“Lieutenant?It’s Carter.”He quickly explained the situation, aware of the world of trouble he was in for going behind his boss, but Katya’s life was too important.Finally, he hung up, letting out a long sigh of relief.They’d send backup and crime scene investigators.There were no calls from Eddie.He started to make his way out when his phone rang.
“What did you find?”
“One sedan and one SUV.The first one—you’re not going to like this—it looked like they put someone in the trunk.I’m guessing your victim and three guys.The SUV was loaded with women, hurrying inside of it, and some big guys.”
The world slowed to a crawl, Eddie’s words ringing in his ears.Someone in the trunk.Katya.Dead or alive, he had no way of knowing.The air around him thickened and a hollow feeling settled on his chest.He gripped a doorjamb for support, the floor beneath him swaying.
“Adam?”
Eddie’s concerned voice brought him back to reality even as sweat dripped down his back.She could still be alive.He had to believe she was.
“Do you have a plate?”he asked, his voice unnaturally high-pitched.
“Partial.Three numbers and two letters.It’s a black sedan, looks like a Mercedes.”
Adam cleared his throat.
“Run it through the DMV and criminal databases, and check surrounding CCTV—”
“On it already, and I’m pushing alerts to nearby units.They won’t get away.”
“You’re my eyes, man.Keep them on every traffic camera.We need a trail.”
He adjusted his phone on his bike and put on his helmet.He revved the engine to life.
“Adam, you’re not going after them, are you?”
He shouldn’t follow the car by himself.It was too risky and unpredictable.If the mob caught wind, they could hurt Katya and the other captive women.
“What was the last stop you found?”
“Adam...”
“Eddie.”His tone broke no argument.
“Seventh.Close to Maple.”
“Got it.I’m heading in that direction.”
“Adam, you’re not thinking straight.If they catch sight of you, the whole operation could be endangered.”
“I know, but right now, I’m just some dude on his bike.”
“Adam—”
He hung up before Eddie could finish the sentence.He knew exactly what he was going to say, and he didn’t need to hear the warning.All he had to do was find and save Katya.It was the only thing that mattered.
