“Hooked,” Noah says.
Luca jumps out, the first target doesn't even have time to react before he's hitting the floor.
All hell breaks loose. Shouts, grunts, and shots muffled by suppressors is all we can hear through the comms.
“Dammit,” Noah hisses. “That other heat signature vanished. I'm scanning, but he's gone.”
I slam my fist down on my leg.
“Damn it!”
“I'm sorry, Iz.” Maeve rubs my back.
“I just needed this over with.” I drop my head into my hands and rub my face.
“I know.” Her voice is soothing and soft. “We'll get him.”
“Maybe we can question some of these goons.” Luca tries to focus on the bright side.
“Let's hope they have something useful,” Felix adds.
“We'll secure transport and head back now,” Kellan says.
“Copy.” Noah.
“Copy.” Luca.
“Copy.” Felix.
I wait. Something feels off.
“Jace, come in.” I stare at his comms blinking light on the map.
Silence.
“Jace?” I call out, more urgent now. “Jace, report!”
Nothing.
“I'm close, I'll go check on his perch.” I can hear Noah panting as he runs.
“Coming.” Luca takes off-screen.
I wait with my heartbeat thundering in my ears, my vision darkening along the edges.
“Breathe, Iz. Come on, breathe.” I can hear Maeve speaking but she sounds far away.
Jace. Damn it, I was so focused on everything else.
How did we not hear anything?
“Iz, he's not here,” Noah calls out, and I snap back into myself.
“What?” I gasp out.
“There’s a sign of a struggle. I don't think he went willingly. His comms piece is here.” Noah confirms.
“Gideon took him.” I look at Maeve and I know the horror is written all over my face. “He's going to kill him.” I breathe out. I just feel it in my gut.
