Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
RIGEL
After arriving in San Francisco, we’re whisked away to a waiting bus and head south along the California coastline for a couple of hours. When we arrive at Guardian HRS, a wave of disbelief washes over me.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the true scope of Guardian HRS’s operations. The scale of this place is beyond anything I could have imagined.
We’ve been here for a few days now, and every corner I turn, I discover something new and astonishing.
Guardian HRS occupies several thousand acres just off the Pacific Coast Highway in California. The sprawling compound is a blend of high-tech facilities and tactical training grounds, each more impressive than the last.
The main technical building is a marvel of modern engineering, a hub of constant activity and innovation. Adjacent to it are buildings designated for the Guardian teams, each one a self-contained unit with bullpens for each team.
The organization and efficiency here are mind-boggling.
Then there’s the gym—or rather, the fitness complex. Calling it a gym would be a gross understatement. It’s the size of a football field, complete with a rock-climbing wall that spans an entire side. There are mats laid out for hand-to-hand combat training, a running track encircling the entire space, and weights of every conceivable type. Guardian HRS leaves no stone unturned in keeping its operatives in peak physical condition.
Beyond the fitness complex are the shooting ranges. They’ve got everything covered—from small arms ranges to long-distance shooting platforms, even specialized areas for sniper training. Whole-scale mock-ups of urban environments are used for tactical training, complete with buses, cars, and even an airplane fuselage. It’s like a small city dedicated entirely to preparing for any scenario.
Mia and I have been put up in one of the several dormitories reserved for visiting contractors. Our room is functional, with all the essentials, but it’s the amenities around us that truly stand out. Full cafeterias offer a range of meals at all hours, catering to the personnel’s diverse schedules.
An on-site medical facility is equipped to handle everything from routine check-ups to emergency surgeries. Mitzy practically has her own kingdom within the technical building, buzzing with activity day and night.
Despite the grandeur and the state-of-the-art facilities, the sense of purpose and mission resonates the most with me. Guardian HRS isn’t just about having the best tools; it’s about the people—their dedication, skills, and unwavering commitment to the mission.
I’m on a break from Guardian HRS’s rigorous in-processing and onboarding programs. The day we arrived, I signed on the dotted line. I’m officially a Guardian, Charlie-Five, and couldn’t be happier.
I sit on the edge of the bed, flipping through some papers, when the door flies open. Mia bursts into the room, her face alight with excitement, a piece of paper held high above her head.
“I got it! I got it! It’s official— the U.S. granted me asylum!” She practically dances into the room, her joy infectious.
“That’s amazing.” I stand, a grin spreading across my face.
She throws her arms around me, the paper fluttering to the ground. “Thank you, Rigel. Thank you for… Well, for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You did this. I just came along for the ride.” I hold her close, feeling the weight of the past few weeks lift, even if only for a moment.
“You know that’s not true. The only reason I’m alive is because of you, and now you’re my official Guardian Protector.” She pulls back slightly, her eyes shining. “It feels surreal, but…” Her words trail off into silence.
No reason to wonder what she’s thinking. As long as she stays within Guardian HRS’s walls, she’s safe.
But it also makes her a prisoner.
“Ethan’s called a meeting later today.” We’re going to discuss the next steps—precisely what those need to be.
She smiles, but it’s tinged with the weight of everything we’ve been through. “So, what do we do until then?”
“How about we head to the gym?” I suggest. “I can show you some hand-to-hand combat techniques. It’ll help you feel more confident and keep your mind off things.”
Her eyes light up with interest. “I’d like that. Lead the way.”
We make our way to the fitness complex. The place is buzzing with activity—operatives running laps, lifting weights, sparring on the mats. It’s a hive of relentless energy and determination. We find an empty section, and I drop my bag to the floor.
“Alright,” I say, turning to Mia. “Let’s start with some basic moves. Have you ever done any martial arts?”
She shakes her head. “Not really. I’ve always wanted to learn, though.”
“Perfect. We’ll start with the basics of Krav Maga. It’s designed to be practical and effective, focusing on real-world situations.”
I step closer, the proximity making my heart race a little faster. “First, let’s work on your stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and keep your hands up to protect your face.”
She follows my instructions, mimicking my stance. I adjust her posture slightly, my hands brushing against her arms. “Good. Now, if someone comes at you, you want to use their momentum against them.”
I demonstrate a basic move, showing her how to deflect an incoming punch. “Your turn,” I say, stepping back.
Mia hesitates for a moment, then tries the move. It’s a bit awkward, but she gets the general idea. I step closer again, my hands guiding her through the motion.
“Try to keep your movements fluid,” I say softly, my voice close to her ear. “Like this.” I move with her, our bodies almost in sync, the physical closeness stirring something deeper.
She practices the move a few more times, each attempt more confident than the last. “That’s it,” I encourage. “You’re doing great.”
We move on to other techniques—blocks, strikes, escapes from holds. Each move requires us to be close, our bodies brushing against each other. The contact is electrifying, a reminder of the connection we share.
“Let’s try a takedown,” I suggest. “If someone grabs you from behind, you can use their grip to your advantage.”
I demonstrate, showing her how to leverage her weight to throw an attacker off balance. She watches intently, and then we switch roles.
“Alright, grab me,” I instruct.
Mia reaches out, her hands tentative but firm on my shoulders. “Like this?”
“Exactly. Now, shift your weight and pivot your hips. Use the momentum to bring me down.”
She does as instructed, and I find myself on the mat, looking up at her with a grin. “Perfect. You’re a natural.”
She laughs, the sound light and free. “I’m not sure about that. You gave me that one, but this is fun.”
We practice a few more moves. Each successful technique boosts her confidence.
After a while, we pause to catch our breath. I take a moment to appreciate the sight of her—determined, strong, and resilient. She’s come so far, and seeing her like this fills me with pride .
“You’re doing really well.” I brush a strand of hair from her face. “You’re a lot tougher than you think.”
She meets my gaze, her eyes shining with gratitude and something else—something deeper.
They shine with love.
Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away. It’s just us here in this vast complex, finding strength in each other. The moment’s intensity is almost overwhelming, and I feel a pull toward her, a desire to close the distance between us.
But before I can act on it, she steps back, breaking the spell. “We should probably get ready for that meeting with Ethan,” she says, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.
“Yeah,” I agree, shaking off the momentary daze. “Let’s get cleaned up and head over.”
Back in our dormitory, getting cleaned up involves more than just a quick shower. The heat between us from the training session spills over, and we find ourselves tangled together in a passionate embrace. The intimacy is a welcome relief from the constant tension, and for a little while, we lose ourselves in each other.
Afterward, as we dress and prepare to leave, there’s a new understanding between us. An unspoken acknowledgment of the bond that’s been forged through fire and fear.
We head to the Charlie team bullpen and then to the adjacent conference room. The team is already assembled, and their faces turn toward us as we enter.
We take our seats, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Ethan begins the briefing, his voice steady and authoritative.
“The only way to keep Mia truly safe is to make it appear as if she’s dead. We had her disappear from the trawler, but we can’t be one hundred percent sure the submarine activity wasn’t picked up or that there wasn’t a drone far ahead that watched the whole thing. We have to operate on the assumption that Red Phoenix still believes Mia is alive.”
Hank leans forward, his fingers tapping the table rhythmically. “If they think she’s alive, they’ll keep looking for her. Facial recognition software could catch a photo of her face and identify her anywhere she goes.”
Blake nods, his arms crossed over his chest. “Mia’s been safe on Guardian HRS grounds and will remain so as long as she’s here, but she can’t stay here for the rest of her life. We need to come up with a way to fake her death convincingly.”
Gabe rubs his chin thoughtfully. “We could stage a car accident. Something that looks fatal but leaves no body to be found. If we make it look convincing enough, Red Phoenix might buy it.”
Walt shakes his head. “What if they demand proof? A car accident might not be enough. We need something more definitive. Something that doesn’t require a body for proof.”
Ethan considers for a moment. “What about a fire? A building fire with no survivors. It’s dramatic and hard to disprove, especially if we control the narrative.”
Hank interjects, “We could also use water again, like a drowning. Make it look like she was swept away.”
The room falls silent as the team mulls over the options. Each scenario has its merits and drawbacks. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision we’re about to make.
“If they’re looking for Mia,” I say, breaking the silence, “they know I was with her on the Serenity . If they can’t follow her because she doesn’t leave the facilities, they might follow me. I have to go down to my sister’s winery anyhow to pick up Stormy and bring her back. If they believe Mia is still alive, then what we need to do is watch and see if anybody trails me.”
Ethan nods, seeing the logic. “If someone finds you and trails you, we’ll know for sure that Red Phoenix still thinks Mia is alive. Then we can plan her death accordingly.”
Gabe leans back in his chair. “So, we use Rigel as bait. If they follow him, we get our confirmation. Then we decide the best way to stage Mia’s death?”
“Affirmative.” Ethan gives a sharp nod.
Blake stands, pacing slightly as he thinks. “We need to coordinate carefully. Mitzy will want her drones in on this. Any sign of a tail, we need to know. ”
Ethan looks around the room, his steely gaze meeting each of ours. “That’s not such a crap plan, and it might be our best shot to draw them out.”
Mia suddenly stands, her posture authoritative and determined. “If it’s me they want, then it’s me they have to follow.” The room turns to her, curious. “Why can’t we use the winery to stage my death?”
Everyone looks at her like she’s lost her mind. She holds up a hand.
“Wait a second, hear me out. We can ensure Rigel’s sister and her husband are safe by having them leave the winery. Charlie team can go ahead and set it up. Rigel and I can get Stormy and make it look like that’s our only intention. If anyone follows us, we’ll know. We can stay for a night or two, however long it takes. If they send assassins, Charlie team will be there.” She turns to me. “You’ll be there, and Stormy will be there. With that many people, we can keep me safe.”
“Absolutely not.” I shake my head, standing to tower over her. I admit, it’s a shit move, but there’s no way I’m going to put her in danger like that.
“It’s really the best way.” Mia’s eyes flash with determination. “If we have to fake my death, we can do it there.”
The team members exchange glances, clearly uneasy.
“It’s not safe. There are too many variables.” Walt voices their collective concern.
“Hold on. I think Mia just hit it on the head.” Ethan raises a hand, cutting through the tension. “This could actually be the perfect plan. We’ll have to coordinate with the technical team to rig up something that looks convincing, maybe make it look like she’s been shot. But I think we can get this done.”
The room goes quiet as everyone processes Ethan’s words.
I hate everything about that plan. It’s sloppy, with too many variables to control. The only thing I like about it is it’ll be at the winery, a place I know well, and Stormy will be there.
I trust her with my life.
Slowly, heads nod in agreement .
“It’s risky, but it’s our best shot.” Gabe sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Agreed. We can’t afford any mistakes.”
“We definitely need to read in the technical team. I’m sure they can rig a vest with exploding blood, but what about her head? A bulletproof vest is going to do shit for a headshot.” Blake leans forward, his expression thoughtful.
I love these guys. Blake, I know well. We’ve fought and bled together, but the others are showing their truths.
I can trust them as well.
Ethan looks around the room, his eyes filled with resolve. “Alright, here’s what we’ll do. Charlie team will go in advance of Rigel and Mia to the winery. We’ll set up surveillance all throughout the property, as well as booby traps. We need to make sure every angle is covered.”
He pulls out his phone, calling in Mitzy. “We’ll need Mitzy to work on the tech side of things.”
Mitzy arrives a few minutes later, her laptop already open as she takes a seat at the table. “What’s up, guys? Sounds like you need some technical magic.”
“We need something that’ll make it look like Mia has been shot.” Ethan briefs Mitzy on the plan, outlining the need for a vest with exploding blood packets and solutions for potential headshots. “A vest with exploding blood is a start, but we must also cover headshots. The assassin might aim for her head. Do you have anything that’ll protect Mia’s head from a sniper’s bullet?”
“Funny you should ask. We’ve been testing a new alloy for your tactical gear. Thinner and lighter than what we use now. I can get it fashioned into a hoodie. That’ll protect her head. As far as the forehead and temples? The only thing I can think of is a headband. Doable, but it’s a major fashion disaster.”
“I’ll take the disaster if it keeps me alive.” Mia fidgets in her seat and twists her fingers together.
“Well, it’ll keep you alive, ninety-nine percent probability, but you get hit—there’s going to be a concussion to deal with. It’s not perfect. I’m not that good. ”
“I’ll take a concussion over death any day of the week.” Mia curls in her upper lip, not looking convinced.
Mitzy taps away on her laptop, her eyes focused. “Okay, I’ll get my team to work on a specialized helmet or hoodie with the built-in alloy. It won’t be perfect, but it should provide enough protection to keep you safe.”
Blake nods. “That sounds like a good start. We’ll also need to ensure the rest of the area is covered.”
“Oh, it will be. It’s the perfect setup for the Rufi. I’ll have them patrol the winery, and my dragonfly drones can provide aerial surveillance. They can detect heat signatures and movement, so we’ll be fully covered if anyone approaches the property.”
Gabe leans forward, his face serious. “What about contingencies? We need to plan for every possible scenario. If someone approaches, how do we respond? If they don’t show, what’s our next move?”
“You stay until they do.” Ethan nods. “We’ll set up surveillance around the perimeter. Monitor everything from a safe distance, ready to move in at a moment’s notice. We’ll bulletproof the windows, and Mia will stay indoors. If they send assassins, we’ll be ready.”
Mitzy speaks up again. “I’ll coordinate with the tech team to ensure we have real-time data on any movement. The dragonfly drones will give us eyes in the sky, and the Rufi will handle ground patrol. We’ll know if anyone even thinks about approaching the winery.”
She turns to Ethan. “As for Charlie team, I assume you’ll set up snipers outside and leave two inside with Rigel and Mia?”
“I’ll leave Blake with Rigel. They can cover if the interior is breached. The rest of us will take up sniper positions. With the Rufi patrolling and the dragonfly drones, we should be able to take out anyone who approaches.”
“If you take them out,” Mia asks, “then how am I supposed to take a bullet and die?”
“Good point.” Ethan rubs his chin. “Thoughts?”
Hank leans forward, considering the question. “We need to create a scenario where Mia has to go outside. Maybe we can stage an emergency that forces her out. A fire alarm, perhaps?”
Walt shakes his head. “Too predictable. They might see through it. What about a power outage? If we cut the power, she’d have to go outside to check the generator.”
Gabe nods. “That could work. It’s a plausible reason for her to be outside.”
“If there’s a power outage or a fire alarm, I would be the one to go outside, not Mia. Not to mention, my sister would kill me if I set her house on fire.” I interrupt, shaking my head. “We need a different reason.”
Walt taps his fingers on the table, thinking. “What about a delivery? Something arrives that she has to sign for personally. It could be something important that can’t wait.”
Gabe nods. “Maybe Stormy gets out, and Mia goes after her? It’s a believable reason and involves her directly.”
“Mia wouldn’t go out to sign for a delivery. It’s not her home.” Again, I butt in, rejecting the plan.
“What about a pizza delivery?” Mia pipes up. “What if you head outside to… I don’t know, check on something. Say we ordered pizza, and they deliver? I’d have to answer the door. Stormy could escape. I could go after her. That puts me in the open…”
“And that gets you dead.” There’s nothing about this I like. “Not happening.”
“Well, how about just the pizza guy and Stormy getting out? That shows I’m on the property, and if I don’t go outside, they know I’m inside.” She looks around the room, and to my dislike, there are far too many nods from my teammates.
Mitzy looks thoughtful. “We’ll know the moment anyone gets close. We can even use decoy heat signatures to mislead them.”
Ethan scans the room. “Alright, let’s combine these ideas. We’ll stage a pizza delivery where Mia has to answer the door. Stormy will escape and run outside. I assume she’ll run to you?” He looks directly at me.
“If that’s the command, then yes.”
“Good. If they think Mia’s alone inside, it’ll be an opportunity they can’t waste. I’ll post Blake inside with you, leaving me, Hank, and Gabe outside with sniper rifles. We’ll assist as needed. Mitzy, make sure the drones are in place and ready to provide surveillance.”
“Consider it done.” Mitzy grins like a lunatic. She loves this kind of shit.
Me? I’m not a fan.
This is a battle I’m doomed to lose, but if I’m forced to be a part of it, we’re going to do it on my terms.
“Are you sure about this? It’s dangerous.” I look Mia in the eye. She’s smart and understands the risks. Ultimately, it’s up to her.
“I’m sure. It’s the best way to end this once and for all.” She nods, her eyes meeting mine with fierce resolve. “And besides, I trust you. I trust all of you.”
I take a deep breath, my heart swelling with the depth of her trust.
“This is what we’re going to do…”