Page 104 of Brick's Retribution

"You did really good even though you went way over budget," I tell Imani quietly. "Spending that money on the others."

"I couldn't leave them," she says, and now that we're away from the auction, tears stream down her face. "Those little girls... I couldn't leave children in that place. And honestly, if I only made one purchase it would’ve looked fishy."

"I know." I take her hand, squeezing gently. "We saved five lives today."

"Out of how many?" she asks bitterly. "How many women were sold today that we couldn't help?"

I don't have an answer for that.

The radio crackles. "Lead vehicle, this is Boulder. Intersection coming up in thirty seconds. Be ready to move."

This is it.

The switch from buyers to rescuers.

"Copy that," I respond.

The intersection appears ahead—a crossroads where one path leads to the safe house, another to the airport.

Our vehicles slow, then suddenly accelerate in different directions as the extraction team's vehicles merge into formation.

Any surveillance will show confusion, vehicles scattering, making tracking difficult.

"Status on package?" I radio to Doom.

"Secure and stable," he confirms. "She's asking for you."

My throat tightens. "Tell her soon. Very soon."

The airport comes into view—not the main terminal but a private section where Alejandro's plane waits.

We screech to a halt beside the aircraft, doors flying open.

Boulder shouts, wanting everyone to get their asses on the plane as quickly as possible. "Move, move, move!"

I help the teenage sisters out first, speaking softly in Spanish, trying to reassure them they're safe now.

They're terrified, confused, but they follow.

The other women are helped aboard, medical team ready to assess and treat.

Then I see her.

Doom is helping Lashes from the vehicle, supporting her weight as the drugs make her unsteady.

I'm at her side in three strides.

"Lashes."

Her head turns toward my voice, those familiar eyes focusing right on me. "Brick?" Her voice is hoarse, uncertain. "Is this... are you really...?"

"It's me," I assure her, taking her weight from Doom. "I'm real. You're safe. We're taking you home."

"Home," she repeats, like she can't quite believe it. Then her hand goes to her belly. "They... I'm..."

"I know," I say gently. "We'll take care of you. Both of you. Whatever you need."

She starts crying then, collapsing against me, and I carry her up the plane's steps.

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