Scott Sullivan cleared his throat. "Was that girl you were just holding your girlfriend?"

He’d been in the room, so he’d seen the whole thing.

Nathaniel Nathan shot him a look but said nothing. Scott Sullivan, however, launched right into praising Vera Xavier. "She’s definitely worthy of being the Captain’s woman! Beautiful, capable, and gutsy enough to use herself as bait in a situation like that!"

Nathaniel Nathan threw the cigarette he’d only taken two drags from onto the ground and viciously stomped it out.

It finally dawned on Scott Sullivan that he had misspoken. Nathaniel Nathan carried her picture with him every day, which meant she held an incredibly important place in his heart. In a situation like the one they’d just been in, the slightest mishap would have led to unthinkable consequences.

After a long moment, Nathaniel Nathan spoke. "You lead the team back. I’ll stay behind and check for any remaining accomplices." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Scott Sullivan froze for a second before he instantly understood Nathaniel’s meaning. He wasn’t planning on looking for accomplices; he was obviously just making an excuse to stay behind with his girl!

They had killed the drug lord, Trent Thornton, seized a massive amount of drugs, and dismantled the largest drug trafficking and manufacturing ring on the border. It was a huge accomplishment, and by doing this, Nathaniel Nathan was essentially handing all the credit to him.

He cleared his throat. "That’s against protocol..."

"Are you saying you’re not aware of how this whole incident unfolded, or that you’re unclear on the process?" Nathaniel Nathan asked coldly.

Scott Sullivan was exasperated. "Of course not. It’s just... you’re our captain. The mission is over. If you don’t report back, I’m afraid the General won’t be pleased."

"What do you mean the General won’t be pleased?" Nathaniel Nathan said, his face devoid of expression. "The mission isn’t completely over. I’m staying behind to mop up their remaining forces."

’Captain, if you want to stay with your girl, just say so,’ Scott Sullivan grumbled internally. ’Do you really have to make it sound so noble?’

He pursed his lips slightly. "If that’s the case, then I’ll stay and help you."

He was incredibly curious about Vera Xavier. With so many people around earlier, he hadn’t been able to speak with her. He wanted to find a chance to chat and see just what kind of woman could capture Nathaniel Nathan’s heart so completely.

Nathaniel Nathan glanced at him, instantly seeing through his intentions. "I’m more than enough for a task like this," he said coldly. "You staying would be a waste of manpower."

Scott Sullivan: "..."

Just then, Shannon Quinn ran over. "Captain, a dozen or so people just swarmed the front entrance of the market. We’re not sure if they’re the drug lord’s accomplices."

"I’m on it!" Scott Sullivan glanced at Nathaniel Nathan. "So they really did have more men!"

Jack Judd ran into the market with a dozen thugs in tow. He had drawn on his years of experience to recruit them, promising each one a handsome reward, of course.

The only reason he was just now arriving was that while recruiting the thugs, he’d run into the local gang leader. The two of them had fought, and Jack Judd, unable to win, had to promise him a hefty sum before he could finally bring the men over.

As he was setting out with the thugs, he saw the explosion at the market. It nearly scared him to death.

All he could do now was pray that Vera Xavier was unharmed. Otherwise, even dying ten times over wouldn’t be enough to atone.

But the moment he entered the market, he felt something was wrong. It seemed like someone was watching them from the shadows. Fear crept into his heart, but his worry for Vera Xavier overrode it. No matter how scared he was, he had to go in.