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Kat and Jako were all smiles. The first phase of the mission had been a perfect success. Ryan was in Washington smoothing over some French feathers that had been ruffled. Mendoza’s men, as well as Absame’s, were on their way to Cuba. Reese checked in and told Jako that everything was ready to go.
“See you after, and Reese...”
“Yes sir?”
“Make it by the book.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Alright everyone, let’s go to work.” Jako and Kat loaded their weapons and climbed in their SUV. With half the team missing, it was all hands on deck for this half of the mission.
Reese and his men were already waiting by the truck when Mendoza approached. Absame wasn’t there yet, but it was still early. Reese was calm and collected, but Mendoza seemed more than a little on edge. When Absame finally arrived, he and Mendoza began inspecting the contents of the truck. They went through every case and examined every cartridge of ammo. Absame signaled for his men to bring the money. As Reese counted the cash, Kat noticed four armed men coming out from behind a building. She didn’t stop to think. She got out of the van and silently went up behind the men, knocking two of them out and slitting the third’s throat. Before the fourth man could fire on her, Jako took him out. They loaded he men into the van just as Absame’s men started looking around.
Reese had finished with the money and handed Mendoza the keys to the truck.
“I will see you later my friend.”
“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you as always,” Reese replied. When Reese and the boys made it back to the hotel, Ryan was waiting in their suite dressed as a room service waiter.
“Well done men. When this is all over, make sure that you remember to thank Kat for your lives. Absame had a little surprise for you.”
“I’ll be sure to buy her a ‘thank you’ drink,” Reese joked. The other two men agreed.
“Again, excellent work today. Both teams are safe and Jenna is a free woman. That’s one hell of an accomplishment,” Ryan told them.
“All in a day’s work.”
“I’ll see everyone back at the compound.”
Reese joined Mendoza for a drink in the bar. They would ride to the airport together.
“I am so very sorry about Jenna.”
“Thank you, my friend. But I am very glad that Juan was able to keep your Sarah protected.” The man had become totally obsessed with her, and Reese recognized that. Once reunited with Sarah, they joined Mendoza for dinner at Peter Luger Steak House. Dinner was a quiet affair for the most part. It seemed that the only one celebrating was Mendoza. He couldn’t keep his eyes off Sarah and could barely stop himself from salivating. He had completely shrugged off Jenna’s ‘death’ as if she had been a mere pet goldfish.
“That gown is very beautiful,” he complimented Sarah. “Is it new?”
“It is. Jenna actually helped me pick it out before she was so tragically gunned down. I wear it now in her memory.” The table grew tense for a moment. “To Jenna,” Sarah said raising her glass. “To her being in a better place.”
Meanwhile, Shawn and Thomas had followed Absame and his men to a port where they were loading a barge with several trucks. They couldn’t get too close, but Thomas was able to make out the name on the barge. It looked like they had just come face to face with their next mission. Absame left the port and made his way back to his Brownstone. Shawn stayed to watch the house while Thomas went to report their findings to Ryan and Jako.
“Well...this changes things a bit now doesn’t it,” Jako said. “Let me guess, no ATF?” Ryan just smiled. “I’ll go get the information on the Dalles. Good job Tom.”
“Thank you sir.”
“You stay on Absame. Send Shawn to trail Mendoza. Jako, get the rest of the team to the compound ASAP,” Ryan ordered.
“Yes sir,” Thomas and Jako said in unison. Then, Ryan turned to Kat.
“You think you’re ready for full service?”
Grinning from ear-to-ear, she gave an enthusiastic, “Hell yes!”
“Great. Excellent job today agent.”
“Thank you sir,” she said, still beaming.