Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
I will get her back.
No matter what it takes.
I follow them now, my headlights off, staying just far enough behind to avoid detection. The road is dark and mostly empty, which makes tailing them without being noticed trickier than I’d like. My phone buzzes in the center console, and I grab it, keeping one hand on the wheel.
“Dean,” I bark, answering without pleasantries. “The photos you sent us of those guys are tied to Earth’s Bounty.”
“That eco-extremist group? Makes sense. They’ve been quiet for a while, but this kind of move fits their profile.” I press the gas harder. “I’m on their tail,” I say, my eyes locked on the van ahead. “They’ve got Tory.”
Dean swears under his breath. “Tell me everything.”
I relay the story of how Tory was taken at the gas station, and Dean curses more as I tell him how they tossed her into an unmarked van, and I’m hot on their tracks.
“They’re young, reckless, and stupid,” I growl. “But I need to know where they’re taking her—and I think they’ll lead me to Malser.”
“Do not lose that van,” Dean orders.
“Wasn’t planning on it,” I snap.
Dean exhales sharply. “Earth’s Bounty has a compound not far from Saint Pierce. Rural area, lots of land, good for keeping people hidden. Bravo’s already been deployed. We’ll have eyes in the air soon, and I’ll send their coordinates once we confirm the location.”
“I’m closing in,” I say, glancing at the speedometer. The van takes an unexpected turn down a narrow dirt road, and I slow my truck, keeping enough distance to stay out of sight.
“Ranger,” Dean says, his tone more urgent now. “Do not engage. Let Bravo handle this.”
“I’ll do what I need to do,” I reply, my jaw tightening.
“Damn it, Ranger, don’t go lone wolf on me!”
“Dean,” I cut him off, my voice like steel. “If we wait too long, Tory and her father could both be dead. I won’t let that happen.”
The road twists and turns, trees closing in on either side, until the van finally slows and pulls into a hidden driveway. A set of gates looms ahead, just visible in the moonlight, and I pull off to the side of the road, killing my engine.
“They’re here,” I say quietly. “The compound.”
“I’ve got Bravo en route,” Dean says quickly. “Give them time to get into position.”
“There’s no time,” I growl, my hand already reaching for the weapon holstered at my side. “They’ve got Tory, Dean. By the time your team gets here, it could be too late.”
“Ranger—”
“I’m not waiting,” I say firmly, ending the call before he can argue further.
I step out of the truck, the cool night air sharp against my skin as I move toward the compound. My heart pounds in my chest, but my mind is clear, focused.
They took Tory.
They made it personal.
And they’re going to regret it.
As I approach the gates, my phone buzzes again in my pocket. I pull it out, already knowing it’s Dean.
“Don’t do this, Ranger,” he warns, his voice low and tense. “Bravo’s minutes away. Let them handle it.”
“Every second we wait is a second they could hurt her—or worse,” I reply, my voice cold and steady. “I’m not standing here while she’s in there.”
“Ranger, think about this—”
“I have,” I say, cutting him off. “And I’m going in.”
I end the call, sliding my phone back into my pocket as I move closer to the gates. My grip tightens on my weapon, my senses sharp as adrenaline courses through my veins.
Tory’s in there.
And I’m getting her out.
Chapter 24
Tory
The van comes to a jarring stop, and I’m thrown sideways, my shoulder slamming into the wall. Pain radiates through me, but it’s nothing compared to the fear twisting in my chest. The men in the front laugh, their voices low and cruel, and I press myself into the corner, desperate to disappear.
“Let’s go,” one of them snaps, yanking open the back doors.
I’m dragged out, my feet scraping against the rough gravel as they haul me toward a large, looming building. It’s dark and cold, the air thick with the smell of damp wood and diesel. My heart pounds in my chest as I struggle against their grip, but it’s no use.
Inside, the space is cavernous and dimly lit, the air heavy with dust. I’m shoved forward, stumbling until my knees hit the concrete floor. My breath catches in my throat when I see him.
My father.
He’s tied to a chair in the center of the room, his face pale but determined. His glasses are crooked, and there’s a cut above his eyebrow, but he looks up at me with a spark of defiance in his eyes.
“Tory,” he breathes, his voice trembling.
“Dad!” I cry, tears streaming down my face.
Before I can move toward him, they grab me again, forcing me into a chair beside him. The ropes bite into my wrists and ankles as they tie me down, and my heart races with terror.