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“Well, fuck, no pressure, right?” I widen my stance and cross my arms, appearing at ease. “Long story short, my girl was kidnapped by the Society. Sold off into the skin trade.”

“You’re Z, and can’t find her?” Kace challenges.

I keep my face blank as I meet his stare. His blue eyes are ice cold and unflinching, unconcerned with questioning my skills.

“I’m capable of a lot of things, Kace,” I say quietly, unleashing a little bit of the darkness that’s been festering inside my body. “Including finding exactly where your twin sister stays. Claremont Drive, right? Her twin girls, Kacey and Karla, are getting so big already. Eleven years old, am I right?”

He snarls and takes a step towards me, the first sign of emotion sparking in his eyes. Ryker’s hand snaps out and lands on his chest, stopping him from advancing.

I forge on before any threats can leave their mouths. I have no interest in Kace’s family.

“Her name is Adeline Reilly. She was taken to Dr. Garrison’s place to be treated for injuries from a car accident—one that they caused. The doctor had a penchant for taking his patients to his room and having his way with them, except with Addie, he tried to kidnap her. He was killed by one of her kidnappers, Rio Sanchez, and when they left, they shut down the entire grid. The last thing I am is incapable, but I am also aware that the more people I have searching for her, the faster I am to find her.

“I am a patient man, but not when it comes to getting my girl back.”

They’re quiet for a few beats, their brains churning.

“What do you need us for?” Ryker asks finally.

“You trade in human organs,” I answer. “Do you not?”

Ryker tilts his head to the side, contemplating my question.

“If you know that, why would you want people who are in the market for people like your girlfriend to help you?”

I shrug casually. “You’re not going to hurt her, and I’m willing to look the other way in the meantime.”

If I find out they are getting people killed so they can profit off of their organs, then all bets are off. Though, I have a very strong feeling the rumors were true, and that’s not the case.

Kace shakes his head as if he can’t believe what he’s hearing.

“You have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the skin trade. I’m sure you know exactly how to track down product if it’s being auctioned or traded,” I continue.

“What’s in it for us?”

I widen my arms, the shit-eating grin back on my face. I’m empty on the inside—nothing but white noise takes up residence, but I’ve grown accustomed to arranging my face into expressions just as easily as I can wipe my face clean of them.

“I’m a man of many talents. I’ll write an IOU on a piece of paper, and you can tuck that in your pocket for when you need it. One-time admission. Can’t be reused. Like a coupon.”

Kace narrows his eyes, staring at me as if I’m a little sibling begging to play with him and his friends.

“What makes you think we’d have any use for you?” he questions dryly.

My ego—it hurts.

“Crazier shit has happened,” I retort, dropping my arms.

Another pregnant pause, and I make sure to meet both of their gazes, not the least bit bothered by their intimidation tactics.

Ryker jerks his head towards the door, grumbling, “Follow me.”

Kace stares at his brother, communicating something with his eyes that I don’t care to interpret. Whatever silent conversation passes between them lasts all of three seconds before Kace gives in and follows after Ryker without argument.

But not before throwing a suspicious look over his shoulder.

Who hurt you, bro?

I don’t care to find that out, either.