Page 136 of Steel

“The bad man got her. She told me to run.” His voice cracks. “She said I had to run.”

A tear slips out, and I crouch down to set him on his feet, looking him in the eyes. “You did the right thing, Austin. You did good. I’m proud of you.”

“You are?” He wipes his eyes.

“Of course.” I brush his hair off his forehead. “You came and got me. That’s exactly what we needed you to do.”

He nods, chewing the inside of his cheek.

I look up at my men making their way over. They’re quiet, even if their eyes move from me to Austin, making it clear they’re thinking what I am—Tempe’s not here.

“I need you to go with Ghost for me.”

Austin jumps into my arms again, wrapping himself around me and holding tightly. “Please don’t go.”

“Listen to me, big man.” I pat his back, and he pulls away just enough to look at me. “I’ve gotta go get your sister, okay? This is important.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“I need you here.” I rub his back. “Think of it as your mission.”

“A secret mission?”

“Exactly, and very important. Will you help Ghost keep a lookout while I go find your sister?”

Austin looks over at Ghost, who nods.

I squeeze his shoulder. “Can I rely on you to help me with this, Austin?”

“Will you get Tempe?”

“Yes.” I almost choke on the word as it comes out, and again Austin flies into my arms.

“I’ll keep the lookout.” He squeezes tight. “I’ll keep you safe.”

Ghost takes my spot by the house, squatting down by Austin. “Want to help me check the cameras?”

Austin nods, distracted by Ghost’s phone while I slip away.

Legacy doesn’t leave his perch, keeping a lookout for stragglers as I make my way to where Havoc is stepping off the porch.

“Austin said Tempe is that way.” I point to the shed.

Havoc nods, grabbing another gun as we pass the vans.

When we reach the building, Havoc winds left, while I keep to the right, sticking as close to the building as I can to maintain cover. There’s a muffled scream on the other side and a scuffle in the dirt, so I pick up my pace.

“Bitch.” Dimitri’s voice is sharp and out of breath.

I turn the corner with my gun aimed straight ahead and find Dimitri holding Tempe from behind.

She’s wrestling him. Clawing at his arms and tucking her chin so he can’t cut off her airway. She kicks him in the shin, and he folds over, grunting. Grabbing his arm, she bends forward and flips him to the ground.

My chest swells at the sight of her fighting back with all she has. Even when I notice she’s barefoot and a cut on her forehead is bleeding. Her chest heaves as she fights Dimitri, and as I move forward, I’m not quick enough.

Dimitri is back on his feet before I can get in a clear shot, grabbing Tempe by the hair and holding her in front of him.

“Dimitri,” I shout his name and his gaze snaps to mine.

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