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Who else has trackers on them?

The man has the audacity to shrug and turn back to Sergei, who also acts like he doesn’t know a fucking thing that’s happening. Honestly, maybe it’s best I don’t know.

Is there one in me?

He nods then turns to Sergei, who urges us forward. Part of me feels as if I should be mad that they’ve somehow snuck a tracking device into my body, but if there was anyone I’d want looking for me, it would be these two.

We creep through the brush, dodging broken rides and bits of metal strewn everywhere. Of all places, why here? It still doesn’t make sense.

Another buzz turns my attention back to the phone. This time, it’s Todd.

Todd

Hey. Got the last texts from Ashleigh’s phone. Have you found her yet?

John Anderson

Found her car. Almost to her. I hope.

Maybe this can help you somehow.

Fwd: Caldwell Morgan

Hey. I know what you said, but I don’t think we should end things like this.

I know you have a tendency to change your mind, so I’d like at least one last chance to convince you.

Please, Ash. We have a history together. We could have an amazing future together. Just please.

Look. I’ll be at the devil’s playground all evening if you change your mind.

Caldwell fucking Morgan?

But none of this makes sense. What does this have to do with me? He sounds like a lovesick pup needing to be put down more than a killer trying to lure me out here in the middle of nowhere. Unless he realized we were together and wanted to take out the competition?

That doesn’t make sense either. The times I’ve met him, he’s always come across soft and inept. But then, I guess there’s no stopping it if someone snaps?

I pass the phone to Grigori and Sergei, just so we’re all on the same page. They look up at me, twin frowns marring their faces. At least they’re just as confused as I am.

The soft rumble of a low, male voice rips through the trees, drawing our attention toward the far-left upper corner of this abandoned, dilapidated park. We’re still too far away to make out what he’s saying, but one thing is certain to me. It’s far deeper than what I remember Caldwell’s being.

Either he’s a victim too, or he’s part of the problem. Either way, that makes at least two other people here in this spot. I don’t like it. I detest how exposed I feel, even next to two armed killers like Grigori and Sergei.

I glance at their expression and note the pinched look on their faces. That can’t be good. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen them in their element, so I don’t know how to interpret it.

They cross over the expanse with such quiet lethality. Maybe it’s a good thing I’ve never seen them like this before. It certainly makes me more grateful to have them on my side than against me.

Sergei stops again and points to his eyes then points to something beyond the trees. Grigori slides up beside him and turns to me. Three fingers go in the air then quickly drop to one.

Again, that low, growly voice vibrates through the air, and I can almost make the words. “Why isn’t he answering?”

We all stop and look at each other. Based on their expressions, I’m pretty sure Grigori and Sergei don’t recognize the voice. Unfortunately, I don’t either. It feels familiar, but it’s too far away, too garbled for me to tell for sure.

Shaking my head, I motion for us to move forward. Maybe if I can see him, that will help. As it is, I’m going in blind right now.

A sharp snap thunders out, soon followed by a soft yelp. Red tinges my vision as I push my way past Grigori and Sergei. Strong hands grab onto me, hauling me back. I can’t think, I can’t speak, and I sure as hell can’t reason.

Whoever this monster is, just put his hands on my girl in a violent manner. There is no way they’re lasting the night. Minutes go by as the two struggle to contain me. Ragged breaths rip from my throat as I squirm against the mountain of bulk. But in the end, rational thinking finally wins out.