Page 111 of Jase

I swallowed hard, glancing over to check on Rush.

“Is he okay?”

“I’m afraid we don’t know. There’s blood, but Rian’s not there.”

Tighter I grabbed to the steering wheel. It was bad news, but a lot better than hearing they’d killed him. At least we stood a chance to get him back.

“I need his phone. Can you contact the officers and let them know I’m almost there?”

“One of my friends is already on the scene. He can assist with whatever you need. I can be at your place in half an hour.”

“No.” My head shook as lies filtered through. The FBI was extra protection, but until we could see what we were dealing with, I wasn’t ready to work with them on this. “Rush and I can get more done at the office. We’re not even sure the phone can help us.”

Rush’s brow furrowed but he stayed quiet as I continued.

“Jase, you have a good set up. It’s been working so far. I know you’re upset. Rian is your friend, but let’s think about this rationally. We can get a lot more done at your place.”

“I don’t think so.” My jaw flexed as apprehension fed the protective beast inside. “Out of Kody and Tiffany’s best interest, my place is on lockdown. They will not be put at risk whatsoever. I couldn’t get in even if I wanted to.”

“Can’t get in? Surely—”

“Nope.” I cut him off, my glare cutting over to Rush as his narrowed stare met mine. “Sorry, Agent. I really can’t. Only one person has the code, and until the allotted time has passed, no one can go through that front door. Not even me.”

Silence.

“I’ll let you know if I find anything.”

I ended the call, ignoring the map as it took over the screen. I didn’t need the coordinates anymore. The red and blue lights ahead told me we were almost there, as did the traffic. I moved into the shoulder, not slowing as I whipped past the cars.

“Do you think he’s involved?”

“I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I can tell you I don’t trust anyone.”

Rush nodded. “Same. He really wanted in your place.”

“He’s right about me having the best set up, but no one gets in. Kody and Tiffany are safer that way.” I glanced over, trying to hide the growing anxiety as we got closer to the scene. “Let’s just focus on your brother. He needs us now.”

No response other than a nod. Rush was leaning forward in his seat. His worried eyes were stuck ahead. There was no way my fear compared to his, yet I couldn’t hardly drive fast enough. My throat was tightening, and the cramp in my chest was nearly insufferable. The anger fed the concern. The two mixed together were like a bullet in a gun. The hammer was cocked back. It was only going to take one thing to set off that bang inside me.

“Fucking shit. Holy fuck.” Rush’s eyes widened as Rian’s sports sedan came into view. It was resting down the slope just short of a bridge. The front end was completely crushed in on one side from hitting the stopper at the front of the guardrail. Glass was shattered and metal peeled back along the top, no doubt from rolling down the hill. The damage had my own lips parting in shock. Dread multiplied as I slowed and came to a stop.

Rush and I were out of the car before I could barely put it in park.

“Hey! Hey, you!”

An officer jogged forward, stopping as a man in a suit yelled my name. I didn’t pay attention to any of it. Rush and I raced down the side of the slope, sliding to a stop next to what was left of Rian’s car.

“God dammit. There’s so much fucking blood.Fuck.” Rush tried opening the door but couldn’t budge the mangled metal.

“Look at the airbag. His nose is busted. It could account for the majority of what we’re seeing. Stay calm. Let’s find his phone.”

I went around the other side, wiping the broken glass from the shattered window.

“Are you Jase Colter?”

“That’s me.”

Barely glancing at the agent, I leaned my stomach through the opening, sliding my hand under the seat.