Page 68 of Shattered

The name was familiar, like I’d overheard it in a conversation somewhere.

Once my diaphragm stopped spasming, I was able to answer him. “Jade Banks.”

“How do you know Riley Banks?”

At this point, I didn’t feel it was in my best interest to lie. The asshole already said he saw me at the hospital with Riley, even though the only time I recalled being alone with him was when he got the elevator key for me at the nurses’ station.

“He’s my brother-in-law.”

“So not the fiancée and not his whore.” He rubbed his index finger against the scruff on his chin. “But still family. Either way, thatmaranoneeds to learn what happens when he fucks with me. Maybe he’ll be smarter than his father was.”

Holy shit.

Now I knew where I’d heard his name. He was the guy Koen suspected of putting the hit out on his father, and he’d basically just admitted it to me. I was scared before, but now I was petrified.

“What are you going to do with me?” I asked as he started to walk away.

He twisted around, giving a nod to his man. It happened so fast I didn’t even have a chance to dodge his fist before it collided with the side of my head.

18FAST AND STEADY

Koen

There were times when I hated the law. Despised it, actually.

“Your Honor, we have video of Mrs. Banks being taken against her will by Brian Sweets, a known associate of Victor Macha.”

That was Riley. Arguing our case to some judge who was in his pajamas, so we could get a search warrant. We knew Jade was somewhere on this asshole’s property, yet we were being held up by things like probable cause. It was bullshit and he had about five more seconds to convince this man beforethe lawcould fuck right off.

“We also have proof the car Sweets used in the commission of the crime is currently parked in the driveway of said property.”

Lies.We assumed the car was there based on the location marker of the AirTag, which––come to find out––was not considered credible evidence in the great state of California, since it wasn’t government issued.

We left Jett with Willow and my mom backat the hospital. They were all on the verge of losing their minds. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. My only saving grace was knowing they’d protect Jett, both physically and emotionally, until I brought his sister home. And I would bring her home.

“You’ve got your warrant, Captain.”

Thank fuck.

“You still with me, Koen?”

We were back in the SFPD issued SUV, racing down the highway with lights and sirens blaring. I’d lost minutes being stuck in my head. Minutes I didn’t have to lose. Minutes where Jade remained in the hands of a dangerous criminal.

Focus, Banks.

“Where else would I be, Riley?”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

I ground my molars together, reminding myself I’d ask the same question if our roles were reversed. Still, it stung. The fact he was breaking about seven thousand different rules by allowing me to participate in the raid didn’t go unnoticed. I just didn’t give a fuck.

“Try to stop me and see what happens.”

It was dark outside, almost ten at night. Macha’s compound was situated on fifty acres of heavily wooded property along the San Andreas Lake. We’d studied the maps before we rolled out. We’d chosen a point of entry a mile to the south of the main residence, a large Colonial-style house situated on the outer edge of the acreage. Between Riley’s initial team and the six additional officers he called in, the plan was to simultaneously hit both the house and the large outbuilding behind it hard and fast, hopefully taking Macha by surprise.

“Settle, Brother. Just checking your pulse.”

“It’s fast and steady.”

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