Page 41 of Undercover Hearts

"I wanted to personally ensure you're both comfortable with everything you heard today," Sienna said. "Our international educational initiatives sometimes surprise new members with their scope."

"We're both impressed by PWC's extensive network," Michelle replied smoothly. "Few organizations achieve such seamless cross-border operations without corporate backing."

"The profit margins you're projecting for educational materials are remarkable," Jenna added with perfect innocence. "Your distribution model clearly maximizes efficiency."

Sienna's smile widened. "We've found that operating outside traditional systems creates opportunities for significant return on investment. The retreat will demonstrate our hands-on approach to distribution management."

"We're looking forward to it," Michelle said. "Though I admit, I'm curious about the security protocols Kendall mentioned."

"Security depends on trustworthy personnel," Kendall interjected, stepping forward. "Everyone attending the retreat undergoes final verification checks."

The warning was clear: they weren't fully cleared yet.

"We value discretion in our leadership team," Sienna added. "What you've seen today represents years of careful development."

"And significant investment," Jenna observed. "The operational infrastructure alone must require substantial capital."

"The initial investment has paid dividends beyond expectation," Sienna acknowledged. "You'll see our complete financial structure during the retreat. I think you'll be impressed by the return profile."

They were being offered deeper access to the organization's financial records—evidence that would connect the drug money to legitimate PWC activities.

When they were finally in their car and driving away, Michelle spoke urgently. "We need to check for surveillance. Full protocol."

They drove an elaborate route designed to identify any tail, eventually separating to approach their safe house from different directions.

Only when they were certain they hadn't been followed did they rendezvous at the apartment, security systems thoroughly checked before speaking openly.

"We got everything we needed," Jenna said, her voice tight with controlled excitement as she began downloading the surveillance recordings. "Names, connections, shipment details, financial projections—everything to connect them to the three deaths and take down the entire network."

Michelle nodded, already preparing their secure communication to Chief Marten. "Sienna practically confessed on record. Twenty million in drug revenue disguised as educational materials."

"And the international connection—Isabella—explains how they've operated undetected for so long."

They worked in synchrony, processing the intelligence. Despite the personal tension between them, their professional connection remained seamless.

"The Vancouver investigation was compromised by a law enforcement leak," Michelle noted. "We need to ensure the tactical teams are assembled with minimal advance notice."

"And from outside the immediate area," Jenna agreed. "No one connected to the port authority."

Michelle looked up, finding Jenna's gaze already on her. "We're officially invited to witness a major international drug shipment. The risk level just increased exponentially."

"But so did our opportunity," Jenna countered. "We'll be present for the actual transfer. There's no stronger evidence."

"If we survive it," Michelle said quietly. "Kendall's suspicion is growing, not diminishing. And this 'verification check' she mentioned..."

"We'll pass it," Jenna said with confidence.

Michelle wasn't so certain. What had begun as an investigation into a local smuggling operation had evolved into confrontation with an international cartel. The women they were dealing with had almost certainly ordered the murdersof potential witnesses and compromised law enforcement operations in multiple countries.

And Isabella's chilling reference to the Vancouver situation being "neutralized" suggested they wouldn't hesitate to eliminate threats—including two undercover officers who got too close.

Michelle paced the length of the safe house living room, energy radiating from her in almost visible waves. Hours had passed since they'd returned from the PWC meeting, and their initial documentation was complete. Chief Marten had been briefed, tactical teams were being assembled, and everything was proceeding according to operational protocols.

Yet Michelle couldn't settle. Couldn't sit. Couldn't stop moving.

"We should review the property maps again," she said, returning to the dining table where Jenna still worked. "The beach house has multiple access points we need to memorize."

"We've been over them three times," Jenna replied, her tone gentle but firm. "You've practically committed them to photographic memory."