Page 89 of No Mistake

An incoming call on the video screen revealed Sanchez.

“Gentlemen, we just got a call. Zaid Ali. Offering a trade,” Sanchez said.

“Weapons for our people?” Sam asked.

“Not just weapons. Reyes Lazir and Ahmed Khalini, too.”

“Fuck, they know exactly who Ryan is,” Sam said.

“As in one of the team that got Kelly back, captured Khalini and Lazir, yes. But there was no mention of Onyx. It appears they believe it’s a SEAL team.”

“How long do we have?” Dex asked.

“Eight hours.”

“Did you ask for proof of life?”

“Yeah.” A picture came up on screen of both Ryan and Sophie. They were tied up and gagged, but alive.

“Any clues as to location?” Mackie asked.

“None. We’re working on it.”

“Alright. We cannot give them what they want, so we need to find them before the deadline. If Tracer has been made, we can’t rely on him for the information. Let’s get to work,” Sam said.

Dex glanced at Sam, motioned for him to step outside.

“What is it?”

“If Tracer is made, they might go after his family. It’s what cartels do,” Dex said.

“What are you asking?’

“We may have doubts about Tracer, but he is one of us. The nursing home. His mom. I’d feel better if we got protection on her.” Dex hoped his boss agreed with him.

Sam nodded. “Alright. I’ll have Sanchez put a team over there, just in case. Maybe we’ll get lucky and pick one of the sons of bitches up there.”

“Thanks, boss.”

“You good? This is Ryan.”

Dex kept his face neutral, determined not to display his fear. “I’m good. We’ll get them back.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Sam slapped him on the back as he walked away, already making the call.

Dex rejoined his team. They had to get them back. There was no other option he wanted to consider.

Chapter 16

Ryan’s vision was clearing. His legs felt like jelly and his head throbbed like a motherfucker. Whatever they’d injected him with had knocked him out cold, but he was coming around. His hands were bound behind his back, and they had taped his mouth.

Sophie? Fuck! She sat opposite him, tied up the same way. The panic and fear in her eyes ripped him in two.

He held her gaze, willing her to stay strong, then he scanned her up and down. She didn’t appear to be hurt, and she was fully clothed. Both good signs. Tentatively moving his head, he checked out their surroundings. They were in some sort of cabin, probably a boat. No windows. Bunk beds were up against one wall and a small table. He and Sophie were tied to two wooden chairs. That was a little bit of good luck. Easily breakable. Engines. He could hear engines. This was no small boat. The rumbling under his feet, the stillness. This was a large vessel, or a container ship.

A door opened and Perez walked in with two other men he did not recognize. But when they spoke, he immediately recognized the Daram dialect of Reborn. This was bad. Really fucking bad.

“Well, well Mr. Baxter. Nice of you to wake up.”

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