I press the call button as I take a corner so fast the tires scream in protest. Jay picks up on the first ring.
"Boss?"
"I need a cleanup crew," I say, my voice a cold blade. "Now."
"Where?"
"Track my location. I'm going to kill some fucking Russian assholes." I activate my own tracker with a swipe and hang up, both hands returning to the wheel as I push the Maserati harder.
The speedometer climbs past ninety as I make my way in the direction of that blinking blue dot. They may have gotten a head start, but I'm faster. And they don't know I'm coming.
Rage builds in me like a physical force. Every inch of my skin feels electrified with it. Every muscle coiled, ready to unleash hell.
They touched what's mine.
I flip open the center console, revealing a second Beretta and extra magazines, just in case.
I look at the tracking app. It now shows them heading east, toward the docks. Makes sense. They'll have a boat waiting, ready to take her who knows where.
Over my dead fucking body.
I push down on the pedal harder, feeling my car respond beneath me like a living thing. As I slice through the night, red lights are meaningless, traffic laws forgotten. My world has narrowed to a single purpose: find Raven, kill anyone who stands in my way.
I check the tracking app again. They're slowing down, near the industrial district. Warehouses, shipping containers, abandoned buildings. A perfect place to transfer a prisoner.
I press the button on my steering wheel.
"Call Ares," I command.
The dial tone sounds through the car speakers, then Ares's gruff voice.
"You know what time?—"
“They took Raven. I'm tracking them to the south docks."
A pause. "Wait. What? How many?"
"At least three. Maybe more waiting at the destination."
"Jesus, Gio. Don't go in alone?—"
"They hurt her, Ares." My voice is barely human. "I saw her face. They put their fucking hands on her."
Another pause. "Can you wait? Let's collect some men."
"There's no time."
"Gio—"
"They're dead men walking, Ares. All of them. Just be ready. We're going to war, and I'll need your help." I end the call.
I'm coming, Raven. I'm coming.
I check the app again. They're moving, away from the warehouses now. Shit, did I miss my chance?
My foot presses even harder on the gas, the engine screaming as I fly through the empty streets of the industrial district.
They're moving slower now, maybe thinking they've gotten away clean.