Page 50 of Undercover Hearts

Julia glanced up, something knowing in her expression. "Impressive work penetrating their inner circle so quickly."

"Jenna has exceptional undercover instincts," Michelle replied, the praise coming naturally despite her attempt at professional distance. "Her interview strategy with Nicole Padilla confirmed the direct connection to Beatrice Leblanc's death."

Chief Marten's gaze lingered on Michelle's face. "Your partnership has proven effective."

Michelle forced herself to maintain eye contact, uncomfortably aware that her careful wording couldn't fully mask how her feelings for Jenna had evolved. She redirected focus to the operational map.

"Tactical positioning requires careful consideration. The property's isolation creates both advantages and vulnerabilities. Lieutenant Hodges, I'd suggest teams here and here," she indicated points on the perimeter, "with marine units approaching from these coordinates to secure the dock."

They spent the next hour finalizing tactical positions and contingency plans. Michelle felt herself shifting between identities—the undercover operative with intimate knowledge of PWC's inner workings and the police captain with strategic command experience. The duality was disorienting.

"Communications protocols are critical," she continued. "Two separate channels: alpha for the dock team, beta for perimeter security. Jenna and I will maintain our cover until the shipment arrives, then extract to this rendezvous point before you move in."

"Extraction timing is tight," Julia observed. "The window between confirming delivery and tactical engagement is less than ten minutes."

"Which is why we'll need emergency extraction protocols in place," Michelle agreed, tension evident in her shoulders. "If our cover is compromised before the shipment, priority becomes personnel safety over evidence gathering."

Chief Marten picked up a surveillance image showing Kendall Buchanan. "You believe she remains suspicious?"

"Increasingly so," Michelle confirmed. "She's former military, trained in counter-intelligence. Her instincts are good."

"Then we need a stronger contingency plan," Chief Marten decided, turning to Lieutenant Hodges. "Angela, I want two plainclothes officers positioned as vacation rental neighbors beginning tonight. Close enough for immediate response."

"Agreed," Michelle said, relief flooding through her at the additional protection measure. "I'd also recommend unmarked air support standing by."

She realized too late that her tone had shifted, revealing concern beyond professional parameters. Julia's raised eyebrow confirmed she'd noticed.

"Standard protocol would be sufficient," Julia commented carefully. "Unless there's a specific threat assessment I've missed?"

Michelle maintained her composed expression through sheer willpower. "The Vancouver operation's failure suggests heightened risk. Additional precautions are warranted."

Chief Marten studied her for a long moment. "I'm approving the enhanced extraction protocols, but Michelle”—her use of first name signaled a shift from professional to personal—"remember that operational success requires measured risk. We can't extract at the first sign of danger if it means losing Garcia."

"Understood," Michelle replied, though internally she recognized a truth that would have been unthinkable two weeks ago: if forced to choose between Jenna's safety and apprehending Isabella Garcia, her decision would be immediate and unambiguous.

The realization rattled her. Throughout her career, mission success had always taken precedence over personal considerations. The operation, the evidence, the justice for victims—these principles had guided every professional decision. Now, those certainties had been upended by eleven days with Jenna Walsh.

As the meeting concluded, finalized assignments were distributed. Chief Marten approved the operation timeline, Lieutenant Hodges confirmed tactical team positioning, and Julia provided final intelligence updates.

"Execution in forty-eight hours," Chief Marten announced. "This operation represents months of work and our best opportunity to bring justice for Beatrice, Gabrielle, and Angelica. Good luck to everyone."

The room cleared gradually, officers departing with purposeful energy. Michelle remained at the table, gathering her notes with methodical precision that belied her inner turmoil.

Julia lingered, waiting until they were alone before speaking. "Quite the operation you've built."

"Teamwork," Michelle corrected automatically. "Jenna deserves substantial credit."

"Of course," Julia agreed, her tone making clear she understood more than Michelle wanted.

"We're professionals," Michelle replied, the statement sounding hollow even to her own ears.

"Never questioned that," Julia said. She hesitated, then added more gently, "The return to normal operations after deep cover is always an adjustment. Worth considering what parts of the experience might be worth preserving."

The comment struck too close to Michelle's unspoken fears. In forty-eight hours, the operation would conclude. Michelle Rodriguez and Jenna Wolfe would cease to exist. Captain Reyes and Detective Walsh would return to professional roles and boundaries.

"I should get back," Michelle said, avoiding the implicit question. "Final preparations needed before tomorrow."

Julia nodded, not pressing further. "Good luck, Michelle. For what it's worth, I've never seen you work more effectively with a partner."