Page 100 of Resolve
I frown. “Why would we drive?”
Aiden starts clicking and focuses on the screen. “First, because it’ll provide us with a secure and hidden location to work from. Mostly, I don’t want to wear out Reid if we need to escape. It will be a large group of us once your half-siblings join us and we won’t have Evie to shrink the group’s size and reduce that burden.”
My mood sobers at the reminder of Evie’s condition.
His face tightens with concentration, and then he faces Elias. “We’ll need a discreet vehicle that fits eleven with dark tintedwindows.” Aiden surveys the rest of the room. “After we arrive, Sam will go to the coffee shop across the street.”
Sam’s eyes widen when he hears his name, his attention now locked on Aiden.
“He’ll text his siblings to meet him there once they arrive with their board member. After all seven are there, Sam will give the okay for us to proceed with the plan.”
Sam nods once, acknowledging his role.
“Tinsley, Reid, Portia, and Noah will ensure the area is clear of bystanders. If we plan for the meeting to take place at ten, that time should have the least amount of traffic outside during business hours. Kellan and Dane will stay in the vehicle for back-up. Dane needs to keep up the ruse as Charles for any additional messages from the board as well as hack into any security cameras with views of the headquarters and surrounding streets to make sure they stop working while we’re there.
“Then, Alice will hide herself and Raegan so she can take the building down. Tinsley and Reid will knock back or move any lower debris to keep it from going too far, as long as you can do it without being seen. Portia and Noah will be on standby to direct innocent civilians away or erase their memories if they see something they shouldn’t. Jackson and I will help with anything higher up from a nearby building roof so any strays land with the rest of the building.”
Aiden pauses to take a breath. “With the building destroyed and the board dead, Reid will teleport the rescued invisible crew to Hype with Sam to get settled. Then we’ll drive the car back, rest, and put together the final plan to kill Charles once and for all.”
Reid makes a low grunt, drawing our attention. “This will destroy a lot of what Charles has built in one hit. The board he’s cultivatedto support him and the legitimate business to cover his tracks. He’ll be exposed and weak.” His gaze locks on Aiden’s. “I’ve never seen him lose control before, but this might do it. I’ve waited a long time for this. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
My chest swells with hope. If we pull this off, we might have an advantage against him. The psycho mastermind might make a mistake.
We could win.
Aiden nods, his expression resolute. He scans the rest of the room. “Any questions?”
He returns the laptop to Dane, who murmurs, “We'll need to leave at three in the morning to make that time.”
“I’ll have the vehicle waiting for you outside at two-thirty,” Elias confirms.
Aiden nods, his gaze flicking between Dane and Reid. “Send the message. Then get some sleep. Our mission starts in six hours.”
Jackson carefully fits his rolled-up hoodie over my head. He guides it down my sides, then nods for me to seek out the arms. There’s a protective layer between me and his knives, but it’s better to move slowly than to catch anything accidentally. He’s filled this hoodie with his spare knives even though the plan shouldn’t involve me fighting anyone directly. It still puts him and the others more at ease since they won’t be right beside me.
He pushes the gaiter over my head next, then pulls it up to cover the bottom half of my face. His hood is last, blocking my face fromview of any overhead cameras.
The others are dressed similarly with either hoodies or a hat and sunglasses.
“Elias has the car ready. Make sure your face is hidden before you step outside,” Aiden directs us. He’s wearing a gray zip-up jacket that he probably borrowed from Dane or Kellan. I can’t imagine him owning one of those himself.
Dane’s in a pale blue and white hoodie and jeans with a cap and sunglasses. Kell stands out the most with his size, but if all goes to plan, he won’t be leaving the car anyway. He grins through the dark blue hood and pushes the center of his sunglasses up his nose. “I feel like we’re cosplaying at something. And failing.” He snickers, nudging Aiden’s shoulder.
Aiden definitely looks out of place and uncomfortable. “It's just for the cameras,” he reminds Kellan. “You can take them off once we’re in the car. Elias has assured me the tint is dark enough that cameras won’t be able to see inside.”
Portia links her arm through mine. “I can’t wait to see your gift in action!” She’s dressed in business casual clothes to fit in with the people who might be walking around that area. I thought she’d look sad and dull in monotone and without any colorful flair, but somehow, she looks like a cosplay sexy secretary.
Her smile widens when she catches me eyeing her outfit, and she pushes her fake glasses up her nose. “What? I can be a plain Jane to go undercover.”
Scoffing, I shake my head. “Sorry to disappoint you, but there isn’t a plain Jane bone in your body.”
We join the rest of the group at the front entrance to Hype.
Cibrina greets us with a warm smile. “I’ve packed sandwiches,water, and snacks in the car for you. Make sure you eat something before the big mission and take care of yourselves.”
Alice’s brows pinch. “How long are we going to be gone for? I thought this was just a day.”
Tinsley shrugs from where she’s reading an open textbook. “It takes as long as it takes.” She snaps the book shut and smiles at Alice. “Plus, it’s always good to stay hydrated when using your gift.”
