Page 126 of Illicit

“The case,” Cole announces. “We’re about to take down a shit-ton of motherfuckers that cross continents. Who’s in?”

I think it’s safe to say the agents are sick of relationship and family drama. They’re ready to take down some motherfuckers—internationally and domestic.

“Finally, something I can control,” Tim mutters.

“Fuck yeah,” Micah pipes.

“Every day, all day,” King agrees.

“Finally, some badass shit.” Brax looks downright relieved. “Let’s do this.”

29

MESSIER

Teagan

Ispent my fair share of time volunteering for A Life for Justice. Before I met the Hayes family, my cases were simple and as basic as a pumpkin spiced latte the first week of September.

I’ve overheard Dad and the guys talk about their cases from time to time. I could tell they did their best not to bring up work when their families were around.

Sometimes they just couldn’t help it. I loved listening and learning. Who knows, maybe that’s why I became intrigued with unsolved cases.

But the intricacy of this boggles my mind.

He wasn’t kidding about multi continents.

We’ve been here for almost two hours. We’ve conferenced with Rocco’s old partner in New Orleans, Taylor, and three of Cole’s CIA assets across the world. It’s turned into a simultaneous worldwide takedown.

Jules Robichaux is connected to the African Cartel Federation. Apparently that name wasn’t easy to find. They usually refer to themselves as simply A throughout most communication.

That is unless you have assets all over the globe like Cole Carson.

The Federation pays for mules to be brought in and used to transport heroin, cocaine, and meth. And not only through airports the way they use people like Heath Hayes for. They’re huge in ports across the continents.

I guess the elderly are unsuspecting, unless they are unlucky and get caught. Like Heath, they aren’t told what they’re carrying. He was simply promised a payout and return plane ticket in the end.

Brax, Micah, and King are impressed. And that’s not easy given the kind of work they’ve done in the past. The more my dad learned, the more he mentioned his tension headache setting in. And the more he learned about Robichaux, the more upset he was with me. It was like Rocco in the beginning all over again. But unlike the man I plan to spend the rest of my life with, I doubt Dad will come around like Rocco did and admit I was smart and not at all unsafe during my initial meeting.

Whatever.

Dad stopped looking at Rocco and me like he wanted to throw up.

Progress. Especially since I still need to tell my mom.

But if anyone loves Rocco more than me and Landyn, it’s Annette Coleman. I have a feeling she’ll have the exact opposite reaction as Dad.

So the plan is set. A multi-continent takedown. I wish we were back in New Orleans for the action, but there’s no way to get there fast enough. It’s happening soon.

But there’s still one thing that hasn’t been addressed.

Like, the biggest thing. I’ve sat back and waited. Cole Carson was on a roll with the operational plan. I wasn’t going to be the one to interrupt.

But they’re wrapping this up, and I refuse to leave this room until I know there’s a plan.

My dad starts piling papers as the guys shut their laptops.

This is my last chance.

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