in my body tenses simultaneously. The thought of Vanessa entering that building, walking those corridors, exposed to potential threats—

"What? No way!" Vanessa's eyes widen as she waves her hands dismissively. "I'm definitely best behind a keyboard—that's like, my whole thing! I can guide someone through remotely, talk them through the technical stuff. That's what I'm good at, not all this cloak-and-dagger field work."

"Actually," Kade interrupts, calculating gaze moving between us, "Jax raises a valid point.

The server room will have additional physical security measures that won't be accessible through remote infiltration.

Having someone who understands the system architecture would provide significant tactical advantages. "

I calculate fourteen scenarios in rapid succession, each ending with Vanessa potentially exposed to danger. None acceptable.

"She goes in with me."

No room for debate in my voice. Complete finality.

"I maintain perimeter security and overwatch while she accesses the server room. Two-person team, minimal operational footprint."

Vanessa turns to look up at me, surprise evident. "Wait, you actually want me in the field? Like, physically in the building?"

I meet her gaze directly. "You're the most qualified person to access that server room. I'll have your back the entire time."

The realization that I'm supporting her field involvement rather than blocking it registers in her expression. A small smile forms on her lips—pleased and slightly mischievous.

"Actually," Kade says, voice cutting through the moment with command authority, "Remy would be better suited for this infiltration."

My entire nervous system goes rigid.

"Remy has extensive experience with high-society cover operations," Kade continues, tone completely reasonable and utterly infuriating. "His social infiltration skills are purpose-built for events like this. More appropriate asset allocation."

"Ghost." My voice drops to sub-zero temperatures. "I can handle close protection and infiltration simultaneously."

"Not questioning your capabilities, Asher." Kade's tone carries the subtle edge of command decision. "Questioning optimal resource deployment. Saint handles infiltration. You handle overwatch. Play to strengths."

Every instinct I possess screams against this decision. The logical part recognizes the operational soundness. Remy is specifically trained for social manipulation and high-society infiltration. But the part focused on Vanessa's safety rebels completely.

"Remy can't provide adequate security coverage while maintaining social cover," I argue, grasping for tactical reasoning that masks my real objection. "Split focus compromises both infiltration and protection protocols."

"Which is why you'll be on overwatch," Kade responds smoothly. "Providing security coverage from optimal positioning."

The logic is airtight. I know it. The team knows it. And it makes me increasingly frustrated with my inability to present a counter-argument that doesn't reveal personal investment.

Jax leans back against the table, that irritating smirk spreading. "Wow, Frost is actually arguing with command decisions. That's like... unprecedented. What's next, you gonna tell us the sky isn't blue?"

"Mission parameters should prioritize—"

"Mission parameters," Kade interrupts with finality, "prioritize operational success. Remy handles infiltration. You provide overwatch. End of discussion."

The command tone hits like a physical barrier. I've never argued with direct orders before. Never questioned tactical assignments. Never prioritized anything above mission efficiency.

Why is her safety suddenly more important than operational protocol?

"Let me pull up personnel files," Cole interjects diplomatically, bringing new images to the display. "We need to identify all potential threats present at the gala."

The holographic display shifts to show face after face, and our focus shifts accordingly. But my awareness remains split. Monitoring new intelligence while acutely conscious of Vanessa beside me, her shoulder occasionally brushing mine as she examines data with characteristic intensity.

Just volunteered to put the most critical variable in my life directly into hostile territory. Then lost the argument to stay close to her.

The mathematics of this situation don't compute. With Vanessa, they never do.

Cold air hits my face as I walk down to the underground armory. Each step takes me deeper into Level B4. The familiar smell of gun oil, electronics, and cleaning solvents grows stronger, oddly comforting.

I arrive twenty minutes early. Standard procedure.

The door slides open at exactly 8:00 AM. Vanessa bounces out of the elevator, balancing a steaming coffee mug and her ever-present tablet. She pulls her dark hair, streaked with bright pink, back into a messy bun that somehow looks both chaotic and purposeful.

"Morning, Asher!" Her energy fills the quiet space.

"Just worked with Cole for the past three hours.

That man is seriously thorough, like, scary thorough.

I've been up since four fixing the face recognition software to work with Winchester's security, which is way better than their password security would suggest.. ."

She pauses to breathe while setting her mug down right beside my neatly arranged equipment.

I move the mug three inches to the left without a word.

"I set up the basic equipment for testing." I point to the devices spread across the metal table. "First-time field operatives need to check everything works properly."

"I'm not exactly basic though, am I?" Vanessa picks up one of the standard earpieces, turning it over with curious fingers. "This design is ancient—give me fifteen minutes and I can make it way smaller while improving battery life and signal."

"That change isn't necessary—"

But she's already at the next workbench, pulling tools from drawers with surprising confidence. Her hands move with unexpected accuracy for someone who usually can't stay still.

I return to my careful inventory, checking each surveillance camera for battery, signal strength, and weather protection. The steady, predictable process helps keep my mind clear—checking specs, writing down readings, making adjustments.

Vanessa works at the other end, muttering to herself while simultaneously talking through her phone earpiece.

"Cole! Perfect timing with your call." She takes apart the earpiece while speaking. "Quick question about your security code. It's seriously elegant, but I think there might be a weak spot that someone else could find first..."

She keeps talking while her hands never stop working, creating a controlled chaos that grabs my attention more than the orderly equipment on my table.

"No, not like that." Her cheerful argument flows through the phone. "If you change the startup, you'll get better battery life while actually making the signal stronger—sounds weird but trust me on the math."

I test the signal on the fourth camera.

"The equipment works fine as designed." My voice stays level. "Changing things adds risk."