Page 68 of Blind Justice

“It’s best if you go. I can’t protect you anymore. Raul knows where you are, and he’ll send more people before the trial.” Duncan turned away from her.

“But I—” Bella’s voice cracked.

“We’ll provide transportation,” Thomas said. “Another agent will meet you at the airport, since none of us can know where you’ve gone. You’ll do all of your testifying through a remote location, and when it’s done, you’ll be given a new identity.”

“Wh-What about Enzo?” Bella swiped at her tears.

“Same for him too,” Thomas replied. “He’ll be with you. We made this promise when this mission started. You give us what we need to put Raul away, and you get your immunity. It’s a win-win as far as the FBI is concerned.”

“So,” she sniffed. “That’s it? Pero—” She turned away from them. “Whatever.”

If she didn’t think it tore Duncan apart letting her go, she had another thing coming. He couldn’t show it. Not right then. Not ever. He was chained to his job with the FBI. He didn’t dictate when he left. They did.This is why you never get involved with your marks.

He ran his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. He didn’t have time for this shit. “When do we leave?”

“Ten minutes,” Asher answered. “Pack your shit and get ready.”

Duncan nodded. Instead of making Bella do it, he packed away their things. His heart cracked a little more with each piece of clothing he picked up and placed into their bags. Then he made his way to the flat screen and grabbed the game console, adding it to Enzo’s belongings. When he started working on Bella’s, she snatched everything out of his hands. He wanted to say something, but the look she gave him warned him off. Maybe it was for the best. The more he could separate himself from the duo, the easier it would be to let them go.

When the phone rang in his room, Duncan answered it. Their ride was there. He glanced at Bella, hopeful tears welling in her eyes. This was the end of the line for them. Over and over he tried to prepare himself for this moment, yet he failed. If he said anything, he’d never leave, and the team needed him. Enzo needed him. Still, he had so much to tell her. Instead, he headed out the door with his team. It was cold blooded, yet it was the only way he could get into the right headspace for the mission. If he rambled on about soft platitudes and whispers of love, he’d break down. He needed to be alert and focused.

When they stepped out of the club, Thomas, AJ, Scotty, and the secondary team had left with Bex. The two BearCats sitting at the entrance of the parking lot were out of the norm for the place. There was a set of gear and a gun waiting for Duncan to don. As the vehicle carrying Bella passed him, he stopped. He needed to see her one more time. Unfortunately, the darkened windows prevented him from seeing anything, and he cursed.

“You sure you can do this?” Asher muttered.

“I have to. Thomas asked me to see it through.” Duncan threw the bulletproof vest over his head then tightened the velcro straps. “Besides, Raul has Enzo. I promised Bella I’d rescue her brother.” He’d fucked up the agreement he made to Enzo, but at least he could fulfill his oath to Bella.

“You still telling that lie?” Asher cocked a brow.

“What lie?” He checked the clip on the gun he’d been given. Duncan slid it into place and cocked it before holstering it.

“They’re not siblings, asshole. We’ve all known since you brought them here,” Asher said.

Duncan dropped his head forward. “Can’t ever get one past you.”

“Nope.” Asher chuckled. “So, you’re willing to let them both go like this?”

“I don’t have a choice.” Duncan checked all the pouches on his vest so he didn’t have to look at Asher.

“We all have choices, Duncan.” Asher patted his shoulder. “You’re not there yet, but I have a feeling you’ll figure it out.”

The leader of the SWAT team motioned them forward. He was a big guy, rivaling Omar, which said something. He handed out a packet of papers to everyone in the group. Most of it, Duncan already knew. He’d been the one to help put this together. Plus, they used his reports about Bella and Enzo. However, there was also other stuff he didn’t know.

“The neighborhood we’re going into has been vacant—condemned for a few years due to contamination. The houses on the block where Raul is located have been used as homeless encampments and residences for squatters. The grass is tall, so look out for traps. Also watch the trees for ambushes. If we get separated on the way out, we will rendezvous at the shopping center in the middle of town. Your driver knows the location. Also, be mindful of friendly fire. You’ll all be in different positions and will enter the building at staggered times.” He glanced at Duncan. “Now, I turn this over to Agent Frazier.”

Duncan stepped forward, his heart in his throat and his stomach in knots. He didn’t need to be there. He lied. He wanted to go with Bella. His mind screamed to follow her, to be with her, and to tell everyone the truth. Instead, he cleared his throat. “Raul Iniguez should be considered armed and dangerous. He’s a rat in a cage. He’ll do whatever it takes to survive. He’ll use Enzo Suarez as a shield, so do not shoot unless you have a clear bead on Raul. We didn’t get much information out of Bexley Iniguez due to her injuries, but from what I understood, they—she and Enzo—were kept in the same room. She killed two of Raul’s guards before she got loose. So, Raul is a few men short now. But, it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. We learned the hard way in Mexico that he’s a slippery bastard. Raul must be taken into custody. Shoot to kill is a last resort.”

“Also, remember, the FBI will be making the arrest, and Raul will be transported by them,” the leader of the SWAT team said. “If there’s nothing left, then let’s load up and get going.”

They climbed into the back of the tactical BearCats, Noah joining Duncan. He rolled his eyes but didn’t complain. It could have been Asher, and the whole way to the site the guy would try to talk Duncan out of letting Bella go without a fight. Duncan nodded at Noah and faced the opposite side of the vehicle. If his da could see him now, he’d be disappointed, yet he’d have asked Duncan to nip the BearCat so they could use it instead. The thought brought a little brevity to the situation.

“You’re thinking hard over there,” Noah stated. “What’s going on?”

“The mission.” Duncan replied, trying to keep himself focused on the situation andnotlosing Enzo. “Trying to push myself into the right state of mind. You?”

“I’m thinking about spanking the shit out of my husband for insisting he come get Bex. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Noah shrugged.

Duncan stared at him. “Ever heard of TMI?”

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