Page 42 of Wild Temple

“Anything on the news about our little escapade?”

“Your little escapade,” JD taunted.

I gave him a look.

“No,” Brooke said. “Not a word.”

"That doesn't surprise me. I suspect anything involved with the Black Opal or one of Caspian Vorn’s properties doesn't get much negative press. I'm guessing he owns half the bars and clubs on the strip." Then I added, "Well,ownis kind of aloose term around here. I'm sure he's got a local business partner."

My phone buzzed with a call from Talia.

I swiped the screen and held the device to my ear. "Tell me something good.”

24

"These people are either stupid or extremely brazen," Talia said. "They called Brooke directly from a cell phone. Didn't bother to use a VPN or make an Internet call.”

"Where did it originate from?" I asked.

"A villa on the outskirts of town. I'll send you the location.” Talia paused. "Are you making any progress with Isabella?”

"No. I'm afraid the trail’s gone cold for the moment. But I suspect, if we can find Hannah, we'll find Isabella. Find out as much information as you can about Caspian Vorn. I think he's running the show.”

"I'm on it," she replied.

"Can you get a satellite feed on the villa?"

"I don't have those kinds of resources. Sorry. You have to go into this one blind.”

"Keep me posted, and let me know if that cell phone moves.”

"Will do. And Tyson, be careful. Please.”

I couldn't help but chuckle. The night had been anything but cautious. I told her I would, then ended the call.

JD and I plotted our next move. I kinda wished I hadn’t ditched the silver sedan, but bringing a stolen vehicle back to the hotel wouldn’t have been a good idea.

I asked Brooke if she felt comfortable staying at the hotel with Kelsey.

“I don’t know what to do? What if something goes wrong?” Panic filled her eyes. “What if somebody shows up looking for the map?”

“She’s resting now,” JD said. “Vitals are good. Watch her closely. Monitor her breathing. If she gets nauseous, turn her on her side so she doesn’t aspirate into her lungs. She might freak out when she wakes up. Just reassure her that she’s safe. Call us immediately if something feels wrong.”

Brooke nodded.

“You know how to use a gun?” I asked.

Brooke nodded. “My dad used to take me hunting with him.”

I grabbed a pistol I had taken from the kitchen goon at Rafi’s. I dropped the magazine and inspected it. There were several bullets remaining, but I replaced it with a fresh mag I had taken from him. I press-checked the weapon. A round sat in the pipe, ready to devour flesh.

“The safety on this weapon is built into the trigger,” I said to Brooke when I handed her the pistol. “Nothing to fiddle with. Just point and shoot.”

The gun had been modified with a threaded barrel for the suppressor and taller sights.

“Just don’t shoot us when we come back,” I said.

Brooke looked up at me with those worried blue eyes. “What if you don’t come back?”