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As the plan takes shape, it's clear that the synergy between Cara's physical presence and my virtual support will need to create a dynamic duo poised to navigate the treacherous waters of deception and danger. The success of our mission hinges on this delicate balance, and the countdown to Cara's pivotal meeting with the Scarlet Vipers begins.
“You’ll need to maintain consistency in your behavior and interactions with them,” Leo presses. “Any sudden changes or deviations from her established persona could raise suspicions.”
Cara chuckles. “I know. I’ve been doing this for more than a minute.” She glances at me. “Leo, you know the things I’ve done to prove my loyalty to them so they trust me.”
“You need to only reveal what is necessary,” he continues. “Avoid divulging critical details that could compromise our plans.”
She nods, but I can tell she’s getting a bit upset that Leo is handling her with kid gloves. He’s just worried about her.
“I know the drill,” she says.
“We’ll need to refresh your emergency extraction plan should it come to it,” he says, rubbing his chin.
Her laugh is bitter, and I know why. If she’s uncovered, she’ll be killed immediately. There won’t be time for her to be extracted.
The dangerous dance with the Scarlet Vipers is about to take an even more treacherous turn.
Once everything is secured for me to be able to watch and see everything Cara does through a new laptop Leo gives me, Leo gives the go-ahead for Cara to leave and talk to the Scarlet Vipers.
He, naturally, stays with me, wanting to follow this. My couch feels cramped as he sits almost on top of me to have a view of the screen.
“How do you do this?” I murmur.
“Do what?”
“Handle all of this?”
A muscle in his jaw twitches. “I do what needs to be done,” he says.
“How did you get started…” I trail off.
He’s not going to answer me.
And he doesn’t.
It doesn’t take long for Cara to arrive at a nondescript building. She heads inside, nodding to a few people whom I assume are Scarlet Vipers, and eventually, she enters a room that’s guarded.
How she’s able to do all of this and not be nervous I don’t know. My appreciation of her is sky-high.
The room is dimly lit. Two men and one woman are inside, all seated at a round table, and they all fall silent as she closes the door behind her.
“That one there, the leader with the scar across his face, that's Markus Grimaldi. Ruthless and cunning. The woman to his right is Elena ‘Spectra’ Moreno, a skilled infiltrator. And the man on the left, with the cold eyes, that's Vaughn ‘Venom’ Rossi. He's their strategist.
I listen intently, my eyes darting between the figures in the shadows and Leo's knowing gaze. The weight of each name adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding conversation. These are not mere names. They are the architects of a dangerous world that Cara navigates on my behalf.
The air is thick with tension as Cara meets the piercing gazes of the group's enigmatic leaders.
“Gentlemen, it's time we discuss the future,” she says, projecting confidence. “We've been in a holding pattern for too long, and inaction is not a luxury we can afford.”
Markus leans back, scrutinizing her. “What's prompted this sudden urgency, Cara? We've been patient.”
“Patience is a virtue, but so is adaptability. Our circumstances are evolving, and the window of opportunity might not stay open for much longer.”
Spectra crosses her arms, her expression more than a little skeptical. “Explain yourself. What's changed?”
“Derrick's absence has left a void, and his mission cannot remain in limbo indefinitely,” she says, her resolve steel. “We owe it to him to see it through, and to the Scarlet Vipers to ensure success.”
The room falls silent as Cara's words linger in the air. The Scarlet Vipers exchange glances, weighing her proposal against the risks it presents.
