Page 41 of Burning Justice

Tristan frowned. “You know his family?”

“I’m from Last Chance County, but it’s been a long time.” Kane wasn’t going to explain his own family tie to the Eastside Firehouse.

“Good to know.” Tristan nodded. “Bryce and Penny, and Andi and Jude, are on their way. Their mom stayed with their dad.”

That was likely what was making everyone nervous. Logan’s father had a TBI that severely hampered his ability to have a normal life—but it didn’t steal his enjoyment of fishing. With a nurse and plenty of family around to care for him, the Crawford siblings’ father had a peaceful life. At least, he did now that their family wasn’t the target of a dangerous cartel.

Still, with history seeming to repeat itself in Logan, they were probably all on edge.

“Thanks for the update.” He held out his hand. “I appreciate it.”

Tristan shook hands with Kane. “No problem. I’m just glad I can help. Better than feeling useless here.” He stepped away from the end of the bed. “I’m gonna go see if Crew has a location for Sanchez.”

Kane said, “Thanks.”

He was all fine to stay put and let a doctor check him out, but after he took care of some pressing business. Which meant finding a restroom down the hall.

He was washing his hands when the door opened and a man stepped in.

Kane twisted around, the faucet still running, not exactly registering a threat, but close. He wasn’t going to let his guard down with his back to the room.

Kane stared at the guy, and the pieces clicked into place. “I know who you are.”

He’d only ever seen this man in a picture. Never in person. The older man nodded, lines permanently etched into the skin around his eyes and on his forehead, gray hair on the sides of his head, and a beard covering the lower half of his face. He looked too thin, almost sick. Definitely malnourished.

He said, “That makes this easier.”

Kane shut off the water. “Doctor Cortez?”

“Rodrigo.”

“Kane Foster.”

“You’re the one.” The older man studied him. “Good.”

“You know who I am?”

“I know you’ll do everything you can to protect her. Is that right?”

Kane nodded. “That’s right.”

“You and your friends.”

“Because I asked them to help me keep her safe.”

Rodrigo was still for a moment, then nodded. “You have a way to find her?”

“We’re working on it.” Kane had a feeling this conversation was going to be over just as fast as it started, so he moved closer to the other man and grabbed a paper towel. Wiped his hands dry, using the movement to tug off his tracker ring. “Anything you can share that might help me do that?”

“It’s too risky, me even being here, but they’re all distracted with her. I need your assurance that she will get through this. Otherwise I can’t do what I need to.”

Kane didn’t like the sound of this. “Maria wants to see you. She’s been looking for you since you were taken from her.”

“She’s made a life for herself. Once she’s free of these people, she’ll be able to be happy.”

“That won’t happen without you.”

Rodrigo looked aside at the bathroom stalls. “We both know what’s at stake here. If I allow them to capture me again, this will never end. I’ll die a captive.”

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