Chapter 21
Jasper
I hadn’t been to this part of Tabiq in a long time. The old factory was run down and abandoned years ago. If you didn’t know it was there, you wouldn’t even see it through all the trees. Figures you’d find a place like this Ocalla.
“How are you doing, Florraz?” Bennett’s voice came through on the earpiece he’d given me.
I’m fucking hurting.Every step on these crutches felt like someone twisting a knife in my ribs. Logan had wanted to give me some pain meds, but I didn’t need my head in a fog. This was dangerous enough without my missing the obvious.
“I know the plan.” Just hope it went the way we wanted.
Bennett had given me an extra earpiece for Alysa, and I needed to get it to her somehow. I was less concerned about Ocalla letting me see her, and more concerned with what shape she’d be in when I did.
I hadn’t even made it all the way through to the building when four of Ocalla’s goons popped out with their guns trained on me. “Don’t move.”
They came over and held me still, while one of them patted me down roughly. When the guy felt the tape and bandages around my chest, he ripped my shirt open and searched for a listening device. That’s how our local police department would’ve wired me. Thankfully, I was working with the Hendersons, who seem to have access to much more advanced equipment.
“I told him I’d come alone,” I said.
They continued to pat me down. The hard cast on my leg was the only place they hadn’t been able to fully search. What they also missed was the earpiece hidden inside the handle grip of my crutches.
When I was clear, they nudged me toward the building with the butt of the rifle. “I want to see Alysa,” I demanded.
“She’s inside,” one replied.
“Bring her out,” I said.”
He nudged me even harder and said, “You don’t give orders around here.”
And you won’t be alive to take them for much longer either if I’m right.
I had no clue where Bennett and all his men were hiding, but I sure as hell wished they could see through walls because I was going in.
The sun had already set, and once inside I noticed they had the place lit by candles and lanterns. This place really was off the grid. I wondered how long Ocalla had been using this old factory, and for what? Whatever it is, you’re about to be shut down.
As we made it through the hallway I said, “A left, right and left again. I’m not sure you know where you’re taking me.” But I do know who’s listening to the directions.
“Just keep moving,” he barked.
“What’s that guard doing at the end of the hallway? Is that that where you’re holding Alysa?” I asked.
“It is. But if you try to go see her, you won’t make it. He’s under orders to shoot to kill. Not that the boss will mind. It will save him the trouble of doing it himself,” he laughed.
You’re so fucking dumb that you don’t know what you just did.
“All you have is one guard on the outside watching her? I’d have thought you would have another on the inside, too,” I said.
“No one is getting out of there. Not in their condition.”
I cringed hearing that. What the fuck had they done to her? I swear I’ll kill you myself if you hurt her.
“Keep cool, Florraz,” said Bennett in my ear. “You’re doing great. Don’t blow it now.”
That was easier said than done but I kept moving as instructed.
We came upon a door and the guy grabbed me and said, “This is it.”
“What’s inside?” I asked.