Page 35 of Love and Loyalty

Drew's voice rose in frustration. "I need to get my head back in the game. I need to prove to myself and everyone else that I'm still a top operative, no matter what's going on in my personal life."

She took a deep breath and mentally retraced her steps to every mission since she met Izzy. "Where did I go wrong? What could I have done differently?"

As she analyzed her actions, Drew realized that her doubts and fears had been simmering beneath the surface, waiting to boil over. "I need to confront this head-on. I need to prove to myself that I'm still capable, still professional."

With newfound determination, Drew stood up straight, her eyes locked on her reflection. "I will do better. I will not let my feelings compromise my job. I am a professional, and I will act like it."

Even as she slept that night, Drew knew this was just the beginning. She had a long road ahead of her, one that required her to confront her doubts and fears to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

The next day, Drew sat at her desk, staring blankly at the transfer request form in front of her. She had been agonizingover this decision for weeks, but she knew it was the only way to maintain her professionalism and protect her relationship with Izzy.

She couldn't bear the thought of breaking up with Izzy, not after everything they had been through together. But she also knew she couldn't continue to serve alongside her, not when her feelings were so strong.

With a heavy heart, Drew filled out the form, requesting a transfer to a different unit. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she hoped it would be the best solution for both her career and the possibility of a relationship with Izzy.

As she signed the form, Drew couldn't help but wonder how Izzy would react. Would she be fine with the transfer, or would she feel abandoned? Drew pushed the thoughts aside, knowing she had to prioritize her own needs.

She took a deep breath and stood up, trembling, the form shaking slightly in her hand. She would submit it tomorrow, and then...well, then she would wait and see what happened next.

Drew's mind raced with possibilities as she lay in bed that night, her thoughts consumed by Izzy and the uncertain future ahead. Would they make it work despite the distance? Or would the transfer be the end of their relationship?

Only time would tell, but Drew knew she had made the right decision for her. She loved Izzy too much to risk losing herself, and she needed to find a way to balance her heart and duty.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't even see or hear her comms device beep. Just as she was about to submit the transfer request form, her comms device beeped for the third time, and that was when she saw it. She hesitated, her eyes hovering over the screen as she answered the call.

"Major Mitchell, we have an impromptu mission briefing in five minutes. Report to the operations room immediately," the voice on the other end said without preamble.

Drew's heart sank. She had been so close to going through what she had written as her reasons for requesting a transfer before submitting the request, and now she had to put everything on hold.

She dropped the form on her computer and closed the file, trying to push aside the frustration and disappointment.

Duty called, and she had to answer.

Racing against time, Drew grabbed her gear and rushed to the operations room. Out of breath, she burst through the doors and took her place alongside the other team members.

Izzy, already seated at the front, gave her a concerned glance before turning back to the mission briefing.

"Intel suggests a high-value target has been spotted in the vicinity of the old warehouse district," the briefing officer said, pointing to a holographic display projecting a 3D map of the area. "We need to extract the target and bring them in for questioning."

Drew listened intently, her mind racing with the mission parameters and potential risks. She knew this was an opportunity to prove herself, to show that she still had what it took to be a top operative.

As the briefing concluded, Drew felt a surge of adrenaline. She was ready to put her doubts and fears aside and focus on the mission.

"Let's gear up, team," Izzy said, her voice firm and commanding. "You guys move out in ten."

Drew nodded, already mentally preparing herself for the challenges ahead. She would put the transfer request on hold for now and focus on the mission. But she knew that this was only a temporary reprieve, and soon, she would have to face the uncertainty of her future once again.

Determined to prove herself, she took charge of the mission, her mind focused on the objective. She led the team through thewarehouse district, her senses on high alert, scanning for any signs of the target.

As they approached the designated location, Drew's instincts kicked in. She signaled for the team to fan out, covering all angles, and then she moved forward toward the warehouse where the target was said to be at, her weapon at the ready.

The team, led by Drew and Smith, approached the warehouse with caution. Intel suggested that the high-value target, a notorious terrorist leader, was hiding inside.

As they entered the warehouse, Drew's team fanned out, securing the perimeter. Smith took point, moving stealthily through the shadows. Drew covered her, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.

Drew's voice was low and steady. "Clear left. Clear right. Smith, check that corner."

Smith nodded, moving to the corner. "Clear."