“I need to get going. I’ll see you again,” I told her.
She nodded.
“Thank you for not hurting me,” she whispered.
Fuck, I wanted to hug her. It only would have led to more pain for both of us right now. A few minutes remained, and I would have had to pull us apart when neither of us were ready.
Be strong and hang in there for a little while longer, M. I’m coming back tonight.
Before I left the main room, I took a close look at the faces of the men who were there tonight. Seventeen remained after the two pricks Sebastian had kicked out of here. All of the remaining men were regular players. I’d seen most of them at all of the parties I’d attended over the course of the past year. I noticed the masked man was absent tonight, though he never was at all of the parties.
See you soon, motherfuckers.
10
Garrett
The weather had turnedto shit and it was raining. Despite the rain, I tried to keep my mannerisms calm as I briskly walked the two blocks to my car. I felt like sprinting so we could get this bust underway, but I didn’t want to draw any unnecessary attention. As soon as I got into the car, I started the engine and dialed my boss from the steering wheel. While I waited for him to pick up, I locked the doors and propped my elbow on the door, then let my left arm fall toward my face. I covered my mouth with the back of my hand.
“Evening, Losche,” my boss said as soon as he answered.
“I got it,” I said.
“You got the confirmation?” he asked. I knew he was stunned. It’d been over two years on this fucking case.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “We need to go back soon while the party is still going on.”And while those kids are still alive.
“Which one did you get it out of?” he questioned.
“The newest addition, M. She’s the eighteen-year-old. Tonight, I noticed a few needle marks on her arm that hadn’t been there the first time I’d seen her.”
“What about the missing young woman and young man? Did you see either of them tonight?”
“No. Sebastian told me the boy was still being restricted. I don’t think Sebastian got rid of him. He was too popular. I think he has him somewhere.”
“Alright. I’ll call in your team and will notify the local police. Hold your position.”
“Will do,” I confirmed.
“And nice job, Losche.”
“Thank you. I’ll wait here for further instructions.”
I disconnected the call and reached under my seat for my navy sweatshirt with the yellow FBI lettering on the back. I kept the sweatshirt on my lap and would put it on once my team arrived. From the center console, I pulled out my lanyard that had my badge attached.
I kept my eye on the clock, hoping they’d hurry the fuck up. I waited for twelve long minutes of silence before I received a call from my boss.
“Your team is about a block away. They know to follow your lead when you go in. Local police will be in position within ten minutes, surrounding the building and perimeter. I’m on my way. When your team gets there, go ahead and breach the premises. Don’t wait for me.”
“Got it.”
Within three minutes of ending the call, a white crossover SUV parked beside me. I stared at the heavily tinted windows before in window to the back seat lowered. I smiled when I saw it was my partner, Roz.
“Excuse me, sir,” she hollered as I was getting out of my car. “I’m looking for the grocery store,” she teased as I hopped in.
“You’re in luck,” I said sarcastically. “You’re in the grocery store parking lot.”
She laughed and then jostled my arm.
