Page 195 of Fractured Allegiance

"It's the only one I can provide right now."

Elias exhales slowly. "Where is she?"

"Harlow Tower. East-side penthouse. Top floor. Guarded and heavily surveilled. I can't get her out alone."

"And you think I can?"

"I think you're the only person she trusts, that’s why she told me to call you. And I think you have resources I don't."

He's quiet for a long moment.

Then: "Give me a few hours. Call again in two hours if you don’t hear from me."

"I will."

"And Silas?" His voice hardens. "If this is a setup, if you're working for Drazen, if you're trying to use her to get to me—I'll kill you myself."

"Understood."

He hangs up.

I sit in the silence. Staring at the phone. Two hours. Then I'll know if I have an ally. Or if I'm doing this alone.

Chapter 21 – Silas - The Alliance That Isn’t

Two hours after my call with Elias, I'm back at the Redhook apartment.

Pacing.

Waiting.

The phone sits on the table like a loaded gun. Every minute that passes feels like another door closing. Another chance slipping away.

I told him two hours. It's been two hours and seven minutes.

My mind keeps circling back to last night. Standing outside that door. Hearing her cry. Holding that key in my pocket and knowing I couldn't use it.

The weight of it still feels like it's there, even though I gave it back to Drazen.

I failed her.

I stood outside her door all night and did nothing.

The thought burns like acid.

My phone rings.

I snatch it up. Unknown number.

"Ward."

"You weren't lying." Elias's voice is immediate, electric. "She's in their cage."

Relief hits me so hard I have to sit down. "You confirmed it?"

"I found enough. Drazen moved men off two docks last night, redirected muscle to a tower he only uses when he wantsto keep something hidden. Or someone." He pauses. "Harlow Tower. East-side penthouse. Top floor. You were right."

"Can you help me get her out?"