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He paused, choosing his words carefully. This wasn’t just his boss. Ryder was a friend.
“Bring in law enforcement, and Lopez might kill Jennie. Gia would be next. If he wants her, he can come and get her himself. And when he does…” The fury in Caleb’s voice iced. “I’ll either get a confession or bury him.”
Silence.
Long enough for Caleb to shuffle his feet, his shoulders tightening.
“You love her.” Ryder didn’t phrase it as a question.
Caleb opened his mouth to deny it, but no words came.
Ryder let out a quiet breath that was half chuckle, half resignation. “All the rules go out the window when we’re protecting the women we love, don’t they, mate?”
His voice hardened. “Keep your head down. Help is on the way.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
NowthatCalebhadDìleas on board, he needed to see his grandfather. Whatever went down on or near the Navajo Nation would need President Blackwater’s consent.
He stepped back into the cottage, shook off the cold, and called Zach. Briefed him on the plan he and Gia had agreed to—lure Lopez to the reservation under the pretense of a trade.
Gia for Jennie.
In reality, they’d orchestrate a carefully planned trap.
To his surprise, Zach hadn’t pushed back.
We need to get Jennie back. Unharmed.
Anger, determination, and something close to fear had edged his cousin’s voice. Caleb had already sent him the photo of Jennie’s bruised face.
After hanging up, he texted his grandfather.
Espina Negra has Jennie Tsosie. We need to talk.
The reply came quickly.
My office. One hour.
Caleb stiffened at the curt message.
Another text flashed across his screen, this one from Zach.
Grandfather wants to see us in his office. Hope you’re ready.
Zach was waiting outside when Caleb and Gia pulled up to the rust-colored stone building that housed the offices of the president and vice president of the Navajo Nation.
Caleb parked across the street, taking a moment before getting out. The structure blended into the landscape, rising organically in proximity to the sandstone formation that gave Window Rock its name.
Twin flags flanked the entrance—the Stars and Stripes on one side, the Navajo Nation flag on the other, its familiar rainbow arching over the outline of the reservation.
Above the double doors, the Great Seal of the Navajo Nation gleamed against the stone—fifty arrowheads encircling the four sacred mountains, livestock, and corn beneath a rising sun.
Caleb stared at it longer than he meant to. Sovereignty. Protection. Identity.
Symbols he hadn’t grown up claiming—but maybe, finally, was beginning to understand.
Stress lined Zach’s eyes. “Chief Nez has officers combing the rez. He’s also notified the Sheriff’s Offices in Apache and McKinley counties. The medical supply truck driver was a temp. He’s vanished into the wind.”