Hold Him Tight

Rina exhaled, collecting her thoughts before stepping back into the tent. The smuggler looked up hope flickering in his eyes like maybe he was off the hook.

Not a chance.

She gave him a tight-lipped smile, all business.

"Change of plans. You're staying put."

She turned toward the tent's flap, motioning to Corporal Reyes, one of her sharpest team members.

"Reyes, hold him here. Keep it cool, but don't let him blink without you knowing."

Reyes nodded, stepping in with that calm-but-deadly posture soldiers developed after enough fieldwork.

The smuggler tensed but didn't resist.

He knew this was above his pay grade now.

Rina adjusted her uniform, brushing off the dust like she was wiping away the tension.

"I'll check back. Briggs is pulling files we'll see what shakes loose."

She gave Reyes a knowing glance. They worked together long enough he'd keep this locked down.

With that, Rina strode toward the base office building boots clicking against the pavement.

Each step carried weight, but her face was smooth calm.

Captain Hunter was always in control.

But inside?

That fire was smoldering.

Viper. Serum. Augments. This was starting to feel bigger than it looked.