Page 63 of Undercover Hearts
"Inventory confirmed," Michelle reported, her voice betraying nothing as she mentally documented every detail. "Quantity matches manifest."
Isabella approached, her calculating gaze sweeping the revealed contraband before moving to Michelle's face. "Impressive efficiency. Your corporate background serves you well."
"Quality verification was my specialty," Michelle replied, the double meaning hidden beneath casual professionalism.
"Continue with the remaining crates," Sienna instructed the team before turning to Isabella. "Eight minutes until warehouse transport. Distribution assignments by 3 a.m."
As they spoke, Michelle cataloged her surroundings: seven security personnel positioned around the dock, three crew members still aboard the vessel, Kendall hovering at the periphery with her gaze trained on Michelle. The extraction point lay approximately forty-five seconds away at a controlled run.
Two minutes and seventeen seconds remaining until the predetermined signal.
"Coordinate with the warehouse team," Sienna directed Michelle. "First shipment departs in six minutes."
The instruction created the opportunity Michelle needed. As she moved toward the beach house, she subtly activated her communication device, the frequency connecting her to Lieutenant Hodges' tactical channel.
"Verification complete," she murmured, the code phrase confirming evidence secured. "Proceed with countdown."
The beach house loomed above, glass and steel gleaming in the moonlight. Michelle ascended the wooden stairs with measured steps, calculating her position relative to the documentation center where Jenna should be gathering final financial evidence.
One minute and forty-three seconds until tactical intervention.
Inside, the operational atmosphere had intensified. Women moved with purpose between stations, preparing for the distribution phase. Michelle located the warehouse team near the kitchen, Alina checking manifest details against a tablet.
"First shipment verified," Michelle reported, positioning herself with clear sightlines to both the documentation center and the main entrance.
Through the glass partition, she caught a glimpse of Jenna seated beside Mina, fingers moving rapidly across a keyboard as financial records filled the screen before her. The distance between them—perhaps thirty feet of open floor plan—felt simultaneously trivial and insurmountable.
Fifty-two seconds remaining.
Michelle extracted her specialized communicator, ostensibly checking warehouse coordinates while actually confirming tactical team readiness. The subtle vibration against her palm confirmed: all teams in position, awaiting her signal.
"Documentation team needs verification approval," Michelle announced to Alina, creating an excuse to approach Jenna.
"Verification is Mina's responsibility," Alina replied, suspicion flickering across her features.
"Sienna requested cross-verification," Michelle countered smoothly. "New protocol for first shipments."
The lie created just enough uncertainty for Alina to hesitate before nodding reluctantly. "Be quick. Transport leaves in five minutes."
Michelle crossed the open space, her awareness hyper-focused on both her destination and surrounding threats. Through the glass partition, she caught Jenna's eye, a momentary connection that communicated everything necessary without words.
Twenty-three seconds remaining.
As Michelle reached the documentation center door, Kendall's voice cut through the operational hum.
"All personnel, security alert," she announced, striding through the main entrance. "Perimeter breach detected at the north property line."
Everyone froze, including Michelle, every muscle tensed as Kendall moved directly toward her, hand resting on the weapon concealed beneath her vest.
"Lockdown protocol initiated," Kendall continued, never taking her eyes off Michelle.
Ten seconds. Too early.
Michelle made an instantaneous calculation—the choice between waiting for the planned intervention and moving immediately to extract Jenna from the documentation center suddenly isolated behind security doors. The tactical timing had dissolved, forcing her to adjust strategy in real-time.
She reached for the documentation center door as alarm systems activated, red warning lights bathing the space in crimson. Through the glass, she saw Jenna already moving, the financial evidence secured, Mina turning toward her with dawning suspicion.
"Rodriguez!" Kendall called, hand now drawing her weapon. "Step away from that door."