Page 59 of Undercover Hearts
"It had to be," Michelle finally said, though something in her voice wavered. "Emotional attachments compromise operational judgment."
Jenna absorbed the rejection, the pain settling somewhere beneath her ribs. She straightened, professional pride asserting itself over personal disappointment. "Then let's complete the operation, Captain."
They returned to operation preparation with renewed focus. Jenna checked her concealed backup weapon while Michelle verified extraction coordinates.
"Your primary position at the documentation center provides access to financial records," Michelle noted, her tone strictly neutral. "If you can secure evidence of money laundering, it strengthens the RICO case against Sienna and Isabella."
"And your warehouse position should confirm the drug composition," Jenna added. "Direct connection to the deaths of Beatrice, Gabrielle, and Angelica."
The mention of the victims' names seemed to shift something in the atmosphere. Their personal complications remained secondary to the justice these women deserved.
As Michelle completed her final equipment check, Jenna noticed a momentary hesitation as she touched the surveillance pendant. The briefest tremor in fingers that were usually perfectly steady.
"We've prepared for this," Jenna said quietly.
Michelle looked up, her expression unguarded for a suspended moment. "Not for all of it."
The simple admission—acknowledging that something beyond the operation had developed between them—hung in the air.
Finally, Michelle extended her hand toward Jenna. An offer. A question. A moment of vulnerability from a woman who rarely allowed herself any.
Jenna stepped forward, their fingers intertwining. For several heartbeats, they remained connected, the physical contact communicating what words had failed to express.
Then Michelle released her grip, the professional mask sliding back into place. "Let's go."
They moved toward the door together, leaving the safe house that had become something dangerously close to home. Jenna took one last look at the apartment: coffee mugs and plates left side by side, scattered case notes, the throw pillow on the couch.
Tomorrow, these markers of connection would be gone. Their cover identities would dissolve, and whatever had grown between them would face its own moment of truth.
But tonight belonged to Beatrice, Gabrielle, and Angelica. Everything else—heartbreak included—would have to wait.
13
MICHELLE
Michelle stood at the head of the tactical operations room, her voice steady as she traced the perimeter of Sienna's beach house on the map spread before her. Eight officers from Phoenix Ridge PD's elite tactical unit watched with focused attention, the weight of the evening's stakes evident in their posture.
"Final positions confirmed," she announced. "Alpha Team secures the dock approach. Beta Team maintains surveillance at the northern property line."
Lieutenant Angela Hodges nodded, her hair catching the fluorescent light. "My team will be in position by 2200 hours. Three tactical units with marine support."
Michelle highlighted the private dock on the satellite image. "The shipment arrives at 2300 hours. Our signal comes at 2310, giving tactical teams precisely ten minutes to move into position."
She maintained perfect composure as she detailed extraction protocols, her voice betraying none of the tension coiling beneath her ribs. The operation officer in her calculatedcontingencies with mechanical precision. The woman beneath that armor silently calculated every risk to Jenna.
Chief Diana Marten entered, her presence commanding immediate attention. Her eyes narrowed at the property map.
"Detective Walsh's position concerns me," Diana noted. "There are limited extraction routes from the documentation center."
Michelle nodded, relieved her superior had voiced the concern plaguing her. "I'm considering a position adjustment to maintain cover while improving extraction access."
Something flickered in Diana's expression—recognition of the motivation behind Michelle's suggestion. "Your operational judgment is sound, Captain."
After the tactical team filtered out, Angela remained behind, organizing her equipment.
"Walsh is good," Angela commented without looking up. "You're planning to keep her closer than originally positioned."
Michelle's hands stilled on the map. "Operational security requires adjustments based on emerging threats."
