Page 28 of Cowboy
Jer nods. "Already on it. I've got Maverick and Emmanuel down at the docks now, keeping an eye out."
Just then, my phone buzzes. It's a text from an unknown number.
UNKNOWN: Time's up. Bring the drive to Warehouse 17 at the North Wall Quay. One hour. Come alone or the girl dies.
I show the message to Travis and Jer. "This is it," I say. "We need to move now."
Travis nods, already pulling out his phone to alert his team. "Alright, here's the plan. Ciarán, you go in with the fake drive. Keep them talking; buy us as much time as you can. Jer, have your boys create a distraction at the south end of the docks. My team will move in from the north and east. We’ll call Pyro on the way and see if he can spare some of your brothers to help scope out the place."
"What about Caoimhe?" I ask, my heart racing.
"Finding her is our top priority," Travis assures me. "Once we've secured the area, we'll do a thorough sweep. If she's there, we'll find her."
I nod, trying to quell the fear and anticipation churning in my gut. "Let's do this."
As we gear up and head out, I can't shake the feeling that we're walking into a trap. But I don’t care. Right now, my main priority is Caoimhe. I need to find her. That’s all I want.
I head out on my bike and call Pyro once my Bluetooth is connected.
“Cowboy, you good?” Py asks the second he answers the call.
I quickly fill him in on what the message says, along with Jer’s information. “I’m heading to the North Wall now. I know there’s not a lot of time, but I’m wondering if you or any of the brothers are free to help?”
"Of course," Pyro replies without hesitation. "I'll send Tank and Wrath to scout the area. They'll be there in fifteen minutes. Be careful, Cowboy. These bastards are dangerous."
"I know," I say grimly. "Thanks, Py. I'll keep you updated."
I end the call and focus on the road ahead, my mind racing. I’m worried about Caoimhe and what state she’ll be in when we find her. Will we even find her at all? I push the doubts aside. I have to believe we'll get her back. I have to.
As I approach the docks, I slow down, scanning the area for any signs of trouble. The place is eerily quiet, with only the distant sound of waves and the occasional cry of a seagull breaking the silence.
I park my bike a short distance from Warehouse 17 and approach on foot, the fake USB drive heavy in my pocket. My hand instinctively moves to the gun at my waist, making sure it's easily accessible.
As I near the warehouse, I spot Tank and Wrath in position, blending into the shadows. They give me a subtle nod, letting me know they've got my back. It's a small comfort in the face of what I'm about to walk into.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next. Then, with one last glance around, I push open the door to Warehouse 17 and step inside.
The interior is dimly lit. Stacks of crates and shipping containers create a maze-like environment. My eyes scan the area, looking for any sign of movement.
"I'm here," I call out, my voice echoing in the cavernous space. "I've got what you want. Now where's Caoimhe?"
For a moment, there's only silence. Then, a voice speaks from the shadows.
"Ah, Cowboy. Right on time."
A figure steps into view. It's the same man from before, his cold eyes fixed on me.
"Where's Caoimhe?" I demand again, my hand inching toward my gun.
The man smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "All in good time. First, the drive."
I pull the fake USB from my pocket, holding it up. "Let me see Caoimhe first. Then you get this."
The man's smile fades, replaced by a look of irritation. "You're in no position to make demands, boy. Give me the drive or the girl dies. It's that simple."
My heart races as I weigh my options. I need to buy more time, give Travis and the others a chance to find Caoimhe.
"How do I know she's even still alive?" I ask, stalling.
