Part 6

Back at their temporary headquarters, the team regrouped and discussed how things had gone. "I’m pretty sure she recognized us," Davenport volunteered. Sherry nodded. "I agree. So that means Section knows by now. They will come after us."

Curlly was busy working with the computers, hacking into Section’s mainframe. "Anything yet, Curlly?" Sherry asked her. Curlly shook her head. "Not yet, but I should have something soon."

Joann spoke. "I’m worried about you two. They’re going to come full force after you. We might not be able to protect you." Davenport shook his head. "That’s not your profile. Sherry and I will take care of ourselves."

Sherry closed the folder in front of her and then announced, "I’ve made a change to the profile. Section will not get both myself and Davenport tomorrow. Davenport, you will get away and go to the van. As soon as he reaches the van and you know that Section’s team is safe, you guys come back here. I’m the only one going back with them."

Davenport protested. "No. That wasn’t the profile. I’m not letting you go back there alone. Why would you want to change it now?"

Sherry put her hand on his arm to let him know that she appreciated his concern. "I’m going in alone because I’m the only one they can’t cancel because I'm the one with the codes that you need to finish the job. Once you get into position, you’ll call me and I’ll give you the codes." Looking at the others, she continued. "If they take Davenport, they have no reason to keep him alive. I’m not going to risk any of your lives. I’ll make sure Davenport is away and then let them take me."

Joann was shaking her head. "I don’t like it. Suppose they don’t believe you? What if Operations decides to cancel you anyway? Then what? We won’t have the codes to finish the mission."

Sherry stood and paced across the room. "It’s the only chance we have. I’ll have to be convincing. Regardless, you will finish the job. I will leave instructions for Davenport in a gene-coded file in case they cancel me. He will know whom to get in touch with and where to get the codes."

"Got it!" Curlly interrupted. Sherry asked for the status. "Michael is leading the team. No news there. He’s got Sinjn, Xavier, Rita, Mentz and DL on his team. They’re leaving early in the morning, so they’ll be in place when you arrive."

"I still don’t like it. I don’t want you going back alone," Davenport said. Sherry sighed. "Don’t make me pull rank, Davenport. The decision’s been made. I need you to get back here and lead the team. Four people can accomplish the job easier than three. So don’t fight me on this, okay?" Davenport nodded, although from the look on his face he wasn’t happy. "Joann and Brenna, as Curlly said, Michael is leading the team. He’s at the top of the hit list, so make sure he’s protected. He’ll most likely be inside, but in case, be prepared. One more thing," she said. "The people inside the jewelry store will be working with us. They’ll get you out, Davenport." There were no questions, so she dismissed them and again went outside for some fresh air. She walked a short distance away from the mansion, into a secluded grove of trees. She flipped open her cell phone and dialed the number she had recently memorized.

"It’s a go. Tomorrow morning. The jewelry store. You should have three people there. Two in the showroom and one in the back. I want Davenport to make it out. I’ll be the only one going back to Section."

"Fine. I will monitor from here. If things look to be going critical at Section, I will intervene," said the voice on the other end.

"Thank you," Sherry answered and then snapped the phone closed. She headed down a set of stairs built into the cliff and onto the beach. She loved sitting and watching the water. It calmed her. And right now she needed that. The next 24 hours would be critical. It was all up to her and her team.