He didn’t haveto wait long before Kole’s unmarked cruiser pulled up alongside him.
They parked and the three of them gathered at the trunks. Kole strapped his handgun into his holster and popped his trunk, grabbing a spare holster that he tossed to Dylan. He opened a gun locker in the back and grabbed a pistol, handing it to Dylan as well, who checked it over quickly before securing it in the holster affixed to his waistband.
Kole pulled on a bulletproof vest and looked at Abby. “I want you to stay behind and wait in the car.”
She immediately bristled and protested. “Oh, hell no. That is my best friend in there. You are not leaving me behind. I’m going with you.”
“It could get dangerous.” His voice dipped to a soft tone Dylan had never heard from him before.
Abby didn’t seem to notice or care. “No. I’m coming, it’s not up for debate. You either bring me with you, or I follow you both.” She pulled a stun gun out of her back pocket. “I can handle myself, asshole.”
In spite of the circumstances, Dylan had to cover his face with a hand to hide his smile from Kole, who scowled down at the petite blonde giving him a run for his money.
“Fine,” Kole grit out. “But stay behind both of us. I don’t want anything happening to you.”
They turned without any further argument and made their way onto the road to the property. Dylan turned to Kole, lifting one eyebrow at him in silent question.
“Shut up, Holloway,” he growled, but a smile played around his own lips.
Soon they reached the road and stuck to the shadows of the trees on the side of it, so that if anyone came down the lane they’d be able to quickly duck out of sight. The house came into view, and they spotted Sheridan’s sedan out front. Parked next to it was McGuinness’s Porsche. This was definitely the place. Kelsi had to be here.
“What are we looking at here, Kole?” Dylan questioned his friend, scanning the building and the periphery, looking for any signs of movement, cameras, and access points.
“We couldn’t find any building plans on such short notice, but an old Zillow posting lists it as a residential building with three bedrooms. We’ve got two points of access.” He pointed at the side of the building. “Front door and a back door off the kitchen. The garage is detached, so there’s no alternate access. The windows on the ground floor are all boarded though, so we have no visual.” He pulled his phone out, bringing up his contacts.
Dylan quickly grabbed his phone from him.
“Dude, what the fuck?”
“No cops.” Dylan shook his head at him. “I got a note from McGuinness in court.” He quickly explained to Kole the warning about not involving cops, how they claimed that they’d know if they did.
Kole nodded thoughtfully before holding his hand out to Dylan, nonverbally asking for his phone back. Dylan slapped it into his hand reluctantly.
“I get that, dude. I wouldn’t risk her safety. But we need backup. The way this house is laid out, we can’t get in safely. We’d be totally blind. Plus, I’ve kind of already called in the police. But don’t worry, since we knew an officer was involved, we’ve kept everything off the scanners so it’s quiet. I’ve got a friend on the SWAT team, and they can mobilize and be here in under thirty.”
Dylan nodded in acquiescence, and Kole stepped away to make the call. Dylan looked at Abby, who had been quiet the whole time. She was paler than normal but had a steeliness in her eyes as she stared at the house where her friend was being held.
“I can’t lose her again, Abby,” he whispered, unable to meet her eyes as the despair threatened to drag him down into its dark depths.
“You won’t. We’re getting her out.” Her voice was confident, unwavering in her conviction.
His throat tightened, and he croaked out an agreement. Kole appeared between them again, saying that he’d gotten in touch with his SWAT contact. They’d be there shortly.
Dylan stared at where the love of his life was, hoping she was safe and would stay that way until they could get in. He hatedhaving to wait. He was battling all his instincts to stay put and not barge in.
I’m coming for you, Red.
* * *
The soft rumble of the armored vehicles a short way down the road was followed by heavy footfalls and the jostling of rifles. Kole greeted them as they came up behind them, hidden from view from the house in the cover of the trees.
This would be a stealthy entry, with one unit taking the front and the other the back entrance. They would coordinate via walkie-talkies to enter the house at the same time, giving the occupants no time to prepare or escape.
Plan arranged, the assembled officers split into their two groups and went to their designated entry points. Dylan moved to join them, but Kole stopped him with a hand to his chest. Dylan knew what he was about to say, judging by the look on his face.
“No,” Dylan stated. He moved to dodge around Kole, but he stopped him once more.
“Dude, I get it. I do. But you’re a civilian now. You can’t get involved in a police investigation like this. We’re going in heavy, and we can’t risk you.” He looked over Dylan’s shoulder to Abby, who was trying to edge toward one of the groups before Kole could notice. “Plus, I need you to keep an eye on that one.”
