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Vance dropped his head into his hands “I can’t give them what they want But Lauren is ”

“I didn’t suggest doing nothing I said that violating their instructions would be a huge ic and under the radar, taken with proper direction My group and I will provide you with that direction while we’re si her home As for e are, I’ve told you what you need to know We don’t exactly carry business cards If you’re wondering about our skills, don’t We’re all forents, former specialists in more areas than I can enumerate All exceptional Trust me, we’re more than qualified And unlike the FBI, CIA, and MI6, we have no liendas We just resolve situations like Lauren’s”

Vance blew out a breath “I don’t see that I have a choice”

“Yes you do You can tell me to leave your office and then follow the conventional route”

“Which you think will get Lauren killed”

Aidan didn’t mince words “I do Any FBI involvehly of our country’s law enforce you should know up front If you opt to ith us, we’ll be taking the lead and you’ll be following it That’s unconditional”

Per usual, Aidan’s certainty and confidence struck home, and Vance nodded

“Okay” His eyes were glazed and he was clearly still in shock “Tell me what to do”

Aidan sat back in his chair “Your fa to Lake Tahoe tomorrow for a family vacation”

Vance didn’t even bother to ask how Aidan knew that “Yes But of course, we’ll cancel that now”

“No You won’t As per the kidnappers’ conditions, you need to stick to business as usual, and that includes taking your family’s annual vacation Any deviation in your behavior will be noted and acted upon”

“How the hell a with odforsaken place, enduring Lord knohat kind of hell?”

“Because, as I said, you and I are former Marines Marines don’t quit And we don’t leave team members or family behind” Aidan plucked a Post-it from Vance’s desk and scribbled down a naard to Lauren’s physical condition,her,” he said as he wrote “That would be contrary to their end goal They need her alive and well to get what they want” Aidan handed the Post-it to Vance

“What is this?” Vance glanced down at it, seeing the na code +33 “Who is Si her in France?”

“Lyon,” Aidan clarified “Si partner for McKinsey I want her out here ASAP Use the guise that you need to reorganize your division, given all the pressures on growth McKinsey will gladly send her to develop, explore, and implenizing and enhancing current talent and deter future superstars”