“Erik? What’s going on? I just had a couple of ghosts show up and say that Ben sent them to me because he’s been kidnapped,” Haley told him.
“Yes. Did they tell you anything?” Erik wasn’t ashamed of the desperation in his voice.
“They’re Russian, and they have him in a warehouse on the waterfront,” Haley reported. “Ben told them to make sure you know he loves you.”
Erik consciously slowed his breathing, trying not to hyperventilate. “Okay. That’s more than I knew before. Did they give you more details about which warehouse?”
“No. Ghosts aren’t usually good at that sort of thing,” Haley replied. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Erik told her. “We know Ben’s still alive and that his kidnappers haven’t left the city. They haven’t told me where the drop is, but I’m going to guess it’s not too far from where they’re holding Ben.”
“Don’t trust them,” Haley warned.
“Don’t worry,” Erik said with a bitter laugh. “I won’t. Please let me know if you hear from the ghosts again.”
“I will,” she promised. “I tried to ask them questions, but they didn’t answer. But I’ll keep the channel open.”
Erik thanked her and called Alessia, cursing under his breath until she picked up. “I need your help.” He knew he sounded panicked.
“Erik? What’s wrong?”
“Bratva kidnapped Ben.” He was still trying not to hyperventilate. Erik knew he needed all his experience to get Ben back, but he couldn’t completely shut down the fear that coursed through him.
“How?”
“I don’t know what happened, but first the New Jersey Mob claimed that they had him, and then not long afterward, a Russian called me back.”
“Are you sure it’s true?”
“They sent me a picture.” Erik did his best to wall up his feelings, needing to focus on a strategy to outwit the kidnappers and save Ben. “Then a ghost told Haley that Ben’s being held in a warehouse, but didn’t have specifics.”
“I’m so sorry,” Alessia replied. “How can I help?”
He gave her a quick outline of the situation, including the window, the dome, and the interest of The Collector and The Oligarch. “The two men at the top are witches, but I doubt they came in person to grab Ben,” he added. “I’d be surprised if they brought in fighters with supernatural abilities. Too much temptation for them to use those talents against the boss.”
“Makes sense,” Alessia agreed.
“I was hoping you could do a tracking spell on Ben. Having the power out makes normal recon nearly impossible.”
“Have you called the police?”
“Not yet. The kidnappers told me not to tell the cops. And until I know for certain where he’s being held, there’s nothing the police can do. I don’t believe that the guys who took him willhand Ben over and let us both walk out of there, even if I give them what they want,” Erik said.
“True,” Alessia agreed. “As for the cops, it doesn’t count if I call Cole, and it keeps you out of hot water with the chief for not keeping him informed,” she added in a sly tone.
“I can’t match the Mafia for firepower, and Ben’s likely to get hurt in the fighting if we go in guns blazing. But if we can use magic and ghosts, we might stand a chance.”
“I’m in,” Alessia said. “I’ll scry for Ben. Having Haley ask the ghosts for help is a good idea. They don’t care that it’s storming and the lights are out.”
“Thank you.” Erik could hear the strain in his voice. “I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”
“Same here. Good luck. And I’ll send some protective spells Ben’s way,” she promised before disconnecting.
Haley’s number showed up as soon as the call ended. “I’ve got more intel from the ghost,” she told him.
“What did he have to say?” Erik was desperate for any clues that might help them bring Ben back alive.
“He gave me a description of a warehouse in the port where Ben’s being held. Used to be Sanderson Seafood. The cops will be able to find it,” Haley said. “The ghost said there are at least three guards, sometimes more, and that the warehouse is haunted and the other spirits will help us. How do you want to play this?”
