Then the loudbangof the gun cuts through.
Everything fades to black.
Part Three
After
Chapter sixty-nine
Jett
December 2025
I call Izzy’s phone back to back and still, no answer.
Refusing to give up, the phone rings again, and this time, the ringing is brief before I’m met with silence on the other line.
“I’ll do whatever you want. Do. Not. Hurt. Her. Please—” I begin to beg, but a blood-curdling chuckle cuts me off.
“You had your chances, Jett,” he quips, as if this is just another day and her life isn’t currently on the line.
How could anyone be so cold?
The thought alone sends me into a frenzy of rage. “I’m telling you, if you harm one goddamn strand of hair on her head, I’ll fucking end you. She’s not a pawn in your game. I’ve let you fuck with me, but this ends here. You hurt her, and I don’t care what’s in store for me, I’ll be fucking coming for you.” I take a breath, allowing my words to truly sink in. “That’s a promise.”
There’s a brief silence before his voice calls out, saying, “What’s done is done,” before the line goes dead.
What the fuck is that supposed to mean!?
“Fuck!” I shout, throwing a fist into my dashboard.
This can’t be happening. Guilt consumes me—I did this.I should have figured out a way to end this shit sooner. Now... Fuck. I can’t even think about it without spiraling.
I need to find her.
I know she’s in the city, but I’m unsure where. I’m driving aimlessly toward New Orleans, but I’m still too far away. A wave of panic overtakes me, and I can’t help but feel completely helpless.
Flying through the small back roads as fast as I can, well over the speed limit, all I can think isI need to do more.But what? Fuckingwhat?!
Think. Think. Think.
Coming to me like a bright neon sign that I should’ve seen all along, I call Via and Ander. The phone doesn’t ring long before he answers.
“Hello—” Ander’s voice comes through, but I interject before he can get out another word.
“Is V with you?” I ask, in a rushed panic. The words come out almost mumbled, trying to speak quicker than my brain can process.
“Uh-Yeah. She’s right here. You’re on speaker,” Ander says, confusion evident in his tone.
“V, where was Izzy going to meet Mav?”
“Jett, you need to give her the space—”
“Fuck space, Via. I’ve fucked up, and now she’s in danger. Where is she?” I blurt out, admitting my part in all of this.
“What are you talking about, Jett? What do you mean you’ve fucked up and now she’s in danger?” Via asks, fear lacing her words.
“Focus, V. Where is she? I’ll explain everything else once I can get to her and assure her she’s safe.”
