Into the Fire (Flame in the Shadows Trilogy #1)

31. Mel

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

MEL

Five hours, ten minutes, and fifteen seconds from now, we’ll be crossing the fence behind Levett Tech.

It’s not enough time. We’re not ready.

But Tommy remains at large, his knowledge of our goal at risk of falling into the wrong hands. We need to strike while we still can.

My stomach crawls and I hug my ribs. My team and I have been in the lounge all day, just like we were yesterday.

Despite Hunter’s lack of civility, Sam’s dour silence, and Vik’s wariness, we’ve managed to cobble together a plan for tonight. The problem will be getting them to work as a cohesive unit. If we can’t even look at each other, how will we ever get through a freaking mission?

The fact that Cait and her dad haven’t returned with Tommy yet is the whipped cream on top of the shit sundae that is my life.

“I think we’re good to go,” I say, voice thin. “Can you guys think of anything we’ve missed?”

Would they tell me if they spotted a hole in the plan? Sam would. Vik too, I think.

The seconds drip by.

Only when I’ve counted to thirty-three does Vik say, “I think we’re covered.”

My breath escapes in a whoosh. “Great.”

The others stare off in different directions, not looking at me. Not looking at each other. They know how many lives depend on us. Don’t they care?

This will be the most important thing I ever do. The last thing, probably. They better not ruin it.

I clear my throat. “Look, we need to be able to work together.”

Hunter huffs a scornful laugh. “Teaching us about teamwork? How very grade school of you.”

Heat stains my cheeks, but I will not let him get to me. “I’m serious.”

“Oh, I know.”

Grief sinks into my bones, into my very soul. I’ve failed before I’ve even gotten started, and now Mom and Dad’s murderers will get away with what they did. They’ll kill again. Countless lives will end, all because I couldn’t get this team to work together.

Pressure rises in my chest, pushing against my throat. I gave everything for this mission. My freedom, my future, Sam, Tommy. I have nothing left, yet I’m the only one making an effort now.

My teammates are spitting on my sacrifices. They’re willing to damn who knows how many others to death, all so they can wallow in their petty dramas.

I clench my jaw against the rage that sears under my skin. This team doesn’t respect me. I don’t think yelling at them will make it any better.

On the other hand, I’ve tried reasoning. I’ve tried being kind. If I sit back and let this play out, the mission will fail. Our lives will be forfeit, along with all those the video could save.

Cold resolve settles over me.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Every eye lands on me.

“Have you forgotten why we’re here? Have you forgotten about the people we’re trying to save?” My voice rises, strong and furious. “Cut the bull. It doesn’t matter. What matters are the moms and dads, the grandparents and children we’re trying to save. Or do you think your hatred of me is more important than their lives?”

I meet each of their stares in turn. Sam’s brows contract, Vik’s amber eyes are wide. Hunter’s steely gaze remains hard.

“You don’t have to like me or this team,” I growl, hot wrath tingling through me, “but we have to work together to get this done. There is no other option. If you can’t do that, the coming bloodshed is on you.”

Stricken, Sam frowns. “You’re right.”

Vik nods, their brown cheeks darkening a shade. Hunter doesn’t move.

I lock him in a blazing stare. “Can we count on you, Hunter?”

His jaw tightens. But then he says, “Yes.”

I give him a curt nod. “And you, Vik?”

“Of course,” they whisper. “Teamwork makes the dream work, after all.”

My heart skips a beat, and Dad’s gentle smile flashes behind my eyes. He used to love to say that. He’d sing it to me any time I had the nerve to complain about group work at school, drama on my soccer team, or fights with my friends.

“Teamwork makes the dream work, Mel-bear,” he’d say, a twinkle in his eye. “Sounds like you better hop off the wambulence and find a way to work together.”

Step up , Dad’s voice seems to echo through the years. Under the teasing and silly catchphrases, that’s what he was telling me. No excuses. Get off your butt and make it happen.

I will, Dad.

“Sam?”

Sam’s chin dips. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt innocent citizens.”

Exhilaration swells through the anger in my chest. I took charge, and it worked.

Mouth hard, I meet each pair of eyes again. “Good. We have a solid plan. Take a few hours to rest and eat. We’ll meet in the garage at seven.”

Vik and Hunter get to their feet, but I grab Sam’s sleeve before he can rise.

“A word?”

His mouth slants down, his tired eyes fixed on his laces. I don’t speak until Hunter pulls the door closed behind him.

“Sam…”

Only when his eyes meet mine do I notice the slight rim of red around them.

“What?”

His voice is flat. Not mean, just empty. I reach toward him, but he shrinks away. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

If Sam’s fighting with Hunter, it’s my fault. “What happened?”

Sam’s brows pinch together.

“Please.”

“Hunter ended things.”

Oh no. I was afraid I caused trouble between them, but I didn’t anticipate this. And right before tonight’s mission.

“Why?” My voice is small.

“He said he couldn’t risk losing his position, especially now that Cait’s gone. He said he can’t ever trust me again.” A small sob breaks through Sam’s control, and he squeezes his lips together.

My insides twist, his pain pulsing in my own heart. I move from my armchair to plunk down on the couch next to him. “Oh, Sam,” I say, a catch in my voice. I wrap an arm around his shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head, silent tears streaming.

“You deserve better than this.”

“No. It’s m-my fault. I sh-shouldn’t have told anyone.”

For Sam to feel that way, for Hunter to choose his job over this wonderful person … it’s inexcusable.

“Look at me.”

Sam’s teeth sink into his lip as he focuses on my face.

“This is not your fault. You should never have been made to hide like that in the first place.” I squeeze his shoulders.

“It’s not … you just … it’s not personal. Hunter has his priorities, and he has them for a reason.”

I nod slowly. “Maybe. But it’s been years. Can you really tell me you’re happy burying your love in the shadows? Are you fulfilled living that way?”

The corners of Sam’s mouth turn down, and I know my comment hit its mark.

“I understand Hunter’s need for revenge, trust me. I’m sad for him. But you’re an amazing human being. You deserve to love someone who will make you their priority, no matter what. You deserve to have someone shouting from the rooftops over you and believing in your capabilities. Someone who will support your wants and needs as much as their own.”

A ripple of sorrow runs through me. I wish I could say the same to Tommy. If he would quit trying to save me and treat me like a partner instead, he’d be here now. We’d storm Levett Tech together.

Sam leans into my shoulder, and I hold onto him tighter.

“I’m sorry,” I say again. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t want to break you guys up.”

“I know. It’s just hard. I love him. I want him to be happy.”

I rest my cheek on the top of Sam’s head. That’s something I can relate to. I’d give the world to see Tommy smile.

The seconds tick by. Sam’s warmth seeps into me, thawing the icy numbness that’s encased my heart since finding that canvas on my pillow.

“So,” he says, “fill me in on you and Tommy.”

My stomach flips. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on. I read his note.”

I pull my knees up to my chest. I don’t necessarily want to reveal everything. That one night was too intimate. I want to take it with me to my grave.

“You saw Tommy get shot, right? On the CCTV?”

Sam shudders. “Yeah.”

“After, when everyone else was in bed, we had a moment.”

Sam shifts away to study my expression, and heat washes over my cheeks. “I told him I was falling for him.”

A grin breaks across Sam’s face.

“He said the same back. We were going to try to be together.”

Sam tilts his head. “Were?”

“He left.” I drop my face to my knees. “I don’t know whether he’s even alive.”

I’m pulled sideways, Sam’s arm coming around me. He heaves a sigh. “Tommy’s an idiot.”

I snort, but the sound is thin. It doesn’t mask the pain underneath.

“I’m serious.”

“He had his reasons.” My heart throbs thinking of them, of Tommy’s enduring suffering.

Sam plays with my hair, his arm still slung over my shoulder. After a minute, he says, “You told me I deserve to be with someone who will prioritize me, no matter what. Well, you deserve to be with someone who will support you no matter what too. Who will treat you like an equal.”

An uncomfortable shiver runs up my spine.

“Tommy’s past is horrible,” Sam goes on, “but it shouldn’t keep him from doing that. He should have your back, not run away behind it, even if he is trying to protect you.”

“I know. I think this is more about him than me, though.”

“Didn’t he say he can’t lose another loved one?”

I shrug. “I think he’s convinced this is a suicide mission.”

“And what about you?”

I close my eyes, relaxing automatically as Sam’s fingers comb through my long hair. “I know it’s risky, but I think we have a shot.”

“He should do more than not run away. He should see your strengths, believe in you even more than you believe in yourself.”

A stab of bruised resentment pulses through me. Sam’s telling me the same thing I told Hunter when Hunter tried to get Sam booted off the team.

Tommy’s afraid, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior. He’s suffered, but so have I. I deserve someone who will stand by me as a partner, not treat me like a helpless dependent. Plus, this isn’t only about me and him. It’s about stopping the Organization before they can hurt anyone else. Working together would’ve given us the best chance for success.

“I’m exhausted,” I tell Sam. “I’m going to try and nap before tonight.” I could use a few hours to get my head straight.

“Good idea. I might too.”

I push off the couch, then whirl toward him, sudden worry constricting my lungs. Sam’s never been in the field. Considering what he’s just gone through, his focus could be shattered.

“Will you be okay tonight? Working with Hunter, I mean.”

Sam’s eyes darken, but his head bobs.

“Are you sure?”

“You can count on me.” Conviction simmers in every word.

I blow out a breath. If Sam says he can do this, then he can. He’s aware of his capabilities and limitations. “I know that. I trust you with my life.”

Sam gives me a small smile. “Go rest. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

With a wave, I’m out the door. The summit calls me, but I ignore the urge to head there, even though the drive to go after Tommy grows stronger with every hour.

I can’t afford the distraction.