Taking a break, I pace between the office cubes and distribute coffee to the army of geeks. We got everyone and their brother searching for Sienna and Sam, including the FBI and a couple of hackers who work for Vincent.
Jason, even fucking Jason can’t find them.
“You should catch a few Z’s.” Slate, who’s been in his office all night, points to the door, as I stare down at Fifth Ave.
An hour ago, the place was empty but as dawn approaches, guys jump out of delivery trucks and a few souls brave the thunder storm.
I sigh and because he’s my pal, don’t answer. He knows damn well I’m not closing my eyes until she’s found. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. My heart races as the changing of the guard reminds me she’s been gone for almost twenty-four hours. With each passing minute the chances of finding them fades from slim to none.
For the first time since learning she went missing, my eyes smart. I blink back the fucking tears. A SEAL, I damn well know better. Emotions will only cause you to fuck up. I shut them down real fast because the mission is to get our women home safely.
Failure is not an option.
“Well, if you’re not going to sleep, you might as well come into my office. I want you to meet someone.” Slate punches me in the bicep and I wince but appreciate the gesture.
Physical pain beats the other kind, hands down. Glad for a respite from worry, I follow him to where a guy about my age in an expensive suit, stands.
Green eyes, study my face and a firm hand shakes mine. “Finn.”
“Suds.” I return his brief nod, liking the man, immediately.
My boss pretends to watch the lightening flash over the city but I know him well. He’s sizing up our interaction.
“Finn’s a negotiator.” He raises his brows, allowing time for my brain to absorb the implications.
“Go on.” The good news is, Slate thinks the girls are still alive. Otherwise Finn wouldn’t be here. The bad news? Deliberations could take months.
“I’ve seen a few of these cases, recently.” His brogue reminds me of the streets of Dublin, only more refined. “It makes no sense t’ kill these young, beaut’ful women when you can sell them for gold. The revenge is sweeter and there’s far less forensics. ’Tis a win-win, if you will.”
Hell, as much as I want to believe him, if he’s wrong, we’ll waste time and resources going down the rabbit hole.
Slate’s silence tells me I got veto power but the fact he brought in a negotiator, means he thinks we need one.
Fuck.“What do y’all need from me?”
My pal smiles grimly. “We’re going at this from both directions. Finn here, will try to free them with words. If that doesn’t work-”
“We extract them by force.” I glance around the room, realizing one important member of the team is missing. “Where’s Quinn?”
“He’s preparing for court. The judge isn’t the understanding sort and thinks he staged the kidnapping so she could flee the country.”
“God. What a shit show.” My eyes droop so I rub my knuckles into them to wake them the fuck up. “I’ll make some calls.”
“Suds?” My boss catches my eye, his face grim.
“Yeah?”
“I’m in.” He means the wet work.
“Copy that.”
Too much coffee, my stomach churns as I park myself at a cube and write down names; Jack, Lucky, and Slate. All have a sixth sense as good, or better, than my own. If we have to fight, there’s no one I’d rather have with me.
As I hang up my last call, Finn stops by. “We’ll find her.”
“Damn straight.” Rising, I head for a couch. My boss was right. The best thing I can do for Sam is be prepared when my turn comes up to bat. I will knock the ball clear out of the park. If anyone touches my woman… hell, I don’t even want to think about it.
I lock the office door so no one will see me drop down on my knees. “Dammit God. What the fuck? Did you fall asleep at the wheel? Haven’t I gone through enough crap in my life, huh? I tell you what, you get these gals back safe and sound and I will consider going to church with Sam on Sunday. Don’t expect me to pay attention or stand and kneel with all that shit because that ain’t me. But I will go and if I’m lucky enough to have me some kids, they’ll attend, too.”
