Page 16 of Stone

Taking a few bites, he headed back down the street, passing some restaurants and convenience stores.

His cellphone rang. Chewing the last bite of hot dog, he pulled the phone out of his jacket. “Holman.”

“Knox, it’s Killian.”

“Problem?” He didn’t like the tense tone of his boss’ voice.

“Where’s Nick? He’s not answering his phone.”

“He got a call that Lainie fainted,” Knox told Killian. “He was pretty freaked out. He’s on his way to meet her at the hospital.”

Killian cursed.

Knox frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Nola called. She went to view an empty penthouse for work, but it wasn’t empty. She saw the head of the local Russian mafia shoot a man in the head.”

“Fuck,” Knox bit out. “She okay?”

“No. Zolotov’s men chased her. She’s hiding in an alley.”

Ice filled Knox’s veins. Nola was tiny. Her up against a bunch of hardened Russian enforcers…

He had to get to her.

“I assume if she gives her statement to the cops about what she saw, and testifies, it’s going to put this Zolotov away?”

“Correct.”

“And he’ll do anything to stop that.”

“Yes. He’s known for being bloody and vicious. Knox, you’re the closest to her—”

“Give me the address. I’ll get her.”

“I’m sending it to your phone.” Hex’s voice cut across the line. “The High Line Tower. I tracked her phone and she’s in an alley north of the building.”

Knox checked the map on his phone, then turned into the next street. He picked up speed. “Once I get her?”

“Keep her safe,” Killian said. “And get her back to Sentinel Security.”

“Wait!” Hex cried. “We have a problem. I pulled up all the CCTV feed around the High Line Tower. Zolotov is flooding the streets with his men.”

“What?” Killian barked.

“Three black SUVs just pulled up in front of the building. Facial rec is going crazy. They’re all foot soldiers for Zolotov.”

Knox’s jaw tightened. There was no way this Zolotov would let Nola live. In his mind, he saw her flirty smile, pretty eyes, the sassy look on her face.

Fuck, no. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.

“I’m ending the call,” he clipped. “I’ll get to her.”

“Knox, stay safe,” Killian ordered. “Get our girl.”

Knox shoved the phone in his jacket pocket. Then he ran.

Okay, being scared out of your brain was no fun.

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