Page 31 of Lethal Justice

“Do you think he’ll go for it?” Frida cocked her head at him in question.

“I hope so.” They exited the car and walked together to the entrance. As they entered, they saw a few kids playing pool in the rec room, but they were younger. The older kids seemed to be out of sight or not out of their beds yet.

“It feels so empty,” Frida remarked.

Malco knocked on Ward’s closed office door and opened it as he called out.

“Malco, Frida,” he said, standing and moving around his desk to meet them. “Is everything okay? Do you have word on Tycen?”

Malco shook his head. “No, I’m sorry, not yet. We do have a plan to get all the kids out, but we need your help?”

“Anything.” Ward was a genuine guy, and Malco knew from his history that he’d pulled himself from the gangs on his own and built this life to help others from falling into the same trap and making the same mistakes.

Malco and Frida explained the plan and waited.

“That’s suicide. Your men will be dead before you get through the threshold.”

Malco swallowed, already knowing it was dangerous, and having it pushed home made him feel worse.

“These are highly trained people,” Malco reassured.

“Yes, and as such, they’ve always worked by a code. These men, boys, have no code except not to die. They wouldn’t think twice about hiding behind women and children. They’ll use that weakness against you.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I was one of them and I saw it happen. Your people need to find another way or at least fight by different rules of engagement.”

“Will you help us?”

“Yes, I’ll help you.” Malco felt relief flood him.

“Thank you, Ward.”

“Don’t thank me until it works.” His voice was full of worry when he spoke.

“Where are all the kids?” Frida asked as they left, Ward walking them to the door.

“They’re scared. Most are staying off the streets, they know something is coming, they feel it.”

Malco nodded, knowing exactly what Ward meant he felt it too and as he watched Frida shiver in the Miami heat, he knew she did too.

“It will be okay, Frida.” He gripped her hand in his as he turned the car around and they head back to Alliance.

“I hope so.”