"Copy. Then move now and I’ll redirect Thane to location seven. He’ll be there before you arrive and may intercept on the way."
"Do it."
"Ryker, I went deeper on the dark web link. The cached auction pages, especially the event section had more critical information. The next live event is scheduled within the week."
I lean my head against the wall, murderous fire burning through me. "You think she’s the target?"
"I think she’s been the target since she found those files. Trevor wasn’t scouting at the donut shop. He was on a timeline. Probably just let her go today because he enjoys fucking with her head."
"JesusChrist."
"Stay sharp. Hotchkins will find him or block him if he comes close. But he has to get there first. You’re a killing machine, but we know what having your woman with you does…"
Yeah. I do.Now I do. I’ve watched the team fall, one after another and it’s not supposed to happen to me.
But goddammit, it is.
It has.
"Like I said, stay sharp, brother," Mako rumbles.
With that warning he disconnects, leaving me reeling.
I stand in the hallway, forcing the operator to take over.Compartmentalize. Move.
First stop is the supply closet. I raid the clothing. Medium sweats and sweatshirt are the smallest items that have been stocked for unexpected stays.
Vision hazed in red, I shoulder back into the room. The second hands of a clock are beating inside my head, a snare drum.
Jade stirs when the light from the hall cuts across the bed.
"Ryker?" She sits up, instantly reads my face, her grogginess evaporating in a split-second. "What’s wrong?"
"Get dressed. Wear these. We’re leaving."
Jade’s off the bed and pulling on the clothes I hand her. The choppy sound of her breathing and tremor in her hands as she works is plenty indication she’s scared.
I grab my gear. Pack my laptop, turn to find her staring at me as she pulls her hair free of the sweatshirt.
"What’s happening?"
Fuck. Here it is. This has to be dealt with head on.
"They found a GPS tracker on your car. It’s been transmitting since before I met you. I missed it. This location is compromised."
There should be shock in her expression, instead there’s an alarming resignation.
"He planted a bug on my car…"
"Yes. And possibly in your belongings too, but it’s all been destroyed now. Car, suitcase, all of it."
She stares at me. Slowly registering what I’ve just said. "Everything’sgone?"
"I’m sorry, Jade. I’ll replace it all."
Her throat works as she processes that. Her emotions come quickly. Cycling through shock, grief, a flash of anger that she buries fast.
She’s programmed that way because she’s spent a lifetime burying things.
