“In Fred’s case, it will make him dead.” I knew the objective was to arrest him so he could provide information on everyone else. But I was looking for a reason to put a bullet between his eyes. “That man better go down easily.”
Nick’s voice came over comms. “Theo, you let them arrest him. The task force we’re working with are aware of the history, but they need him alive.”
I didn’t say anything. I truly believed we had the upper hand, we had the tech and the manpower, and the element of surprise. We were the predators and Fred was the prey, walking into a trap. We had been over the entire op several times. We knew what we were doing. Still.
“This all seems too easy,” I said as we pulled up a block away from the warehouse.
I knew Nick would be on alert after what I said. “Well we don’t have time to talk it out. Once we’re all in position, tell me what you’re thinking.”
We all moved around the building as we’d discussed. Once we gave the all clear, Nick was back in our ear. “Right, Snow. Before we breach, can you pinpoint what exactly seems too easy.”
“The fact that Fred got involved in this shipment only this week.” I never understood why. “I mean he wanted to expose me right? But why this one? Assuming he thinks that each transferSnow Enterprises is involved in is a hit, why did he pick this one?”
Mason, Nick’s brother, spoke up from his high-rise perch, a block away. “I’m not dismissing your instinct, kid, but you either get inside now, or you guys will get made.”
“Breach, on my mark.” Nick’s voice was loud and clear. “Three… two… one… go.”
We moved in unison. One by one breaching the doors. Just to find our careful planning unnecessary. The place was completely empty.
As we cleared every section of the warehouse it became more and more apparent that we’d been fooled.
“It’s a diversion.” I looked over at Nick. “Whoever is meant to collect this shipment won’t be coming. It's a distraction.”
Nick nodded. “But from what?”
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and frowned as I saw who was calling.
“Ryder?”
Shiloh stepped closer.
“Theo.” Ryder’s voice was ragged, panicked, stripping away any calm I had. “The bus. The camp transport?”
The world stopped turning as I put the phone on speaker. “What about it? I got the text to say all was good.”
“We’re going after them. Tiff, Maggie and I are going after Fred.” Ryder’s panic elevated my own. “Connor and Jaycee are with the guards at your home.”
Goosebumps erupted on my skin. And not the good kind. I heard Ryder’s words, and knew there was no good reason for his actions.
“Babe. What the hell is happening?” Shiloh stepped closer to the phone, worry tinged her voice. “Why are you guys going after Fred?”
Ryder took a deep breath before he shattered my world. “Fred took Hayden.”
CHAPTER 26
MAGGIE - THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER
The media roomwas a spectacle of sensory overload with flashing lights and K-Pop beats. On the massive screen, a group of teenagers were colorful monsters with glow sticks, and though I knew the plot by heart, I had no idea where in the movie we were.
Connor was sprawled out on the carpet with his head on the beanbag, tossing popcorn into his mouth. Jaycee had her head on his stomach, completely mesmerized by what was happening on the screen. I sat on the chair, my phone clutched in my hand waiting for Hayden to get home, and Theo to call and say Fred was no longer a threat.
“Mom. Look.” Jaycee pointed at the screen. “Wumi has purple hair. Just like my one unicorn.”
I smiled at her, making sure to hide the tension I felt. Tension I could not really explain. “That’s so cool, baby.”
Connor raised a brow at me and I knew I hadn’t fooled him. The truth was I had nothing to stress about. Theo had forwarded me the message that said Hayden would be home soon. Yeah, I was a little worried about the Theo-Fred confrontation. But he was surrounded by people who were highly trained and they would make sure my man came home to me.
I was just about to let out a heavy sigh when my phone rang and everything went on alert again. The sound cut through the room like a scream. Connor jumped, spilling popcorn.
