Page 40 of War Within
Snapping my head toward him, I glowered. “Uh, Emir?”
“Yeah, boss?” He kept his eyes ahead, watching the slick roads as he took a right at a light.
“Is there something going on between you and my daughter?” I pulled my communication device from my pocket, nestling the earpiece into my ear.
Emir’s eyes widened and his mouth fell agape.
“I'm starting to think I have more than one enemy.”
He shot me a rapid, shocked glance. “What?! No sir!” He sighed. “Can we focus on finding Jane and discuss this later?”
“You bet your ass we will, young man.”
Bewilderment flashed on his face as he gulped visibly. “We're getting close to the warehouse the red head was last seen nearby. Keep an eye out.” He paused, sighing. “Please…sir.”
Pursing my lips, I scowled. “Don't you dare think I’ll forget to bring it up again. If Jane wasn’t missing, I’d kick your ass.”
As hard as I was on him about Valentina, I did truly like him. He was skilled in many security tactics, and I valued him. However, when it came to my kids, I was severely territorial. It did not matter their age. Of course, I was more protective over my daughter. She was my princess. If any man wanted to date her, they would have to come through me, first.
The car came to a slow stop. Emir unbuckled his seatbelt then grabbed two pistols from the door pocket. Quietly, we snuck out of the car. We counted silently,1, 2, 3,then inched our doors closed simultaneously.
“This was the last place we saw the red head on the footage.” He spoke barely loud enough for me to hear.
I nodded.
Emir drew his weapon, surveying parking lot. Cluttered debris and hills of plowed snow offered us a place to conceal ourselves away from the main walkway. The faint footprints near the building gave indication there had been recent activity here.
All clear. Emir’s low tone came through my earpiece.
Brushing by him, I sighed. “I'm going inside, you keep watch out here.”
“With all due respect, boss, I don’t think that’s a good idea at all.” He shook his head.
“And you thought getting cozy with my daughter was?” I pursed my lips, cocking my head.
“I’ll keep watch.” He spun around hastily, drawing his gun toward the desolate parking lot.
Without another word, I opened a large metal door. It did not make a sound, which meant it had been freshly oiled to prevent drawing attention to those coming or going. Cautiously, I navigated several hallways before coming to the sizable, open center room.
There was no sign of life in the building. It was not a good sign. It meant we were at least a few hours behind them. They could be anywhere by now.
Tucking my gun in my front waistband, I examined the floor for any clues. Maybe these people were careless and left something behind. One could have hoped. I roamed the center area. Each shimmering puddle caught my eye.
Suddenly, I spotted something.Emir.
Yeah boss? All is still clear out here.
No, she's not here but she left her red bracelet. I'll be out in a second. Get the car ready.
As I turned to leave, a strange thump followed by a small splash summoned my attention. I spun on my heels toward an archway, gripping the handle of my gun. Sneaking to the hallway, I kept glancing back over my over shoulder, making sure I was not the victim of a trap.
Poking my head through the door, I checked both ends of the corridor, making sure the coast was clear before slipping around the corner. With my back to the wall, I slithered sideways toward the end of the hallway, peeking around the next corner. It was then I saw a wisp of red, crouch and scamper down an adjacent hallway.
“Fuck.” I raced through the dark corridor, chasing the doomed girl.
“Ahhh!” She screamed, realizing she was trapped at a dead end. Tears streamed down her face and she spun around, glancing back and forth, panicked.
Lunging forward, I grabbed her wrist. Pushing her against the wall, I pressed the muzzle of my gun to her forehead. “Where is she?!”
