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“Can I get you to a place where you are cared for and hopefully stabilize your lives again?”
The group murmured and then agreed. Mark called in reinforcements. Callie helped the woman up, and the rest could ambulate alone. The community mental health consortium had a mental health-centered homeless shelter where they got people back on their medication and brought in services to help them re-establish themselves.
“Audra mentioned an upcoming meeting with some new recruits,” one man offered, a determined glint in his eyes. “It’s happening tomorrow night at an old factory across town.”
“Thank you,” said Callie. “That is excellent information.”
“Stop her,” said the woman.
Mark nodded confidently. “We will.”
Once the van arrived, they helped the group inside and called Jac.
The stakes were high, and emotions ran even higher as the team prepared to confront Audra. They understood the reasons behind her actions—a twisted desire for power and control—but they refused to let her continue to manipulate and harm others. The grumbling dissent among Audra’s followers only fueled their determination as they recognized the opportunity to exploit her weakening grip on her people.
Chapter 14
“Do you have to go today?” There was anxiety and fear in Oakley’s voice. It wasn’t that those emotions were displayed often, but this time it was for Ryker.
“I have to go to court today.” She whimpered, which was unusual before the kidnapping but becoming familiar since. “I’ll call you before I go in and after I leave so you know I’m safe. I’ll have Levi with me, and no one will do anything in the courtroom. That would be a suicide mission.
“If you say so. Are you sure just Levi is enough? I mean, Carter...” she shrugged.
“Yes, Carter is a big guy, and his presence is more intimidating, but I don’t want to intimidate everyone in a courtroom. Don’t underestimate Levi. He has plenty of skills.”
“I know, it’s just...” she shrugged.
“Oakley, baby, come here.” He drew her into his arms. “I’m going to be fine. Everything will go as planned, and I’ll be back as soon as I’m through winning my case.”
“That could take a while.”
“It could, but I’m good, remember, so it shouldn’t take long at all. I’ll be home by four.”
Oakley murmured her response into his shirt, and he pulled her closer and hugged her tightly. “It will be fine.”
She nodded and took a deep breath before pushing away from his chest and taking a step back.