Page 81 of Ghost
I understand then—they’re the contingency no one mentions. The forces that only appear if everything goes wrong. Somehow, this knowledge doesn’t frighten me. It reassures me.
We’ve planned for every possibility.
The safe housesits in a small clearing, surrounded by dense forest on three sides and a steep ridge on the fourth. To casual observation, it’s just another remote cabin—weathered wood siding, metal roof, generator humming quietly behind the structure. But I know better.
The windows are bulletproof. The walls are reinforced with ballistic panels. The perimeter is rigged with motion sensors and infrared cameras. And somewhere out there, hidden even from us, Charlie Team waits in silence.
Inside, I adjust the lightweight body armor beneath my sweater. It feels strange, constricting yet reassuring. The weight of it grounds me in this moment.
“Thirty minutes,” Mason says, checking his watch. “Mitzy confirms their convoy is on schedule.”
I nod, trying to steady my breathing. We’re in position in themain living area—the predetermined confrontation point. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer clear views of the approaching road, while strategically placed furniture creates cover if needed.
The plan is elegant in its simplicity. Steffan will send his team to secure the perimeter. They’ll encounter moderate resistance—enough to seem realistic but not enough to deter them. Steffan will remain back until the initial breach is complete, then enter to retrieve me personally. Standard procedure for him—always letting others take the initial risks.
When he enters, he’ll find me waiting. Mason and the others will be nearby but hidden, ready to move the moment Steffan is fully committed.
“You okay?” Mason asks, his voice low as he checks his sidearm one last time.
I take a deep breath, centering myself. “I’m ready.”
He studies me, then nods. “Remember your training. Don’t take unnecessary risks. And most importantly?—”
“Trust the team,” I finish. “I know.”
“I’ll be right over there,” he indicates a hallway alcove with clear sightlines to our position. “You won’t see me, but I’ll see everything.”
“I know,” I repeat, this time with a small smile. “That’s why I can do this.”
“They’re here. Get in position.” He kisses me briefly, fiercely, then checks his earpiece. As Mason disappears into his hiding spot, I move to my designated position—standing before the main window, silhouetted against the late afternoon light.
Visible. A target.
Bait.
My heart doesn’t pound with fear but with anticipation. The body armor presses against my ribs with each breath, a constant reminder that I’m protected.
Prepared.
Through the window, I catch the first glimpse of vehicles approaching—three black SUVs moving in tight formation up the access road.
Professional. Coordinated. Armed.
The first shots crack through the stillness, controlled bursts from the perimeter defense teams. The SUVs halt in a practiced formation, doors opening as tactical teams deploy in textbook cover patterns.
I watch dispassionately as the ballet of violence unfolds. Guardian operators falling back strategically, appearing to be overwhelmed while actually channeling Steffan’s forces exactly where we want them. The gunfire is sporadic but intensifies as they approach the house.
Then I see him.
Steffan emerges from the middle SUV, hanging back as his security team secures the approach. Even at a distance, I recognize the set of his shoulders, the way he holds his head. The casual confidence of a man who expects the world to bend to his will.
My mouth goes dry; ancient instincts scream warnings that my mind no longer heeds. I force myself to remain still, visible in the window. Letting him see his target.
Radio chatter from Mason’s position confirms what I’m seeing. Steffan’s team has breached the outer perimeter. They’re pushing toward the house, moving in coordinated pairs. Two men break off to flank the building while four approach the front entrance directly.
The sound of splintering wood echoes through the house as they breach the door. Boots on hardwood. Tactical commands shouted room to room.
“Clear!”
