Chapter 76 Rescue Plan
Marcus started taking markers off the map. "She won't move them far. She wants the threat nearby, so we can rule out anywhere outside the country."
He removed more markers, one at a time.
"She'll pick somewhere safe but not obvious. A place where her people can work without anyone noticing."
He took away another group of markers.
"And she'll also want a place where she can keep an eye on things herself. Catherine never trusts anyone else with important jobs."
Now, only five red marks remained on the map, each within four hours of where they were.
"Five facilities," Marcus said, looking at everyone in the room. "One of them holds Eva's children."
Eva moved closer to the screen, staring at the five red marks placed on the map. The room felt tense, every moment passing quickly.
She pressed her hand to the table, her voice steady but urgent. "Then what are we waiting for?"
"We go after all five at the same time."
Adrian stood at the head of the table, his military background clear as he explained the plan. "We have enough people. With Cavanaugh security, Francis' assets, and Grant's resources, we can send five teams."
"That spreads us thin," Daniel warned. "If we focus on the wrong place—"
"Then we lose time while a smaller team finds the right spot. But at least we get it right." Adrian pointed to each place on the map.
"Team Alpha, you will go to the warehouse in Newark."
"Yes, Sir." The captain of the team saluted.
"Team Beta handled the office in Hartford."
"Copied that, Sir."
"Team Gamma heads to the Catskills estate."
"Yes, Sir."
"Team Delta, cover the research facility in Princeton."
"Understood, Sir."
"And finally, team Epsilon. You guys will take the safe house in Philadelphia."
"Roger that, Sir."
"Good, now go and gather your team in the training ground for the briefing."
"Yes, Sir." With that, all five team captains left the room. The room fell silent for a moment.
"What about the police?" Leonard asked. "If we're carrying out armed raids on several places—"
"We have people who can slow down any official response," Eleanor said, her voice cold. "This isn't the time to worry about legal details."
"I'm not worried about details. I'm worried about our people getting shot by police who don't know what's going on."
"Then we make sure the raids are fast and clean. We will go in and out of the facilities before anyone can respond." Adrian turned to Marcus. "What kind of resistance can we expect during the raid?"
"It varies based on the location. Catherine places her staff differently in each place." Marcus looked at the map. "If it is the warehouse or a safe house, they probably have six to ten people each guarding the place. If it's an office or a research facility, it could have up to twenty. As for the estate..."
"The estate is her backup command center," Eva said softly. Everyone turned to look at her. "She told me about it during our tour. It's a backup if the main place is compromised."
"Then the estate will be heavily guarded. We can expect around maybe thirty or more people, plus advanced security." Marcus looked grim. "If the children are there, getting them out will be very hard."
"But it's also more likely," Eva went on. "She'd want them somewhere she can watch herself. Somewhere safe enough to keep them if talks take longer to negotiate with us."
"You believe they're at the estate."
"I think that's where I'd put them if I were her." Eva's jaw set. "I have decided, I'm joining that team."
"Eva—"
"Do not argue with me. They are my children. No matter what anyone says, I am going. That is final."
Adrian looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Then I'm going with you."
"No." Eva shook her head. "I need you to stay here and run the whole operation. If we find out that the estate isn't right and the kids are placed somewhere else, you have to redirect the rest of the team quickly to the place."
"I'm not letting you go into that monster's den alone."
"You're not stopping me. I'm making my own choice." Eva walked over and took his hands. "Adrian, I need to know that if I fail, you'll keep fighting. Promise me that you'll find our children no matter what happens to me."
"Nothing is going to happen to you."
"You can't promise that. None of us can." Eva's eyes shone. "But I promise I'll bring our children home or die trying. And I need you to promise that if it comes to that, you won't stop until they're safe."
Adrian finally lost his composure. He pulled her close and held her tightly, his voice full of emotion.
"I promise. But you're coming back. All of you are coming back."
Eva patted his back lightly, "I'll do my best."
The next few hours passed in a blur of activity.
All five teams assembled in the training ground, where each member checked their weapons, put on their protective gear, and reviewed tactical maps outlining their assignments.
Leaders of each team conducted briefings, detailing entry points, objectives, and communication protocols to ensure every operator understood the plan and their designated target facility.
The communication network was set up, backup plans were put in place, and escape routes were mapped. Every detail was checked, every possibility considered.
Eva joined the team heading for the estate, which had a group of twelve experienced operators. Daniel would lead them, his military experience making him the obvious choice for this team.
"Do you know the rules of engagement?" Daniel asked as Eva checked her gear.
"Neutralize threats, first priority is to secure the children, minimize any casualties if possible." Eva's voice was cold and focused. "I know. I understand."
"And if we run into the Architect herself?"
Eva paused. She had been avoiding that question, the one thing she couldn't plan for.
"We will capture her alive if possible. She has information we need about her group, her plans, and other operations." Eva's jaw set. "But if it's a choice between capturing her and saving Lily and Ethan..."
"The children come first."
"Always."
Daniel nodded, looking satisfied. "That's what I needed to hear."
Marcus Cole walked over as they finished getting ready. He looked older than he had earlier, as if the years were weighing on him.
"I should go with you."
"No, you should stay. You're more useful here," Eva said. "If things go wrong, you're the only one who knows enough about Catherine's operations to keep fighting and guide the troops here."
"That's not why I want to go."