“Ria.” Gabe’s clipped tone draws my attention.
Mina and I are mapping out an escape route while Ben works on wiping our digital footprint.
We’re on our own now.
Gabe stalks to the monitors, his hands shoving through his hair as he watches our backup at work. To say he’s antsy and pissed is an understatement. His hands flex over his gun and I know if we come across Villegas, Gabe will have him on his ass in seconds.
Ria hugs Adrian tight across her chest, unease written all over her. She stares at Gabe, waiting for him to continue.
His words come out in an exhale as he drags out every word.
“I know that I have extinguished any hope of you ever trusting me again, but I need you to understand this is for Adrian’s safety. Given we don’t even know the difference between friend or foe outside these four walls, I see no other way that will ensure he’s protected.”
I drop the map I’m holding and stride across the room to stand next to my wife.
“What are you talking about, Reyes?”
Gabe looks over at Ben as if asking for assistance, and then it clicks when I meet Mina’s eyes.
Mina sighs and approaches us cautiously, pointing her thumbs over at the monitors behind her.
“We need a diversion, in case someone out there is working with Villegas and feeding him intel.”
My eyes glaze over with rage, just thinking of my boss. If Gabe doesn’t get to him first, my gun will.
I nod my head and motion for her to continue.
But this time, Ben speaks up. “I didn’t have time to do more than an initial background check on anyone, but I think it’s safe to assume Villegas has at least one mole working for him on our team.”
I grit my teeth in annoyance. Why won’t they just get to the point?
With a grunt, Gabe moves to stand in front of us.
“I think it’s also safe to assume that Santos knows about Adrian.”
A squeak comes out of Ria as she visibly shudders, pulling Adrian even closer. She rests her cheek on Adrian’s head, silent tears spilling down her cheeks.
Then it clicks.
“You want to split up.”
I mentally switch to agent mode as I try my best to quiet the voice inside me, screaming that I’m also a husband and a dad.
Carefully minding his tone, Gabe stares straight at Ria as he drops the bomb I know will crush her.
“Ben and Mina will take Adrian, while Noah and I protect you.”
Ria’s head swings to me, eyes wild and crazed, betrayal marring her features.
“NO! Noah has to stay with Adrian.” Her hand comes to clutch my bicep. “Tell them, Noah. You promisedme. YOU PROMISED!”
I rub my hand over my face, trying to figure how I can explain this to her.
I’m not thrilled about this either.
Adrian is my son.
I’ve already lost so much time with him, never even getting to see his birth or important firsts.