Page 23 of Nikoli

Baton fucking Rouge!

Why the hell didn't she tell me where she was going? She could have warned me instead of running off with another guy. I feel a surge of anger and betrayal. Rhodes looks back at me with a sympathetic expression before getting into position. My mind races with questions and doubts as I try to make sense of it all.

Then the game starts, and I race across the ice. The puck flies past me as I focus on channeling my emotions into the game, determined to prove that I can still perform at my best despite the distraction. My heart pounds in my chest as I skate faster, pushing myself to block out the thoughts of her and the other guy and focus solely on the game at hand. It turns out I'm not as focused as I should be when I miss a chance to put the puck in the net, costing my team a crucial goal. The disappointment is palpable as I realize the impact my distracted state has on the outcome of the game.

Rhodes gets in my face. "Fucking concentrate! Willow is fine. Dodge is just with her for security. Get your head out of your ass."

I take a deep breath and shake off the negative thoughts and focus on the game. With Rhodes words echoing in my head, I vow to push the distractions aside and win this damn game. Then I'll follow my girl to Baton Rouge.

* * *

"Before you go off and fuck shit up, you need to calm down and listen to me." Rhodes stands in my way, a hand on my chest. "Dodge has a lead on her brother. She was going anyway, so they took Ellison's jet. She's safe. You know she's only with him because of his experience, right?"

I close my eyes and breathe. I hold Rhodes gaze. "I know. I should be with her." I force the words out through my teeth. Rhodes nods, understanding in his eyes. "You'll get your chance, but for now you have to trust Dodge. He'll bring her back safely." I take a deep breath, trying to suppress my fear and frustration.

"I'm going down there, Rhodes. No way am I staying here."

He opens his mouth to say something, but snaps it shut. "I'd do the same thing if it was Rosie." Pause. "I have an idea." He says nothing more.

"Well? We haven't got all night."

"Get changed and meet me at my truck." Rhodes dashes off.

Cursing under my breath, I go to my cubby and throw off my clothes. I grab a towel and take a very quick shower. I'm still partially wet when I put on clean clothes.

"What's wrong with you?" Lake asks.

I jump, feeling bad. He's my best friend and has been since we were kids. He recently married Juniper and they spend all their time together. I don't mind, really. I have an open invitation to their apartment. I've just been busy. "When I get back, how about a double date?" I grab his shoulder. "We need to catch up."

“I’d like that."

"Good. I have to go." I shove my wallet and phone into my back pockets, toss the rest of my stuff into my cubby, and turn to my concerned friend. "Long story short, my girl is in trouble. Rhodes is helping me get her out of it. I'll explain soon." Over my shoulder as I leave the locker room, I yell back, "Love you, man!"

The rest of the guys start making obscene noises. I ignore them and go to find Rhodes.

17

WILLOW

Dodge picked up a pre-arranged rental. It's huge and black. An SUV that can seat eight, just the two of us. We drive in silence to the first secure facility on Dodge's list. It's halfway between Louisville and Baton Rouge, which is why it's first on the list. It is also the closest to the private airfield. If we find my brother, I have no idea how to get him out of the place. It's not like I can just walk out with a patient. Dodge gave me a 'don't ask' look when I asked him about this.

The big man is focused on the road ahead of us. I watch the landscape pass by the window. Some areas are beautiful and well maintained, while other places look abandoned. I've lived in Louisville my whole life until it all went to shit. I'm not even sure I want to be here anymore. I didn't even get to go to my dad's funeral. I doubt Gabe went either. I wipe a tear from my cheek. The vehicle slows before turning right onto a gravel driveway. It sounds loud as Dodge guns the SUV along. We arrive in front of a massive three-story plantation style mansion.

"You ready?" Dodge asks as he puts the car in park.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I open the door and slide down until my feet touch the ground. I look around and comment, "The driveway is new."

"I noticed when I drove up. They haven't had much traffic since. Makes me curious." We meet at the front of the car. Dodge lowers his head. "They're having exterior work done, too."

"What are you suggesting?"

"If your brother is being held here against his will, maybe someone paid a small fortune for that privilege."

"Oh." I look around the place and pull myself together. "No time like the present."

As we enter the facility, we get no further than a small reception area. Even to the untrained eye, there are obvious cameras. Digital locks on the door as well. Plexiglas sits between us and the receptionist. Her eyes sweep over Dodge before 'Bernie' asks, "How can I help you this fine day?" The woman still hasn't looked at me other than a curious glance as we entered.

"I'm Levi Dodge, and I've been told," Dodge begins, a broad smile on his face that Bernie eats up, "that my nephew is here. We'd like to pay him a visit."

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