Page 32 of Sanctuary

I rattled off her number as I watched the security guard enhance the image of the man’s face. It wasn’t much clearer.

“Got it,” Rory said. “I’m pinging her location now. As long as her phone isn’t in airplane mode or turned off, we should be able to track it. Got to go, Kat’s calling me. Call me back in five minutes.”

The security guard turned to me. “Sir, I’ve got the best image I can of the suspect’s face. And there is one distinguishing feature on the van – a small dent on the rear bumper, driver’s side.”

I nodded, memorizing every detail of the guy. “Send everything to this email,” I instructed, reciting my address. “And I need a copy of that footage.”

“Sir,” the manager started, her tone cautious, “I really think we should involve the police—”

“My wife was just kidnapped from your hotel,” I said, my voice dangerously calm. “So unless you want the MacGallan clan as your enemy, I suggest you give me everything I need and stay out of my way.”

My phone buzzed with a text from Rory: * Got a ping. Phone moving north on QEW toward Toronto. Sending coordinates. *

“I have to go,” I said, already moving toward the door. “Thank you for your help. I expect your discretion in this matter.”

I didn’t wait for a response, already dialing Rory back as I strode through the lobby toward the parking garage.

“I’m on my way to the car,” I told him. “How far ahead are they?”

“About an hour. They’re moving fast, but not suspiciously so. Sticking to the speed limit.”

Smart. They didn’t want to draw attention.

“I’m sending a team to meet you,” Rory continued. “They’re closer to the current location. Don’t engage alone, Connor. We don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

“Understood,” I lied, knowing full well I’d do whatever it took to get Mia back.

As I reached my car, another thought struck me. “Rory, she was going to tell me something. Right before the alarm, she said, ‘I’m an ass—’ and got cut off.”

“An ass? Maybe she was saying she was an asshole for lying to you?”

“No, hang on,” I said, starting the engine. Once the Bluetooth connected, I continued. “It was something else. Something important. Never mind, I’ll talk to you later.”

I disconnected the call and peeled out of the parking garage. I made my way through the city streets, headed towards the QEW.

Once on the highway, my mind raced faster than the car. “What were you trying to tell me? I’m an ass—” What could it be? Assistant? Assayer? The possibilities tumbled through my head, none making any sense. Assassin. I laughed at the thought of Mia being one as my phone rang. Rory’s name flashed on the dashboard display.

“Connor, the signal stopped moving. They’re at a warehouse complex about 40 miles north of your position.”

“Send me the exact location,” I demanded, pressing harder on the accelerator.

“Already did. But Connor, listen to me. Our team is still 15 minutes out. You need to wait—”

“I’m not waiting,” I cut him off. “Every minute counts. For all we know, they could be moving her again soon.”

Rory sighed heavily. “At least tell me you’re armed.”

I glanced at the glove compartment where I kept my Glock. “Yes.”

“Fine. But promise me you’ll just scout it out until backup arrives. No heroics.”

“I promise,” I lied again, already planning how I’d get inside to where she was.

The GPS showed I was getting close. I turned off my headlights and slowed down, pulling onto a service road that ran parallel to the warehouse district. The place was dimly lit, most of the buildings dark except for security lights. Perfect for conducting shady business without drawing attention.

I spotted the black van parked behind the third building, partially hidden by stacks of wooden pallets. My heart hammered in my chest as I parked a safe distance away and killed the engine. I scanned the windows and doors, as I reached across to the glove compartment for my gun.

Quietly, I opened the car door and slid out, closing it with a barely audible thud. Moving silently through the shadows, I approached the warehouse. A skylight was lit from within and as I got closer, I strained to hear any sounds from inside but only silence greeted me.

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