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T alia needed to escape. Her sister was crazy and wouldn’t let her go. If she ever wanted to be free, she would have to make it happen.

The door opened, and Cheryl stepped in. Talia was too tired to be angry yet again. She stared up at her sister, wondering what kind of shit she was going to spew today.

“I found you a home. You won’t like it, but whatever. You’re headed to Asia.”

She needed a way to get free. There was no way her sister would allow her out again. Any escape would be over her own making. She would have to outwit her sister and find a way to get free.

“When?”

Cheryl knelt next to her. “In a few days. We’re going to move you tonight after the bar closes. You need to be on your best behavior. I’ll have four guards with me, so don’t even think about escaping. You’re worth too much money for me to lose you.”

She would have to get free then. Her life would be pain if her sister’s plans succeeded.

Cheryl stood and left the room, locking the door. Talia closed her eyes, ready to give up. But she couldn’t, not yet. She had to get back to Zip. He was the best thing she’d ever found, and she wanted that again.

Talia circled the room, looking for even the smallest scrap that would help her get free. Cheryl had cleaned the space out. She wondered where the stuff that normally sat in here was. How long had her sister been planning this? Months or years? The plans had to have been in the works for a long time.

She slid down the wall, pulling her legs in close. She was so screwed. She just hoped Zip knew she loved him and would get back to him if she could.

* * *

Zip had no clue how to find Talia. The police were planning on questioning her sister, but they needed more than just a hunch that Cheryl had Talia held captive somewhere. Calling the cops had been the right thing to do, but they moved at a snail’s pace.

He was going to Thario’s place this evening. Thario had been in contact with Tex. Together, they were narrowing down the possible places Talia could be. He knew her sister was involved but confronting her would only make things worse. They had to figure out Talia’s location before they went in hard against her sister.

Zip drove to Thario’s and saw three cars parked out front. The guys had been taking shifts working with Thario to locate Talia. He appreciated everything they were doing, but it seemed like nothing was really happening.

He stepped inside and saw Hop, Kevlar, and Smiley sitting at computers, going through information. Thario was on the phone, nodding. Frog glanced at him but didn’t get up from his place beside Thario.

Zip’s throat closed a little as emotions rose. He knew Hop would be there, but he really appreciated the time Kevlar and Smiley were giving to the search. These guys were the best.

Thario ended his call and met Zip’s gaze. “I think I have a lead.”

His muscles tightened as his head began to buzz. “Really?”

Thario nodded and turned to his computer. He pulled up a secure browser and typed in some information. A map came up, and he leaned in, looking over Thario’s shoulder.

“What are we looking at?” Hop asked.

“There is a boat leaving from this location at around midnight. It’s about an hour away from us, maybe less, depending on traffic.”

“Let’s go!” Excitement ripped through Zip.

“Hold up. The informant isn’t someone I know. He’s into doing some illegal shit and isn’t one hundred percent trustworthy.”

Zip squeezed his hands into fists. “What percent do you give this information being truthful?”

Thario shrugged. “I’d say sixty. The guy is mad at Cheryl. That means it could be closer to eighty percent correct.”

Kevlar pulled out his phone. “How about I call a few guys to go with you? I’m making progress here on the computer.”

“I’ll go,” Smiley said.

Zip nodded. “Let me call Trip and Bud.

Hop stood. “There is no way I’m sitting this out.”

“I’ll shoot you the address. You’ll need to go in ready for anything.”

“Got it,” Zip said. He would do whatever he had to do to rescue Talia. She was the most important person in his life, and he wouldn’t let her slip away.