Page 67 of Broken Forced Mate
“We’ll figure something else out,” I insist.
“Like what?” She stands and moves around the desk. “Send in a conventional team that Thornridge will detect within minutes? Hope they volunteer information during casual conversation?”
“Better than sending you into a trap.”
“It’s not a trap if we plan it correctly.”
“Every plan goes to hell the moment you encounter the enemy.”
Raegan crosses her arms. “Is this about my capabilities or your fear?”
The question cuts deeper than I want to admit. “It’s about keeping you alive.”
“That’s not your decision to make.”
“Like hell it isn’t. You’re my wife.”
“I have agency, Wyn. I can make my own choices about acceptable risk.”
I want to tell her that the risk isn’t acceptable, that losing her would destroy me, that I’d rather face Thornridge with half our intelligence than put her in danger. But those words sound selfish even in my head.
“This isn’t about agency,” I argue. “It’s about smart tactical decisions.”
“No, it’s about you treating me like something fragile that needs protecting instead of a trained operative with unique skills.”
Before I can respond, Theodore enters with another report. He takes one look at our faces and stops short.
“Should I come back later?”
“No,” Raegan snaps. “What’s the update?”
Theodore glances at me, then back at her. His usually steady demeanor seems strained. Something about his posture tells me this isn’t routine intelligence.
“Long-range scouts confirm new developments.” He sets a fresh folder on the table. “Based on intercepted radio chatter, we estimate they’ll be ready to attack within forty-eight hours.”
My stomach drops. Forty-eight hours means we’re completely out of time for careful planning or finding alternatives.
“That’s exactly why the infiltration mission is critical,” Raegan adds. “We need to know their exact timing and approach routes before they move into final positions.”
“And if something goes wrong?” I ask. “If they capture you?”
“Then you’ll adapt and continue with whatever intelligence we’ve gathered.”
Her casual tone about potential capture makes me want to throw something against the wall. “That’s your solution? Hope for the best and deal with consequences later?”
“That’s called accepting calculated risk for mission success.”
Theodore clears his throat and raises another piece of paper in the air. “There’s more. This morning’s intercepts included specific references that change our threat assessment.”
“What kind of references?” I ask.
“Thane Mordaunt has issued direct orders regarding high-value targets. Raegan’s name appears on their priority capture list.” Theodore sets the transcript between us.
The world tilts sideways, and the words on the paper go fuzzy. “What exactly does it say?”
“Quote: ‘The omega psychic presents both intelligence value and leverage potential. Priority capture, alive if possible.’ End quote.”
Blood roars in my ears. Mordaunt is actively hunting my wife.
