Page 57 of Undercover Hearts
The Phoenix Women's Collective headquarters had transformed overnight. Gone was the welcoming warmth of a progressive advocacy organization, replaced by the controlled atmosphere of an operation center. Security personnel stood at key points, their gazes alert and assessing. Only inner circlemembers remained, moving with purpose between secured rooms.
Jenna and Michelle were directed to the third-floor conference room where Sienna presided over the final briefing. As they entered, Jenna noticed how the assembled women subtly shifted, creating a formation that separated her from Michelle.
"Michelle, Jenna. Perfect timing," Sienna said. "We were just finalizing tonight's assignments."
Jenna scanned the personnel chart on the tablet Alina handed her. The assignments confirmed what Renee had mentioned: Michelle was assigned to inventory at the warehouse, Jenna to documentation at the beach house. Maximally separated during critical phases.
"Before we continue," Kendall interjected, "there's been a slight adjustment to the schedule."
The room's atmosphere tightened. Even Sienna appeared momentarily surprised.
"Mina will be overseeing the documentation center instead of Nicole," Kendall announced, her gaze fixed on Jenna. "Nicole's expertise is needed at the primary distribution staging area."
The switch wasn't random. Mina Salgato—the logistics coordinator with a background in international shipping security—represented a significant escalation in their scrutiny.
"Of course," Jenna replied smoothly. "I look forward to working with Mina."
Across the room, Michelle maintained her composed expression, though Jenna could read the concern in the subtle tightening around her eyes.
"Additionally," Kendall continued, "the secure communications protocols have been updated." She distributed small devices resembling pagers. "These replace standardcommunication channels during the operation. All other electronic devices must remain in vehicles."
Jenna recognized them immediately: closed-circuit communicators operating on frequencies that would likely block their surveillance equipment's transmission capability.
"Efficient," Michelle commented. "Reduces external interference risks."
"Precisely," Kendall agreed, something cold in her smile. "Security is our highest priority tonight."
Sienna resumed control, reviewing the shipment timeline. "The vessel arrives at 11 p.m. Initial verification takes approximately twenty minutes, followed by processing. Distribution assignments will be finalized by 3 a.m."
Each detail aligned with their tactical intervention timeline, but the last-minute changes compromised their evidence-gathering capabilities.
As the briefing continued, Nicole approached Jenna. "Before tonight's operation, I'd like to verify a few details from your Meridian Heights background. Security protocol."
Nicole led her to a small adjacent office, closing the door. "Your GreenTech employment records show some discrepancies we'd like to clarify."
The direct approach confirmed Kendall's suspicions had solidified. Jenna maintained her relaxed posture despite danger signals flaring through her system.
Nicole's questions followed a clear pattern—seemingly random inquiries about Meridian Heights landmarks and GreenTech personnel, interspersed with probing questions about Jenna's technical expertise.
"The technical security protocols at GreenTech were your responsibility?" Nicole asked, her question sharper than her casual tone suggested.
"I coordinated between departments," Jenna corrected. "Michelle managed executive communications, which required interface with technical security. I served as liaison between her office and IT."
"And the proprietary encryption system GreenTech implemented? You were familiar with it?"
The fabricated detail required careful handling. "I understood its implementation timeline and basic functionality. The technical specifications were beyond my expertise, but I coordinated the department meetings where it was developed."
The questioning continued for twenty minutes, Nicole circling back to previously covered topics, seeking inconsistencies.
"One final question," Nicole said. "Your relationship with Michelle began after leaving GreenTech, correct?"
"Yes, about a month after I joined her consulting firm."
"Interesting. Your Phoenix Ridge apartment lease lists her as a co-tenant from your first day in the city. Six months before you claim your relationship began."
The targeted attack struck with precision. Jenna transformed her alarm instantly into embarrassed amusement.
"You caught us," she admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "We actually began seeing each other while still at GreenTech—completely against corporate policy. The official timeline we share is...sanitized. Professional reputation concerns."
