Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 133531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 534(@250wpm)___ 445(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 534(@250wpm)___ 445(@300wpm)
I’ll be one, Rhianna said. It shouldn’t take me long to get there.
“Three of my team have volunteered to disguise themselves as the women these men will try to kidnap, Wilson,” Mack said into the radio. “They are highly trained.”
“Too big a risk,” Wilson said.
“To your suspects?” Mack countered.
Wilson didn’t reply, but Gideon heard the three women share laughter with the team members. It was a risk to the suspects. Rose and Rhianna were every bit as lethal as the men, and Jaimie was as well, given the right circumstances. They weren’t very happy that Westlake, Carver and Michigan had tortured Rory and left her to die.
Half the flock of sparrows lifted from the apple tree, taking to the air, following Michigan as he made his way toward the apartments. Like Carver, he took a circular route, twice changing directions, clearly checking to see if anyone was following him. He never once thought to look to the sky.
“We’ve got Westlake in sight. He’s pulling into the garage,” Larrsen said. “Visitor parking. Used his police ID to get right in the front. He’s sitting in his car, but he’s nervous. He’s looking around and spending lots of time on his phone.”
“Stay back, Larrsen,” Wilson cautioned. “I don’t want him to spot you.”
“He won’t.” There was complete confidence in Larrsen’s voice.
Gideon didn’t blame him. Javier had shown him a couple of places to conceal himself that gave him a good view of the front of the building and visitor parking.
Gideon felt movement behind him and knew immediately his woman had joined him on the rooftop. “What are you doing? You had strict orders to stay put.”
Rory moved slowly, but she came up beside him. I’m feeling better. I’m getting stiff just being in bed. I’d rather be up here with you.
“Did you ask Paul first?”
She made a face at him. I’m not three, Gideon. I wouldn’t take a chance on messing up anything he worked so hard to repair, especially once I knew there was a risk to him. He told me to not speak aloud yet, but I can be up here with you. Just not to overdo it.
“Climbing stairs might be overdoing it, Red. Sit right here next to me.” Gideon patted the wide bench next to where he stood. “Are you warm enough?”
The truth was, he preferred having her close to him. He’d been with her nearly every moment since they’d found her in the warehouse, and he was uncomfortable leaving her alone, even though he could reach out to touch her telepathically.
Rory sank onto the bench and leaned against his hip. She had a new inhaler, one Paul had prescribed for her. It seemed to work better, but Gideon wanted Rory to be strong enough for Paul to be able to do the psychic surgery on her lungs. Paul didn’t think she was ready yet.
“Leo Carver just pulled into the parking lot,” Larrsen reported. “He appears to be very agitated. He’s gotten out of his vehicle and into Westlake’s.”
What does Detective Larrsen plan to do once all of them show up there at the apartments? The women aren’t there. Won’t that tip Westlake off that they’ve been placed in a safe house? He’ll know Lydia and I aren’t working. By now, he must know I’m not dead, right? Hasn’t the word gotten out?
“Not yet, but it’s going to very soon.”
Gideon felt Rory’s frown in his mind, and he used the pad of his thumb to rub at her lips. “Sweetheart, part of the plan is to keep them off-balance. They need to find out you’re alive. They’ll know forensics has the car, the place you were tortured, your clothes and the hood they covered your face with. And the notebook. The noose is closing around their necks.”
Which will make them desperate. Desperate men do crazy things. There was worry in her voice.
“We’re going to be watching over Larrsen, Red.” He read her concern.
Larrsen is Lydia’s choice. And he’s a good man. You said so yourself. I think Westlake will do everything he can to kill him.
“I think you’re right. Wilson thinks he’s going to make an arrest. I doubt if Westlake is going to go quietly,” Gideon agreed.
Larrsen’s voice interrupted. “Jerome Michigan just pulled up. Carver and Westlake are checking their weapons. They mean business. Wait until they come back out before we confront them. We don’t want them taking hostages.”
Can one of your team disable their vehicles while they’re inside? Would Wilson agree to let you do that? She sent the question to Mack on the common team pathway.
“Wilson, I can have a member of my team get in there fast and disable the cars. Need your okay. We’re already working with you,” Mack reminded him.
Wilson didn’t hesitate. “That’s a go.”
“Sending you in, Rhianna. You’re good with cars. Get it done. You’re already there, right behind Carver.”