Fuck.
I unhand him and stand in agonizing frustration. And because I’m not focusing properly, I barely catch the flash of silver out of the corner of my eye. Instinctively I raise my arm and deflect the blow, seeing more clearly the nasty blade he intended for me.
I curse myself for believing his story about some fictional family. Using a wrist break move, I score his knife pretty easily, then push him up against the building, knife to his throat.
“You have one more chance. Tell me now, or I will kill you where you stand.”
“I'm dead anyway.”
“That you are.”
I draw the blade across his jugular, stepping aside to avoid the arterial spray.
Desperate, I race back to the market and grab one of the scooters, half-blind as I make my way back to the house. My cell phone doesn't work out here, but Ford's family has a landline, and after several frustrating, harrowing attempts to get through the local phone company, I'm patched through to a New York operator and nearly sob with relief when I hear the familiar Bronx accent.
I give the operator Luca’s phone number, and they patch me through seconds later.
“Anthony, is this you calling from Thailand? What’s wrong?”
I hitch, tearing up at the urgency in his voice. “This line is not secure. But they've taken him, Luca.”
“Jesus, Anthony. How did they find you?”
“I don’t know.” Fisting my hands so hard that my nails dig into my palms, I grit out, “I need you to send Hopper to Phuket. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Loud and clear, brother.”
“Call Rand, get his jet, and put Hopper on it. I need him here yesterday.”
“Already on it. You need to talk to… Who is Mads’ IT guru? Ryder?”
“Yes,” I say, grateful for the reminder. I need to be working this from multiple angles, but my head and heart are in a churn.
This is why you’re not supposed to get involved with the protectee.
Luca’s voice is the calm in the storm. “And what about the Wills guy who helped in Jakarta? Is he still on that side of the planet?”
“Yes, um. Kuala Lumpur, maybe?”
“He came highly recommended from one of Hopper's friends. He's a tracker. I'm sure he can help us.”
“Okay,” I say, choking back tears, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness threatening to overwhelm me. I know in my soul that Mads is already in the air somewhere, heading out of the country.
Fuck. Keep it together, Edge.
Think. Think.
“Luca, check out Mads’ driver. We were talking about Jakarta in the back of the car. Anthony will have his info.”
“Will do.”
My nose runs as I choke back a sob.
“Brother, I don’t want to ask this, but if you’ve got anybody you can spare, send them. Send everyone, Luca. Please.”
“I will, brother.” Luca breathes in heavily, and my heart squeezes in my chest. I’m so fucking grateful that he’s in this with me. “Anthony, we will find him.”
“Thank you,” I manage, grateful he’s not throwing the million laws I’m about to break in my face.