Page 189 of Unexpected Heroine

The next hour goes by in a rush as I seamlessly assume control of the op—which is now a rescue mission.

Mia might be new to Redleg, but she’s one of our own. We’ll pull out all the stops to save her.

With Boss at my side and the team following my instructions to the T, I operate with a practiced steadiness. Mia’s my friend, but I can’t help her if I don’t channel the calm needed to think clearly.

When we identify where she’s being held, the team moves in for a retrieval with guns at the ready.

Through the comms, we pick up enough to figure out that Lisa is working with the mafia. She’s taken Mia in an attempt to get Savin’s location out of her.

“We’ve got eyes on them,” Sawyer announces. “Mia’s tied to a chair. Fuck. Lisa’s going for her face with a weapon.”

Shit, shit, shit.

Klein orders, “If anyone has a shot, take it.”

Able to see what Jonesy sees through his cam, Boss orders, “Jonesy, take the shot.”

He does, nearly taking Lisa’s hand off in the process.

The team rushes in, saving Mia in the nick of time and with only minimal injuries.

Lisa gets handcuffed to a stretcher and carted off to the hospital. She’ll be treated for her injuries before being taken to jail.

Sinking deep into my chair, I let my entire frame go slack. The adrenaline crash hits me, and a weighted exhale leaves me in an audible whoosh.

Another fucking member of the organization responsible for hurting my girl is neutralized. They’re dropping like flies. Can’t wait to tell my sugar bear.

If she’ll speak to me.

Boss claps me on the shoulder. “Not sure why you came in this morning, but thank fuck you showed up when you did. Mia owes her life to you. I’m damn proud of you, son.”

My chest and throat swell. For several minutes, I’m unable to speak. He doesn’t press me to respond.

Together, we watch the team speak to law enforcement at the scene. Big Al’s phone rings at one point with Detective Patterson on the line.

There’s chaos and control, interwoven delicately, in the next several minutes. Something new and familiar about the way everything falls into place.

I take it all in.

Pride is an unfamiliar feeling, but I recognize it at moments like these.

And I’m so fucking proud to be part of the... Redleg family.

I’ve said it before. Thought the words—Redleg family.

Yet I’ve never let myself truly feel it. Until now.

Some of the things Leo and Sawyer told me the other night finally penetrate my thick skull and battered heart.

Yes. I fucking have one.

And it beats for two things—Redleg family and Lettie.

The reason both exists is the man beside me. A man I’ve lied to for years.

That ends now.

It’s my only chance to save what I have here. If he finds out about Lettie from someone other than me, I won’t even have this anymore.

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