Page 214 of Perfect Pitch

I smile crookedly. “There’s only one hostage my brother wants more than Austyn.”

Inserting an earpiece, I outline my plan to Colby as I test the gear. “Get Marco on the line. See if I’m cleared to land a chopper in the Redemption parking lot.”

Cal’s fingers are flying to get one airborne and to land on the rooftop here. I pace impatiently while Colby calls Redemption’s owner. What feels like agonizing hours later—when in reality it’s only brief minutes—as Trevor details his plans to spirit my Austyn away so they can live happily ever after in the crazed world he’s dreamed up for them, Colby disconnects the line. “You’re cleared. Marco’s leaving the keys to his Audi under the seat.”

My head jerks upward as my throat works. Gruffly, I say, “Thanks, Crash,” just as Rachel announces, “Chopper, three minutes out!”

I rattle off a stream of instructions neither Cal nor Rachel need. Then I give her the most important one. Shoving my hand into my pocket, I say, “If...” and nothing more.

I don’t ask her to let Austyn know I love her, that I’ll go to my death loving her.

Then again, I don’t need to.

Rachel glares at me even as she shakes her head furiously, “There’s no ‘if.’ Not today, buddy. Now, go rescue your woman and get your ass back here. I’m not doing your damn paperwork.”

The last thing I hear before I storm from the command center is Caleb briefing Paige and Beckett. That’s when Paige demands, “What does that mean, Mitch is going after Austyn? Someone better give me a straight answer, starting with you, Beckett.”

I don’t have time to tell her she’ll make a hell of a mother-in-law if I manage to survive. Regardless, I hope Beckett does it for me after I get their daughter back to them.

After all, all that matters is my heart keeps on beating even if I can’t live alongside her.

* * *

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SEVEN

DJ Kensington was spotted being carried out of a Fort Washington condo building earlier today. Despite protests, she was checked out by EMTs for injuries and pronounced fine at the scene.

—StellaNova

Colby must have pulled in every favor we were owed, I think dispassionately. Within fifteen minutes, the skids are touching down and I’m flinging the door open. Austyn’s call has been patched through the entire time.

Every second I’ve listened to her fear has raised the ante on how I will tear my brother limb from limb.

I spot Marco’s car waiting in the lot not far from where we touch down. Just as I start the car’s ignition, Rachel breaks through to inform me, “Charlie’s on site.”

“How in the fuck did he find out about this?” I shout over the roar of the engine.

“How the hell does he find out about anything? You’re related to him. Ask!” she bellows.

“What’s his position?” And don’t think I won’t be cornering him to figure out exactly how Charlie knew to be watching River View.

“Charlie has the east garage secured, and NYPD is guarding all other entrances. They’ve locked down the elevators. There’s only one way in, and that’s past you.”

I gun the motor and wheel the vehicle toward the gates protecting the Redemption parking lot. Before I get close, they swing inward. I mutter, “He won’t get past me.”

That’s when I hear Charlie’s voice in my ear. “I’m waiting for you at the front entrance.”

“Get the hell out of there,” I snarl.

“Not a chance in hell, kid.” Charlie’s voice is resolute.

“I don’t need the distraction.”

“No, but you need the backup.”

“Fuck, Charlie. I don’t want him having an opportunity to take a shot at either you or Austyn.” I weave around cars, breaking about ten different traffic laws, in my need to go four blocks.

Four.

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