Page 51 of Taken

“She’s earning his trust,” I counter. “Moving too quickly would raise suspicion.”

“Trust,” Creed repeats, expression souring. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

He gestures to one of the security officers, who brings up a new feed on the central display. Elena and Caleb in his private office, standing too close. His hand brushing her arm. The electricity between them visible even through surveillance footage.

“Seems our girl is taking a personal approach to her assignment,” Creed observes with a thin smile. “Convenient for us.”

I maintain a bland expression despite the sick feeling in my belly. “The personal connection may facilitate access to restricted areas.”

“Precisely.” Creed leans forward, predatory satisfaction in his eyes. “Which is why we’re accelerating the timeline. I want an extraction team ready to move as soon as she accesses the Heartstone.”

Warning bells sound in my head. “Extraction team, sir?”

“Both the Ross girl and whatever she finds,” he confirms. “Once she leads us to the Stone, we move immediately.”

“We risk exposure,” I point out. “Craven Industries has significant security, both conventional and magical.”

“Risk is minimal with proper preparation.” Creed gestures to the new security officers. “Madden and Carter are elite tactical specialists. They’ll lead the ground team.”

I get a sinking feeling as I recognize what’s happening. I’m being sidelined.

“With respect, sir, as head of security for this facility, I should—”

“You’ll remain here,” Creed interrupts, his expression making it clear that this is not a negotiation. “Your knowledge of the witch makes you valuable for phase two.”

“Phase two,” I repeat, careful to keep my tone even.

He taps the table, bringing up a new display. Lila’s medical charts, current status, extraction schedules.

“Once we have the daughter and the Heartstone, we’ll need the older witch to get the new one up to speed.” His eyes gleam with anticipation. “Your rapport with her could prove useful in ensuring her cooperation.”

The implication turns my stomach. They want me to leverage whatever connection exists between Lila and me to force her compliance once they have Elena.

What should bother me more is the fact that they’re aware of a connection.

Watch yourself, Raize.

The need to be near her is going to blow my cover.

“I understand,” I say, though what I understand is that the window for action is closing fast.

“Good.” Creed turns back to the display. “Now, about the witch’s recovery. The medical team reports that she’s regaining strength faster than expected.”

“She’s resilient,” I offer, careful not to sound too invested.

“Indeed.” Emerson steps forward, pulling up Lila’s neural scans. “Though the damage remains extensive. Full extraction capabilities may be permanently compromised.”

“Can she handle the Shard?” Creed asks.

“Tests indicate yes, though with limitations. Her connection to it is stronger than anticipated.”

“I want to start daily sessions with the Shard,” Creed decides. “Carefully monitored. We need her functional when we retrieve the Heartstone.”

“Security implications?” I ask, steering the conversation toward my domain. “The Shard has significant power. If she can access it—”

“Already addressed,” Creed cuts me off. “New containment protocols have been implemented in her quarters and the testing chamber. Dampening field upgraded. Guard rotation doubled.”

Changes made without consulting me. Another warning sign.

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