“It’s enough to get us inside,” I counter. “Once we’re in, we split into two teams. Penn and I take the east wing, where the secure area is located. Ari, Blaze, and Grayson handle perimeter security and provide extraction.”
The elevator chimes unexpectedly. All five of us draw weapons simultaneously, aiming at the doors.
When they slide open, Derek Harrison stands there, flanked by two of his security personnel. His eyes lock with mine, cold with fury.
“Reed,” he says, voice dangerously calm as he steps forward, ignoring our weapons. “I believe you have something to tell me about my daughters.”
I signal the others to stand down. “This isn’t a good time, Derek.”
“My daughters have been missing for a week,” he snarls, advancing toward me. “And suddenly I find you planning what looks like a military operation rather than working with authorities.”
I holster my weapon, meeting his gaze. “The authorities can’t help with this.”
“What have you done?” Derek demands, grabbing my shirt. His security tenses but doesn’t move. “Where are they?”
“Jax King has them,” I state flatly.
Derek’s face goes pale. He knows the name—of course he does. In our circles, everyone knows Jax.
I watch the color drain from Derek’s face as Jax’s name lands between us. His grip on my shirt loosens.
“Jax King,” he repeats. “Why would he?—”
“Because of me.” I cut him off. No point in lying now. “He took them to get to me.”
Derek’s security guys exchange glances. One reaches for his weapon.
“I wouldn’t,” Penn says casually from behind me, the click of his safety releasing unmistakable.
“Stand down,” Derek commands his men without looking at them. His eyes remain fixed on mine, processing what I’ve just revealed. “And you expect me to believe you’re going to rescue them? After you put them in danger in the first place?”
“Yes,” I say simply. “And you’re going to help us.”
Derek’s laugh is harsh. “Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because we have what you don’t,” I gesture to the tactical display. “Intel on where they are, a team ready to move, and experience dealing with Jax.”
“I can call in?—”
“Nothing,” I interrupt. “You call in anyone, and Jax will know. He has people everywhere. That’s why we’re handling this ourselves.”
Grayson steps forward. “Mr. Harrison, with respect, we’ve been working this situation for seven days. We have a narrow window to extract your daughters. Any delay jeopardizes that opportunity.”
Derek looks between us, calculation replacing shock in his eyes. “What do you need from me?”
I nod to Blaze, who brings up building schematics. “The facility’s main electrical systems. Access codes to bypass Harrison Industries’ security protocols that were installed when your company briefly considered purchasing the property.”
“You knew about that?” Derek asks, surprised.
“I know everything about you, Derek,” I say coldly. “Now, are you going to help get your daughters back, or waste more of our time?”
Derek’s jaw tightens as he weighs his options, hatred for me evident in every tense line of his face.
“Fine,” he says finally. “I’ll make the calls. My connections at the Department of Defense can create a training exercise zonearound the perimeter. It’ll restrict air traffic and civilian access.” His eyes narrow. “But if anything happens to my daughters?—”
“Save the threats,” I cut him off. “We both know what’s at stake.”
He leaves to make calls while I turn back to my team.
