Page 49 of Pump Fake

Fiona took my phone and studied the image.

“Have you seen her, you know, since you’re surveilling the Caninos?”

“It’s hard to tell. We think several girls were brought into the casino, but we couldn’t identify anyone.”

“So, you guys saw them and didn’t do anything?”

“It’s not like that.” Fiona squeezed my forearm. “We know how they’re being brought in. It’s a loading dock, and they put them in crates while the girls are unconscious.”

“Still, if you know, why aren’t you stopping it?”

“We are. We only just got the lead on this information. Executing a takedown takes weeks—months—of investigation, coordination, and warrants. Lucky for your girl, Preston saw the abduction. That’ll help move things along.”

“They have betting events at the casino, don’t they?” Liam narrowed his gaze at his sister.

I didn’t like the way he said that. “What do you mean by betting events?”

Kylian and I moved closer. From playing together for the past four years and being friends, an innate intuition made magic happen on the field, extending into our everyday lives. They knew I was about to lose it. I hated how helpless I felt. I wanted action—to storm the place and get her out, taking down anyone who opposed that goal.

“You little snoop.” Fiona frowned and smacked Liam on his shoulder. “That’s classified information.” Fiona’s glare left her brother, and she wiped the emotion from her face to address me and Preston. “Try not to worry. The best thing you can do is go to the station and give a statement, ID Anthony Canino.”

“What will you do to get her back?” I pushed.

“Things are underway. After you stop at the station, go home. You’ll help more if you’re out of the way and waiting for a call from Brielle when she’s safe.”

We wrapped things up and thanked Fiona for talking to us. She pulled Liam aside and said a few words before they said their goodbyes. That left Preston. Rather than sending him home, I called Mom and told her he would hang out at my condo while I talked to the police—because I refused to let him go there if the captain might be a mole—not that I had any actual intention of dropping in, either, even if Fiona trusted thisOfficer Fieldings. I met Kylian and Liam’s determined stares. It was enough to know that we were on the same page. My friends knew my thoughts without me having to say a word. It was just like that with the three of us after so many years of playing together on the field.

I ruffled Preston’s hair, trying to ease his tension as best I could. I didn’t want him walking home, and after a quick text to my mom, neither did she. In a half hour, she would be off work. Preston would hang tight until then.

“Stay here.” I pointed a finger at him. My stern voice left no room to argue. “Nana’ll be here soon.”

“No. I want to go to the station too.”

I cupped the back of his neck and bent so we were at eye level. “You can’t, bud. I need you safe, and that’s not where I’m going. Think of Nana. She already lost her daughter. She wouldn’t survive something happening to you too. I wouldn’t either. Please, do this for me.”

His eyes turned glassy, and he sniffed then cleared his throat. “Let me know everything’s okay.”

“I will. You did good, P.” I grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him in for a bear hug.Fuck, I love this kid so much.“I promise.”

We were out the door two seconds later to get my girl back.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

BRIELLE

My head pounded, and my stomach rolled as consciousness slowly returned. The thud of my heart beating against my ribcage echoed loudly in my ears as I strained for any indication that I wasn’t alone. The soft hum of air coming through the vents was all I heard, but a thick, pungent smell of cigar smoke hung heavy in the air.

I waited, hoping I was alone. Whatever they’d restrained me with bit into my wrists. My shoulders and neck ached from the awkward position of being secured around the back of the metal chair I sat on. Slowly, I opened my eyes. When no alarm sounded, I lifted my head, frantic to see if my sister was in the room with me.

“It’s about time you woke.” The big guy who’d grabbed me leaned against a closed door. He filled the space, and not in a good way. “I was getting bored.”

“Can’t have that,” I deadpanned, wondering if he got the sarcasm behind my blank expression. I glanced around the room, dismayed to find no windows. I couldn’t tell how long I’d been unconscious. Nor did the room hold any furniture exceptthe chair I was tied to. The floor was painted concrete that had probably been finished that way for easy cleanup.

His lips twitched. “Boss’ll be here soon. Thought I’d let you in on the fun that’s coming.”

I said nothing, not wanting to encourage whatever he thought was fun—I imagined we had different opinions about the meaning of that word. The blood drained from my face, and my head swam. Black dots encroached, and I felt myself hyperventilating as terrifying scenarios played like a horror show in my mind. I wasn’t built for torture, or whatever they had in mind.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

---