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Caleb stepped aside while Zach handled the parents and Gia briefed the medical staff on duty.
Mid-brief, she glanced down at her phone, and her body visibly relaxed.
So did Caleb’s—she must have heard from Jennie.
Once she’d finished her brief and let the medical staff take over, she returned to his side.
“Jennie texted back.” Relief softened her face. “No silver SUV.” Her phone dinged. She laughed and held it up.
Guess who just pulled up. Remember the hottie delivery driver? ??????Tell Zach to call me before he heads back. I may not be here…
“Feel better now?” Caleb didn’t. The back of his neck still tingled.
“About Jennie? Yes.” Her smile faded. “That these kids may have been run off the road by Vincente’s men, no.”
She shook her head. “It’s got to be someone else, someone who lives on the rez. Why would his men be this far from the populated areas?”
Because they’re hunting.
Time to set the trap.
Caleb shot off a text to Nathan.
Situation here escalating. Need a favor. Lopez has to believe his deal with the Aztec Kings is unraveling enough to force a personal visit. Manufacture some chatter between the Kings and Los Coyotes. Make sure it leaks.
Quiet whispers that would grow louder. Too loud to ignore. Too layered to dismiss with a single phone call.
And if Gia was the final nudge to get Lopez here?
Hell No.
That option was off the table. He’d give Lopez a reason—but it wouldn’t be her.
His heart kicked hard. Sweat broke across his brow.
Now he got it.
Why Ryder brokeprotocol for Nathalie. Why Nathan and Lachlan had risked everything for their women.
“What’s the matter.” Gia was watching him too closely.
His phone vibrated. A reply from Nathan.
I’m on it.
Zach walked up to them. Tension carved lines into the corners of his eyes. “I can’t get ahold of Jennie. I called Richie Benally, the tow truck driver. He hasn’t reached the accident site yet.”
“She texted me,” Gia assured him. “The guy who delivered our medical supplies yesterday morning showed up. I think she’s hitching a ride with him.”
“Who is this guy?”
Caleb noted the way Zach stiffened. His sharp tone. Maybe his cousin wasn’t as indifferent to Jennie as he’d assumed.
Gia’s eyes widened. Her gaze shot to Caleb, suddenly wary. “I don’t know. I’d never seen him before. Jennie said he was new. He seemed friendly, flirted with all the nurses.”
Zach scowled. “She still needs to answer her damn phone.”
“Let’s go back to the site.” Caleb needed to see for himself. Judging by the tic in Zach’s jaw, so did he. “We’ll double check she’s not there, talk to the tow operator, then you can take us back to the safe house.”