Page 194 of Fractured Allegiance

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Me: Make it thirty minutes.

Tyler: I'll do what I can.

I set the phone down.

Stare out the windshield at the building behind me.

Harlow Tower.

She's still up there.

Still locked in.

Still alone.

I start the engine.

And I drive, thirty minutes later, I’m at the logistics office, I need my mind occupied, something doing to help keep me in control, I’m supposed to head to the apartment, try to get some sleep, but I just can’t, not while she stays locked up in that penthouse.

Forty-seven minutes after I texted Tyler, his message comes through.

I open it.

Tyler: Elias Voss. Former intelligence contractor. Not currently active. Last known residence: 447 Merchant Street, Unit 12. Phone: [number]. Connected to Lydia Carr—used to be his fixer. Be careful. This guy's connected.

I stare at the screen.

Former intelligence contractor.

No wonder Lydia trusts him.

I save the number.

Take a breath.

And I make the call.

It rings twice.

A voice answers. Deep. Measured. Careful.

"Who is this?"

"My name is Silas Ward. I'm calling about Lydia Carr."

Silence.

Then: "Go on."

"She's in trouble. Drazen has her locked up. He thinks she's the leak to his operations. She's not. But if I don't move fast, he's going to kill her."

Another pause. Longer this time.

"And you are?"

I hesitate. Then: "I’m the one on guard outside her door all night, and I’m someone who's trying to keep her alive."

"That's not a straight answer."

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