Page 22 of The Fixer
The cabin buzzed with intensity as the early morning light filtered through the trees. Lyndsey sat at the kitchen table, sipping coffee while Jake and Reyna stood over a map spread across the countertop. Their low voices carried a sense of urgency, and Lyndsey’s stomach twisted as she watched them work.
Jake’s finger traced a line on the map. “If the intel is solid, the meeting’s happening here—third floor of an office building just outside town. Security’s probably light since they won’t want to draw attention.”
Reyna nodded, arms crossed over her chest. “I can get us in through the service entrance. From there, we’ll need to get to where they’re holding the auction. If we can plant listening devices while we’re there, so much the better.”
“And what happens if you’re spotted?” Lyndsey asked, her voice cutting through the room.
Jake straightened, glancing over at her. “We won’t be.”
“That’s not an answer,” she said firmly, setting her mug down. “You’re walking into a potential trap for what? Hearsay? A vague lead? Is it worth the risk?”
Reyna turned to Lyndsey, a sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “She’s feisty. I like that.”
Jake’s expression hardened. “This is what we do, Lyndsey. We take calculated risks to get results.”
“But you don’t even know what you’re looking for,” Lyndsey countered, standing. “What if there’s nothing there? Or worse—what if they’re expecting you?”
Reyna raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Lyndsey’s persistence. “We’re professionals, Doc. We don’t go in blind.”
“Forgive me if that doesn’t inspire confidence,” Lyndsey shot back, her eyes flashing with annoyance. If Reyna Marx thought she was going to intimidate Lyndsey, she’d best think again. “You’re talking about walking into an environment you can’t control, with unknown variables and no guarantees.”
Jake stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. “That’s the job. It’s messy, it’s dangerous, and it doesn’t always come with guarantees. But if we don’t take this chance, we lose a potential lead on Lang and his syndicate. As he’s the one most likely to be trying to kill you, I believe the risk is worth it. Besides which, operational decisions are not your call.”
“Not my call? This is my life, my research and my technology. If it’s anybody’s call, it’s mine.”
Reyna’s head swiveled between Lyndsey and Jake. “Ball’s in your court, big guy.”
“Shut up, Reyna,” Lyndsey and Jake said in unison, making Reyna laugh.
Lyndsey glared at him, her pulse quickening at his proximity. Why did his mere presence make her body come alive in a way it never had before? “And what happens if you don’t come back?” she argued. “Then what?”
The room went quiet as her words hung in the air. Jake’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Reyna stepped in.
“Look, I get it,” Reyna said, her tone softer now. “This kind of thing—it’s not your world. But it is ours. And we don’t take risks unless they’re worth it. Jake’s right—this meeting could give us a foothold, something we can use to protect you, your research, and your technology. In addition, it could give us a way to shut Lang down.”
Lyndsey exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. “I don’t like people risking their lives for me, especially when it’s just a hunch.”
Reyna chuckled, her sharp features softening. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Doc. And I respect that. But you’re gonna have to trust us on this one. This is what we do. Robert Fitzwallace only hires the best so if we work for Cerberus, it means he thinks we’re more than up to the job. Besides which, Samantha would kill King if we let anything happen to you.”
“She’d try,” Jake said, trying to make a joke.
“Yeah, but then King would have to go all Dom on her ass, and it would get ugly,” teased Reyna.
“I don’t understand that, either,” said Lyndsey. “Samantha is an intelligent, capable woman. She doesn’t need some guy to keep her in line.”
Reyna turned to Jake, whose lips were parted to reply. “Zip it. Anything you say is going to come out wrong.” She turned back to Lyndsey. “I used to think the same thing. I never went into the dungeon portion of the clubs, but then an op went wrong, and I got pretty messed up. I couldn’t let go of what happened or find any peace. Several of the Doms are Shibari masters—do you know what that is?” Lyndsey nodded. “Well, they talked me into trying it. The first couple of sessions were messy, lots of anger and tears on my part, but then I felt a kind of safety in the ropes. It gave me a safe place to float and let go of the anger and fear. Don’t get me wrong, the lifestyle isn’t for everybody, but I’veseen it do amazing things for individuals and couples. When this is all over, you might think about it.”
Lyndsey’s gaze shifted between Reyna and Jake. She admired the way they worked together, the communication and mutual respect between them. Despite her fears, she couldn’t deny that they were both incredibly skilled—and incredibly committed to their work and to keeping her safe. Reyna had also given her something to think about. Lyndsey realized looking back, she’d never had a lot of peace or safety in her life.
“Fine,” she said finally, her voice reluctant. “But promise me you’ll be careful.”
Jake’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded. “We will.”
Reyna grinned, clapping a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll make sure your boyfriend here doesn’t get himself killed.”
Lyndsey’s cheeks flushed, and Jake shot Reyna a warning look. “Enough.”
Reyna chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. “All right, lovebirds. Let’s get to work.”