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After taking another gulp of coffee, the taste became bitter. Why the fuck was I even thinking about doing this?

“I could really use your help here, Kage. You’re the only person capable of saving her life.”

“And if I do?”

“You’ll escort her back to New York, and you’re done.”

Another snort left my lips. Tank mimicked me and I glanced down at him. I’d spent time doing exercises with the furry creature over the last few days, finding out how decent his nose really was. I’d hidden things I owned with my scent, positioning them farther and farther away from the house. He’d yet to fail.

“I’ll need a fast, smaller plane and cash for the upfront expenses. A fake ID as well.”

“Done. Already in the works.”

“And I’m taking Tank with me. He’s a former search and rescue dog for a Marine.” Why the hell not lie? I had a feeling I needed all the help I could get.

He shifted his eyes toward the pup. “Unorthodox. There are pet import regulations that might be tricky.”

“I won’t do it without him. Make it happen.”

His laugh was familiar, a reminder of the few good times I’d shared with a damn good group of men I’d been honored to serve beside. “Alright. I’ll have it taken care of by the time you leave later tonight.”

“And I want her goddamn social media addresses.” If she’d been taking pictures on the island, there was a possibility someone used what she’d posted as a method of tracking her down.

He tugged out an envelope. The bastard had counted on me taking him up on the offer. “Got it right here for you along with other pertinent information.”

Just snatching it from his hand meant I’d agreed. Now I was grousing at myself. “Give me your email as well. I’ll send you information to wire half the money prior to me leaving and half when the job is done.”

I could tell my demand had surprised him. If he didn’t think I’d look out for myself, he was fucking nuts.

“Fine.” He pulled out a business card and scribbled something on the back, sliding it across the table as soon as he had.

Snatching the card, I glanced at the front. The man was consulting. Well, good for him.

“My private cell phone number is on the front. It’s secure. I’ll be your point of contact. Let me know when you’ve extracted her and taken her to safety. It’s up to you how you want to handle this mission, but rest assured, the men keeping her will be well armed and likely will do whatever is necessary to hunt you down.” He pulled an envelope from his jacket. “Credentials in case you’re stopped. They’ll allow you to carry a weapon through customs. Just don’t draw too much attention to yourself.”

I’d been right. He’d come here fully expecting I’d cave. This time, I made him place the envelope on the table. By the clipped expression on his face, he got the point I was none too happy.

“Her father is clueless who he’s dealing with. Right?” Meaning me. My reputation had remained.

Gray hesitated. “He only knows you’re the only one qualified for the job.”

When I lifted my gaze, I sensed he knew I was the one dismissing him at this point.

He rose to his feet, immediately heading for the door. “I appreciate you doing this, Kage. I know how tough it’s been on you the last few years.”

So much of me wanted to bark that he had no clue whatsoever, but what was the point after all this time? “Yep. It has been.”

There was nothing else that needed to be said.

This was the one favor that I’d fulfill.

After that, I’d insist he lose my name and number.

CHAPTER 5

Juliette

“You came to save me,” I muttered, crawling toward the man in the uniform. He seemed like a hero, standing well over six and a half feet tall, green eyes that would shame emeralds. Broad shoulders and huge arms covered in tattoos.