So I reluctantly gave them a nod, and I watched them for a few seconds, making sure they put their earbud mic in.
After placing mine, I said, “Tap twice if you can hear me.”
I received two taps, and I sighed in relief. We wouldn’t chance the target possibly overhearing them speak—we had no clue what kind of being they were or how good their hearing was—but I was glad they had a way of communicating with me.
I rolled my windows down a tiny bit to see if I could pick up on the person’s scent. If I got a whiff, I’d likely know what species they were, but it seemed that the wind was blowing the wrong way because all I could smell was the normal filthy city stink.
I kept one eye on the target and one eye on Oakley as they settled behind a parked car. Since I knew they knew how to do their job, I didn’t bother telling them to take pictures or report what they could see to me if they safely could.
We had a system in place, or perhaps a code, they could safely execute with only taps if they were in trouble or needed backup. So, as worried as I was, I kept telling myself all would be fine. That Oak would be safe, that my viramore was safe, that nothing was going to happen to them just because I allowed them to walk a block and a half away from me.
I waited for what felt like an eternity before Oak’s voice came through my ear in a whisper.
“It’s a witch.”
That was good. We were both way too far away for a witch to hear and scent us, even if they had enhancing spells on them. “Just the one?”
“So far, but they were on the phone. I recorded what I could.”Luckily, we had our own magically enhanced equipment, so hopefully, we’d be able to listen to their conversation later. It’d only be one-sided, but it was better than nothing.
“Good. Any sign they’re waiting on someone?”
“Yes. They said something about a shipment being late. Considering the time of night, I’m hoping this is it.”
I looked at my clock. It was after three in the morning, so Oak was likely right. What were the chances that someone was expecting a legal shipment at this time of night in the exact location we were told a trafficking ring bought their victims?
“Good work. Stay on them. Tell me if they move or you see anything else.”
“Roger that.”
We went quiet for a time, and I got a better look at the witch in question. She had long blonde hair under a black beanie, a long-sleeved black shirt, black tactical pants, and big black boots. She had a gun and several knives on display, along with some vials that were likely filled with some kind of potion.
From her body language, I could tell she was pissed off when she took another phone call.
I checked in with Oakley once more before a black van finally pulled onto the street. “Black van, incoming from my nine.”
“Roger that. I see it.”
It pulled up, right next to the building, luckily where I could see, and the girl walked over to meet the driver. She yelled at him loud enough I could pick up some of the conversation, but it only lasted a few seconds.
The driver got out of the van, walked to the rear, and opened the back doors. The girl peeked inside, but I couldn’t see what she was looking at from my angle, and I knew Oakley couldn’t either.
The woman nodded, shut the doors, and waved the van onto a side street.
Before I got out of the car, Oakley said,“They’re moving around to the back of the building. I’ll follow around on the east side, you take the west.”
“Sounds good. Stay safe. Keep your shield spells handy.”
“Always do.”
I hated that they would be completely out of my sight, but this was the only thing that made sense. We had to see what was going on, and this way, the targets couldn’t get away without one of us seeing where they went.
Quickly, I made my way around the side of the building, making sure to keep my footsteps silent. When I reached theback alley, I gave a tap to my mic, and Oak tapped back a few seconds later, indicating that they were in position as well.
I hit record on my borescope—a camera lens on the end of a long, flexible tube—then fed the end around the corner to be my eyes without chancing anyone seeing me. I held a small screen in front of me so I could see what the borescope was recording.
My fingers and toes were crossed that Oak was doing the same on their side. It was always best to have multiple angles if at all possible, so we’d have a better chance of analyzing the situation later. Plus, it was more evidence against whatever crimes were committed.
The van was parked beside a smaller car we’d clocked when we’d first arrived tonight. It must’ve belonged to the woman.
