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“We got no such report.” The officer eyes Kai.

“I would never want to disrespect an officer of the law, but the dispatcher I spoke to seemed so uninterested, I was concerned she wasn’t taking me seriously,” Kai says, placing his hand over his heart.

“Was it Jannet that you spoke to?” he asks, taking his hat off.

“I didn’t quite catch her name, we were a little busy trying to find our trucks—you understand.”

“Oh yeah, fine-looking vehicles.”

“I doubt you want to deal with the hassle of grand theft auto on top of whatever is going on here,” Kai goes on, jingling the keys in front of the officer.

The cop looks over to his partner still talking to the barista and he checks out the other officers in the building as well. “That would be a bit inconvenient considering the situation.”

“Oh sure, we don’t want any part of this; you seem to have your hands full,” Kai says smoothly.

“Yep, two girls got themselves kidnapped. Black van came and snatched ’em right up.”

“Oof, such a shame.”

“Seems they were headed out of town from the eyewitness; the whole thing’s kind of messed up.”

I stand there, worried the officer will connect the dots between the holes in Kai’s story. He’s an idiot, but it’s working so far.

“People really are fucked-up.” Kai puts his hand out. “Pardon my language.”

“Naw, you’re all right, kid.” The officer pulls his pants up by his belt. “You boys can get out of here, I’ll talk to my partner. But I suggest you leave now before the detective gets here.”

“Thank you so much, Officer, you take care now. We’ll come back for the bike.” Kai bows his head slightly before turning toward me, sticking his tongue out with a smile like he won something.

I see the cop wave us off as I glare at Kai.

“You’re an idiot,” I say.

“No, he’s an idiot. You’re welcome.”

I clench my jaw as I snatch the keys out of his hand and pull off Jack’s spare key, handing it to him. “Don’t expect a thank-you.” I hop in my truck and start the engine when my phone buzzes again.

Jack: Did you get them?

Cade: Yes. Send your location.

I get his pin and pull the truck out of the parking lot, Kai following behind. I drive about a half mile down the road and pull into a small park. Jack is standing glaring at a grinning Alok. I sigh at the obnoxious sight of their dynamic. These fuckers need to get their act together fast, because I have no idea how much time we have.

My phone buzzes again, and I pull it out to see an unknown number. I answer immediately, assuming it’s Ben.

“Your information was fucking off,” I say as Jack opens the door, sitting in the passenger seat.

“I got news they secured their target. They are on their way back here now. I’m sorry, Cade. I’m assuming they got your sister.”

“They have Gen, too.”

“What?” Ben’s voice cracks.

“Due to the incompetence of my team, we didn’t know they were tracking her phone. It’s my fault for not being thorough.”

“No, it’s mine. I gave Gen that phone thinking it was secure; I told her to keep it put away and only use it for emergencies. Listen, they aren’t going to kill Calli yet. Darian is leading the team; he’s in charge of the operation and taking care of you.”

“Is that supposed to make me fucking feel better?” My voice is sharp, but my skin begins to buzz at the name.