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Chapter Twenty-Four: Sofia
Wehadspentalittle while gathering our strength and trying to come up with a plan, but nothing seemed to be quite right. After Grayson and Teo talked, it was decided that we would circle the perimeter in the SUV a few times to see if we could spot Jace, Victor and Miranda anywhere.
I felt sick to my stomach, but it seemed to be our only option. We were going to try and get the guys to come back here–if, not when–we found them, and then we would figure out how to approach the Viper himself.
For now, the important thing was making sure we found them.
The night was thick with anticipation as we gathered in the SUV, the air heavy with unease.
“Everyone ready?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, trying to quell the nervous knot forming in my stomach.
“Let’s do this,” Grayson replied, his cool-headed demeanor juxtaposed with the fiery glint in his eyes. He wasn’t one to shy away from danger, and I could tell he relished the challenge ahead. So that made one of us.
“Got everything we need?” Teo questioned, his deep voice laced with concern. He fiddled with a flashlight, checking it twice before nodding to himself in satisfaction.
“Looks like it,” Sam chimed in as he scanned the interior of the SUV. “You guys gave Sofia a gun, right?”
“Yeah, they gave me a gun,” I replied. “Don’t worry, kid. I’ll be fine.”
He flashed me a tight smile. “Yeah, I know.”
With a deep breath, I watched as Teo started the engine and eased the SUV onto the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. The darkness enveloped us like a shroud, the headlights cutting through the night as we began our journey into the heart of the Everglades.
“Stay sharp, everyone,” Grayson warned, his gaze locked on the winding path ahead. “We don’t know what we’re going to find out here.”
“Trust me, I’m wide awake,” Sam muttered, his eyes darting around the shadowy landscape. “This place gives me the creeps.”
“Focus on finding Victor,” Teo said, his voice steady and reassuring despite the eerie atmosphere all around us.
As we drove further into the night, my thoughts raced with worry for Victor and Jace, and I guessed a little for Miranda, but also concern for the men at my side. We were venturing deep into unknown territory, and all we had was each other to rely on.
“Watch out!” Grayson shouted suddenly, his voice jolting me from my thoughts.
Teo swerved to avoid an enormous pothole, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as he fought to maintain control of the vehicle. Grayson’s hand shot out to steady himself against my headrest, his eyes never leaving the treacherous path ahead.
“Sorry,” Teo said. My pulse raced. “I didn’t see it.”
“Focus, boss,” Grayson said.
“You got this, Teo,” I added. “We all trust you. You got us out of there, didn’t you?”
Teo nodded, his eyes briefly flickering to mine. “Yeah. I did.”
We drove in silence for a few more miles, the only sounds the hum of the engine and the rustling of the trees in the breeze. My eyes scanned the landscape warily, searching for any sign of movement.
A sudden shout from Sam broke the stillness, and I jumped in my seat.
“There! Up ahead!” he cried, his finger pointing to two figures limping out of the darkness toward us.
A beam of light flickered in the distance, barely visible through the thick foliage. Grayson pointed it out with a sharp exhale, and Teo gunned the engine, hurtling us closer and closer to the source of the light.
My fingers clenched around the grip of the gun in my lap as we came to a sudden halt. Before us lay a chaotic scene: Jace was clutching Victor’s limp form in his arms, limping toward us, looking like he was going to be sick.
“Oh, Jesus,” Teo said. He stopped the vehicle suddenly and we all scrambled out, rushing to Jace’s side.
Teo stayed by the SUV for a few seconds, and I was vaguely aware of the fact that he was throwing up next to the driver seat.
“Is he okay?” I asked, my eyes tearing up at the sight of Victor’s pale and sweat-covered face.
