Page 85 of Tick Tock, Boom!

“Perfect!” His voice went from elated to a low menacing tone. “Because I want him to feel it. I want him to know what it is to lose something. To watch it slip through your fingers like fucking ash."

“What does this have to do with my son?”

“Everything,” he sneered. “Why, you may ask? Because this boy's mother betrayed me.”

I shook as he spoke, fearing for the life of my child and for mine.

“If it's me you want, then let him go. He's just a little boy.”

“You don't set the rules,” he snapped making me flinch.

“You do what I say, when I say it, and he gets to live. Your man though…he's in my way.”

“What do you want?”

“See, now you're asking the right questions.” There was a heavy pause before he continued. “You come to me, and you come alone. Don’t bring your man, or your guns.Do as I say ad we will make a trade. The boy for you."

"You touch him, and I will kill you."

"I don’t think you’re in the position to make threats.”

“You don't know me,” I seethed.

“The boy is safe. For now. But that clock is ticking, little kitten. Come fast or never see your boy again."

The line went dead. I stared at the phone in my hand, my lungs locked tight. I had no plan. No time. All I knew was that my baby needed me.

A text message came through with an address. I jumped in my car, hands shaking, mind racing. I didn’t know where I was going, didn’t know what I’d find. But I went. Because I had no choice.

I knew it was stupid for me not to wait for him. It was stupid to just take off with no weapon, nothing to defend myself with. But this was my baby in the hands of a lunatic.

I fumbled with the phone and sent the address out to Jose.

Please find us in time.I prayed.

Praying. That was the only thing left to do.

TICK TOCK

The call came through, and Natalia's frantic voice hit me like a bullet to the chest.

"Gabe...is he with you?"

"No, baby. I thought it was your turn to pick him up?"

"He's gone, Jose. My baby's gone."

Natalia’s voice cracked, and the sound of it nearly drove me to my knees. Every instinct in my body lit up like a goddamn Christmas tree. I was halfway through a rundown with Riddick in Lafayette, going over some shipment bullshit when my phone buzzed with her name.

I didn’t ask her anymore questions. She wouldn't have been able to answer me anyway. Instead, I reassured her and didn’t hesitate to take off. I just stood up, knocking over my chair and yelling back at Riddick as I left.

"Riddick! I gotta go!"

He blinked at me like I’d just gone off the rails. "What the fuck?"

But I was already out the door, grabbing my cut and jumping onto my bike. The world became a blur as I was flying down the highway, tires screaming against asphalt.

Then came the ping. A text from Natalia's phone. And an address.

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