Page 231 of Unexpected Heroine

“I’ll do that for the rest of Redleg. But for the people involved in the trafficking raid and Franco case, I want immediate confirmation that they’re safe. Additionally, ask them if they’ve noticed anything unusual tonight. No matter how big or small. I want all the intel I can get.”

Sawyer lowers his head, eyes locking on his cell. “Got it.”

I have to call the third person on my contact list for the Langley shelter security team before I get a live body. That’ll need to fucking change. Same as I told Sawyer to do, I don’t give the details, simply explaining that there is a credible threat involving the women at their facility. Let’s face it. Lettie is a primary target for Lenkov, no doubt. But the other women who were rescued are also at risk.

Sammy joins in, helping make phone calls to the individuals who were part of the mission to rescue Lettie from the trafficking house. Fortunately, they’re the same ones who helped rescue Kri and Valerie a few months ago. More than likely, we’re the ones Lenkov wants to punish the most.

Josh is on duty tonight for Freya and Stella’s detail, so he gets a call from me. I send Henderson to back him up. Better safe than sorry.

Although I’m in action mode, I can’t help but notice how giving Sammy these tasks helped her gather her composure. Distraction is a beautiful thing.

When all key individuals are notified, I shift into the next phase.

While dialing Detective Patterson, I pull up the plan Big Al and I worked on a few years ago on my laptop, detailing the actions for a worst-case scenario. I hope I don’t have to put all these measures in place. It’s extreme.

Patterson doesn’t answer my call, so I try Detective Salgado. When she answers on the second ring, she secures her place as my favorite person at CPD.

“Yes, your boss is here,” she says in lieu of a greeting. Right to the point. Definitely top of my list.

“Are you arresting him?”

“No. He’ll be out within the hour, I’d wager.”

“Good. Let me know what you need to ensure he stays out of trouble.”

“That sounds shady, Stillman.” She tuts into the receiver. “But listen,” she pauses, the background sounds around her changing, telling me she’s walking into a different room or area. “Listen, you need to move your guy and his girlfriend.”

My mind races, trying to process her warning. “Pardon?”

“The ones you’re protecting. The uh... informants we don’t know about.”

“Shit. Okay.”

I pause for two seconds, debating how to ask her to elaborate when it’s clear she’s trying to stay out of it.

While I’m searching for the words, she answers my unspoken question. “On the shooter’s person, there were two photos. One of your Boss, and the other was a photo of a man your boss called Savin. You follow?”

Terrific. Lenkov has a hit out on Boss and Savin. Fucking wonderful news.

“Got it. Understood. Thank you, Daisy.”

“Always happy to serve the good citizens of Clearwater,” she quips, a hint of teasing in her tone.

We say our goodbyes, and I instantly start searching for a new location for Savin and Tasha. Two minutes later, I’m back on the phone. This time, I’m speaking with the Redleg guard assigned to protect Savin, walking him through a quick safe house transfer.

Ninety minutes later, Boss arrives at the hospital, moving swiftly through the halls as if he were powered with jet fuel. “Where is she?” he barks out in our direction as he sails by the coffee shop.

Sawyer jerks to his feet. “I’ll show you, Boss.” To Sammy, he orders, “Princess, stay here with Tomer. Do not leave his side.”

“Yes, Daddy,” she sasses with a big roll of her eyes.

Brat.

I miss Lettie.

Oh fuck. Lettie. No, no, no.

She wants to meet her father tomorrow.