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The next hour passed in heavy silence as Cataleya and Armando sat on the edge of the stone by the water, both lost in their own thoughts. The gentle lapping of the water did little to ease the tension between them, though neither dared to break the quiet.

On the dock, Mike and Marcus waited, their expressions grim, as Dorn finally appeared, dragging Adam Lockwood behind him in handcuffs.

That sneaky bastard.

Adam's face was pale, a mixture of defiance and regret flickering across his features as he was forced toward the boat. The truth had finally come to light: the so-called detective boss was nothing more than a mole in James' operation, feeding critical information to the enemy all along.

"You know you done fucked up, right?" Marcus sneered, his tone dripping with disgust.

Rita, who had followed the group from a distance, froze as she watched Dorn escort her soon-to-be ex-husband. Her expression was a mix of shock and bitter resignation as Adam was shoved onto the boat to sit, his head hanging low.

Cataleya sighed heavily, her gaze flicking to Armando. He remained vigilant, his sharp eyes scanning everyone on the dock. He caught every movement, every breath, every emotion.

Mike turned to Rita, engulfing her in a firm, reassuring hug.

"It's going to be okay." He whispered, reassuring whatever talk they made.

Rita nodded as tears welled in her eyes, but Mike pulled away, his resolve steeling.

They had all the voice covers & calls ready that Mike was going to pretend in the voice call with James that would think it was Adam on the call so that they could make the plans better to trick him.

After the call was made, he turned to Cataleya and Armando, then to the others, motioning them to join the group.

The two Mexicans exchanged a glance before standing, walking toward where Mike, Marcus, Dorn, Kelly & Rita had gathered in a tight-mirrored-side.

Mike's voice was steady, but his tone carried an edge of finality. "I don't trust anybody who's not standing right here, right now." His eyes swept across the small group, emphasizing each word. "Every extra person we involve increases the likelihood they'll know we're coming. And that increases the chance Christine and Callie don't make it out alive."

His words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

"No SWAT, no marshals, no backup." Mike continued, his voice firm. "It's just us."

The group exchanged solemn looks, the weight of what lay ahead settling over them like a storm about to break.

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By the time the sun began to rise, the team was already geared up, their weapons laid out meticulously. Bulletproof vests were strapped tightly, and firearms were locked and loaded. Cataleya moved with quiet precision, strapping five knives to her body in practiced motions. Her movements were fluid, efficient, and deadly.

As she secured a compact bombshell into a barrel holster with a shrug, she glanced up, catching the others staring at her. She bit down on her gum, her expression as unfazed as ever. The confidence she exuded was unshakable, and it was enough to make even seasoned fighters take notice.

Armando stood nearby, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched her.

Marcus leaned over to Mike, his voice low but laced with amusement. "Listen, I don't think we even need all them weapons. This crazy-ass chick could probably take out half their crew on her own."

Mike chuckled, though his focus remained sharp. "She's got the energy for it, that's for sure." With a clap of his hands, Mike turned to the group, his tone commanding. "Alright, listen up. The plane is ready. We roll in twenty." He gestured to the digital map displayed on the screen. "It's an abandoned amusement park. There should be no civilians, but we're not taking chances. The plane's gonna land from the south—on this side." He tapped the map. "Marcus and I will be on the plane. Armando, you're coming in through the water here on the west side. Cat—" He turned to her, "you're taking position here on the grass on the east side with the sniper. Your target are James' men. Don't lose sight of 'em."

Cataleya gave a curt nod, her jaw tightening as she studied the layout.

"Kelly, Rita, you're covering the road." Mike pointed at a single access road on the map. "This road is one way in and one way out. Lock it down. Nobody comes through without you knowing. Dorn," Mike continued, "you're in the air. Keep surveillance tight. As far as they know, Lockwood is on his way with the plane to move the hostages to Cuba. That gives us the element of surprise. The second they get the hostages near the plane, it's quick kills. Neutralize all threats." Mike's tone hardened, his voice filled with resolve. "These motherfuckers killed a lot of good cops. They took my wife, they took Callie, and they came after our families. We're not losing today. No mistakes. No second guesses. We end this."

The group exchanged solemn looks, their unspoken agreement sealing the plan. They were ready.

After they got ready & waited for the small plane to be in check, Cataleya had wandered off by the view of Miami, as her thoughts were forming things that she quite just realized to think about.

The breeze made a couple strands of her hair blow wren a presence was next to her.

Cataleya inhaled before turning her head to the man she used to endure so much with & somehow found herself back to working with him.

"Why do I have this feeling like I'm going to lose you?" Cataleya turned her body fully towards Armando.

Armando slowly looked at her, taking in the moment that they had waited for. "You're not going to lose me." He said it like it was the easiest thing to say.

Cataleya analyzed him for these words as she exhaled.

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