Page 25 of Nikoli

I frown, my hackles are more than raised now. Why send me up here if I can't get into his room without a key? It makes no sense. This whole situation does not make sense.

Brian opens the door and I see my brother right away. He's curled up in a corner of his bed. I slowly step into the room and feel the door close behind me. Then the key locks me in with Gabe.

"Gabe," I whisper.

His head lifts enough for his eyes to find mine. They widen in surprise. The only reaction he makes. He says, "They've locked you in now," in a voice filled with emptiness.

"No." I run to him and throw my arms around his shoulders. I bury my face in his hair and burst into tears. Gabe is stiff and unyielding for a moment and then his arms pull me to him. "I'm here to get you out."

He shudders. "Brian just locked you in here with me. He works for Marcus. You walked into a trap."

I go cold at his words but shake my head. "I'm not here alone. I have Levi Dodge with me. He works for Ellison Security Specialists out of Boston. He's ex-military and former cop. And his boss knows where we are."

Gabe cups my face in his hands and rests his forehead against mine. "I thought I'd never see you again." He shudders. "Marcus said he had proof that I killed Dad."

I wrap myself around my brother and land on his lap. I bury my face in his neck and murmur, "I saw what happened, Gabe. I have proof. We have to get out of here and go straight to the cops in Baton Rouge. With Ellison behind us, they won't be able to ignore what we say."

"What evidence?"

"I downloaded a copy of the security feed from Dad's office while I was hiding in the bushes. I wasn't sure what would happen to it after I left. It's in a safe place."

Gabe shivers and sits me down beside him on the bed. "I'm tired, Owl."

I can't help but smile at his nickname for me. It soon turns to concern when I see his eyes droop. "Gabe? You need to stay awake."

"Hmm."

"Did they drug you?" I lay him down on the bed, which isn't easy considering my brother is all muscle. I pry open one of his eyelids. "They did. Those bastards."

"All the time," he mutters, turning into me. "Owl, don't leave me." Tears fall as I curl up on the bed with my brother.

18

NIKOLI

It's early morning when we arrive in Baton Rouge. Rosie tells us that the last place they have for Dodge is a private hospital halfway between Louisville and Baton Rouge. I'm no longer angry at Willow for coming here with Dodge or for leaving without a word. I admit I was jealous at first. Now I'm afraid of what's happened to her. Those bastards are in for a shock if they've hurt her.

Rhodes slows the vehicle as he leads us off-road behind an abandoned gas station in the middle of nowhere. The only other vehicle is a black SUV. Two men climb out. Rhodes grins and quickly climbs out to meet them. Rosie yawns loudly from the back seat before climbing out. I follow.

The two men hug Rhodes before one lifts Rosie off her feet in a bear hug. She laughs.

They are Rhodes brothers, Carlisle and Jessop Hallen. They live in Sugar Briar, a town in Tennessee. Their hometown. They have a few business interests, Rhodes tells me, some of which could get them in trouble with the law. I don't really care about that.

Introductions are made.

“Nikoli and Rosie, you two go in through the front doors and enquire about Willow and Dodge. Watch their reactions closely,” says Carlisle.

"How the hell are they going to get away with this?" I grumble. "What about the cops? I’ve got a card from Detective Cross in Boston. He knew about Willow's father being killed. Maybe he has a contact down here." I shrug. "Better than nothing."

"I say we scout the place first." Jessop looks at each of us. "If we can do it without the cops, it's better for us. Just sayin'."

"Look, I don't give a shit who the fuck helps us. I want my girl back. Preferably unharmed. Her brother too." I run a hand over my hair and sigh. “Rosie and I will distract them while you guys go around the building."

Carlisle snorts. "Go." He waves us off. "We'll enter the building from the rear.”

I climb behind the wheel of the rental and wait for Rosie to exchange quiet words with Rhodes. She climbs in and slams the door. I start the engine and drive off with the other vehicle, heading down a side road that should take them closer to the back of the facility. Rosie and I drive up the gravel driveway of Magnolia Psychiatric Hospital. Magnolia is the state flower of Louisiana.

The place is well lit when we arrive at the circular turnaround outside the building. "I'm not sure how much sneaking will be possible with the way this place is lit up.”

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