At a stop sign, he tilts his head back slightly.
“Stay sharp tonight. But remember, you’re not alone.”
“I know. I’ve got this.” I say, leaning closer. Before he pushes the throttle, my lips brush the edge of his jaw under his helmet.
He squeezes my thigh and takes off, the moment gone, swallowed by the roar of the engine.
When we roll up to the warehouse, he disappears into the shadows with the others, leaving me alone. My chest squeezes, but I force myself to breathe.
The warehouse looks worse than I remember… rusted steel, busted windows, and weeds crawling up the brick. Last time I stood here, I was cuffing Malcolm, reading him his rights while Tony stood at my side. Back then, it felt like justice. Back then, I thought I was on the right side of the line.
Now I can’t imagine life without Malcolm. Funny how everything changes when the truth finally cuts through the lies.
Shifting my weight, I pull my hood low, trying to look small. My stomach knots, but I force myself to remain calm.
Maverick’s voice crackles in my ear. “Headlights. Approaching from the south.”
Here goes nothing.
Glancing toward the road, my pulse spikes just as beams slice through the dark. A black sedan rolls up slow, tires crunching gravel.
Stepping out of the car, Tony pulls out his flashlight, scanning the immediate area, eyes narrowing when he spots me. It’s hard to believe not so long ago, I trusted this man with my life. But now I see him for what he is… a lying piece of shit.
Tony’s eyes bore into me, suspicion sharp under the concern. “Where the hell have you been, Londyn? You vanished. You said you were going into protective custody. Why lie?”
I let my voice tremble, selling the fear. “I didn’t know who to trust. The FBI and DEA pulled me in after the massacre. They told me there might be a leak inside the precinct. Someone feeding intel to the cartel. It’s all so confusing.”
His jaw tightens. “A leak? That’s bullshit. You should’ve come to me.”
I shake my head, shoulders hunched. “I couldn’t. I didn’t know if it was you. I didn’t know if it was anyone. So I’ve been hiding out, trying to figure things out, trying to stay alive.”
He exhales hard, running a hand through his hair. “Jesus, Londyn. You think I’d sell you out? After everything we’ve been through?”
I drop my gaze, voice low. “I don’t know what to think anymore. All I know is I can’t trust anyone. Not until I know the truth.”
Tony steps closer, lowering his voice. “You can trust me. I’ll fix this. Herrera’s got men looking for you, but if you stay with me, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
The words hit like a blade. He slipped and said it…Herrera’s men, not Cap. That’s all the proof we need.
Maverick’s voice hisses in my ear. That’s it. He’s in. Move.
Before Tony can take another step, shadows peel away from the walls. Steel and the brothers close in from the back, Turbo’s rifle trained from above. Nightmare emerges from the dark, gun leveled, fury burning in his eyes.
Tony freezes, eyes wide. “What the hell is this?”
I straighten, dropping the act, my voice sharp now. “You betrayed me, Tony. That’s what this is.”
Malcolm’s voice cuts through the air. “Game’s over. You’re done.”
Moving deeper into the warehouse, Steel drags a chair over to a scarred metal table littered with tools… pliers, clamps, and a blowtorch. Maverick shoves Tony forward, slamming him down into the seat while Malcolm binds him tight.
Tony leans back as far as the restraints allow, smirk plastered across his face.
“You think this means something?” he sneers. “You tie me up in some busted warehouse, rough me up a little, and what?Herrera’s already got eyes on you. When he finds out you’ve got me, he’ll burn this whole place to ash.”
Demolition circles him slow like a predator. “Keep talking shit, son-of-a-bitch. Every word digs a deeper grave for you.”
“Cut the act, Tony. I know who you are. Emilio Herrera’s nephew. You’ve been feeding him intel from the start,” I say, stepping closer.
