Hunt ran. “Hasan, you’re with me. Get Suleman and Westin as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
Outside, Hunt jumped on one of the Department’s tracers. The tracer was a low-slung, water-powered motorcycle that could easily maneuver through Medina’s narrow streets. He started the engine, leaned forward, gripped the controls, then took off. Fast.
He zipped through the alleyways and around any people in his way. The smoke rising above the buildings made his jaw clench.Be okay, beautiful.
Ahead, his apartment came into view. Smoke still poured from the top of the building, but the firefighters’ fire suppression ship hovered overhead and had doused the flames with retardant foam.
Gods.Hunt’s throat was so dry he couldn’t swallow. He slid to a stop and leaped off the tracer. He should never have left her alone.
He stared at the charred remains, the smell of smoke sharp in his nose. It reminded him of another awful day. His home burning. His parents dead. And of all the battlefields where he’d lost brave men and women.
He charged at the building. He had to find Relda.
Suddenly, two of his deputies and three firefighters were there, holding him back.
“Let me go,” he roared.
“The building’s not safe,” one of the firefighters yelled.
“She’s up there. I have to get to her.” He’d told her that he’d protect her.
The firefighter sighed, his voice softening. “If there was anyone up there, there’s nothing you can do for them now. A military-grade explosive was used. I’m sorry.”
The fight bled out of Hunt and a cold desolation stole through him. His head slumped his chest and he fought for air.
“Sir?” Hasan’s voice was hesitant. “Ms. Dela-Cruz…she was in your apartment?”
He managed a nod, unable to get the words out of his closed throat.
“I’m sorry, sir.”
He glanced at his men, then frowned. “Where’s Westin?”
“We can’t find him, sir. He’s been missing since this morning.”
Something wasn’t right.
Hunt glanced at the smoldering remains of his apartment. Finally, his brain kicked in, working through the choking despair. There were too many old memories mixed up with his feelings for Relda, and it was affecting his thinking.
He breathed deep, pulling in everything and trying to sort through the scents. He moved closer to the door, fighting past the heavy smell of smoke. He scented the aroma of the Soukan stew his downstairs neighbor always cooked. He picked up the sharp scent of lastite explosive.
And there…just the faintest trace of smoky spice.
Relda wasn’t there, he knew it. Whoever was after the Trojan Moon had taken her.
“Spaceport. Now.” Hunt ran for the tracer. “Hasan, get on the comm and send a no take-off order for all starships.”
Gods, don’t let me be too late.I’m coming, beautiful.
Relda woke.Woozy, aching, and confused.
She moved and heard chains clank. Her eyes opened and she realized her arms were stretched above her head and chained to the ceiling of a starship. Panic snuck in, making it hard to breathe. She was naked and her feet were chained as well.
Infinite energy, her shoulders hurt.
“Excellent. You’re awake.”
