The next morning, Zara was up before dawn, working with Chen and Maya to map out every detail of their plan to infiltrate the resort meeting. They'd already sent word back to headquarters, and Clara had responded with approval—along with a warning to proceed with extreme caution.
"Mr. Thorne has eyes and ears everywhere," Zara said, spreading out a layout of the resort that Maya had pulled up on her tablet. "The main meeting will be in the private beach pavilion, but they'll have security posted at every entrance. We can't just walk in."
"I've been looking into the resort's schedule," Chen added. "They're hosting a charity gala the same night—something about supporting local youth programs. It's the perfect cover. We can pose as donors and blend in with the guests."
Maya nodded, already sorting through the supplies they'd brought. "I can put together medical kits that double as surveillance equipment—hidden cameras in first-aid containers, recording devices in thermometers. If we can get close enough to the pavilion, we'll be able to capture everything."
Zara's father came out onto the porch with a pot of hot cocoa, his weathered face creased with concern. "You know what they'll do if they catch you," he said, setting the cups down on the table. "Thorne doesn't take kindly to anyone who crosses him."
"I know, Papa," Zara said, taking his hand. "But if we don't do this, they'll keep taking more—our land, our homes, our futures. We have to try."
By midday, word of the upcoming mission had spread among the trusted members of the community. Jermaine, the young farmer, showed up at Zara's house with three other men—all of whom had been part of the earlier attempt to stand up to The Root.
"We want to help," Jermaine said firmly. "We can't just sit here while you risk everything for us. We know the roads around Port Antonio better than anyone—we can be your lookouts, help you get in and out safely."
Zara exchanged glances with Chen, then nodded. "We could use the support," she said. "But you have to promise me—if anything goes wrong, you get out. Your safety comes first."