Page 67 of Reclaiming Izabel

“You’re that SEAL,” the man gulped. He had a pasty white skin with freckles and looked like he just graduated from the academy.

“Yeah. Sorry about the chase, but I’ve got shit going down.”

“Sir, are you aware it’s a felony to—” Freckle Face started, glancing at the other three cops who had given chase to my vehicle, but were also now fidgeting nervously.

“My wife’s been kidnapped,” I growled.

The cop’s eyes widened as he struggled to find the words to say. “You can report it?—”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” I threw up my hands. All four police officers drew their firearms.

“Holster your guns, dammit!” Marcus bellowed. Stepping in front of me, he pulled Freckle Face aside and explained the situation in rapid-fire speech.

Meanwhile, I checked my phone and saw a missed call from Viktor.

“They’re on 460 heading to Richmond,” Viktor said when I called him. “Guardians are tracking.”

“Mitchell’s men?”

“Confirmed.”

“You have a plan?” I gestured to Marcus that I was leaving and strode past the officers, who gave me a wide berth.

“Not quite. Harrelson with you?”

“Yes.”

“Bring him along.”

“His man was shot.”

“I’m aware. But he’d want in on this.”

“Don’t think he’s ready.”

“And you’re too close to the situation.”

“I’m not standing down,” I snarled.

“I’ve made my point,” Viktor clipped and ended the call.

“You’re going after her.” Marcus approached, stopped, and stared at me across the hood of my SUV.

“Guardians have a twenty on the vehicle.” I paused. “Viktor wants you on the op.”

Marcus’s brows drew together. “But you don’t.”

“I can’t risk Izabel,” I admitted.

“My wife and sons,” Marcus gritted through his teeth. “I’ve already let them down. Give me this chance, Lieutenant.”

We stared at each other for long seconds…seconds we had no business wasting. “Come on.”

Marcus’s eyes flared with the fire of the operator he once was. “Let me get a man on Gordy.”

Izabel

My whole bodywas a mass of aches.