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They have the wrong person!
Hope surges. If I can prove Cedara’s innocence, maybe I can get her released.
I have to get to Jagger! Right now.
Ripping a bloody strip from the sheet, I snatch up my T-shirt, pulling it over my head as I take off running. There’s no point in locking the apartment behind me because the front door is hanging off its hinges, its bright blue paint chipped and peeling.
I sprint from the apartment block and make my way through the town center back to the barracks in record time. I’m out of breath, panting as I see the door to Jagger’s office ahead, desperation driving me forward.
Tarkin and Callum are there, blocking the entrance like stone sentries.
“Out of my way!” I’m ready to shove past them if I have to.
Tarkin shakes his head. “Easy, Barrett. You can’t go in there.”
“The hell I can’t!” I snarl, fists clenching. “I need to speak to Jagger. Now!”
Callum’s mouth turns down. “Not happening. He’s in an important meeting.”
My heart sinks like a rock in a lake. “With who?”
There’s an uncomfortable pause before Tarkin answers reluctantly. “The police commissioner.”
Ice water floods my veins. The police? Here? If they’ve brought Cedara’s case to the human authorities…
“He called in the cops?” There’s an edge to my voice.
“Not Jagger. They came in themselves – an investigation. This latest incident is too close, Barrett. Right on our doorstep.” Callum runs a hand around the back of his neck. “I wish it wasn’t going down like this…”
“You have to let me in!” I insist, panic clawing at my throat. “This is about Cedara. I know she’s innocent!”
Callum eyes me sympathetically. “Even if we could interrupt, you know Jagger. He’ll rip our heads off for disturbing this meet.”
I curse viciously. He’s right – Jagger has been edgy ever since the killings started. He won’t risk jeopardizing this meeting for anything. If the police are already suspicious… Fuck. No wonder he’s flipping out.
I can’t just stand here!
Every second wasted puts Cedara at greater risk. If the humans take over this case, things could go south fast. I have to get to her before it’s too late.
Whirling on my heel, I take off down the corridor at a dead run, ignoring Tarkin and Callum’s shouts behind me. My mind is a blur of frantic thoughts as I race through the steel mill toward the holding cells.
I won’t let her down. Not after I just found her.
The scene that greets me when I reach them is not much different from the one I just left. Casey and Edirn are stationed at the entrance to the building, their expressions stony. If I’m honest with myself, I’m not surprised.
“You can’t go in there, Chord.” Casey folds her arms in front of her. “I’m pretty sure you know why.”
I slam my fist against the steel door, rage burning through me like acid.
“You can’t keep me from her!” I glare at them as they block my path.
Casey’s jaw tightens, her ice-blue eyes glinting with a challenge. “Orders are orders, Barrett. Nobody gets in until the investigation is complete. Especially not you.”
“That’s bullshit!” I snarl. “Cedara is my mate. She needs me!”
Edirn eyes me sympathetically, but it doesn’t stop him from saying his next words. “We understand your frustration, but Jagger has implemented a full lockdown. No one gets near her until this mess is sorted.”
Fury and desperation war within me. She’s caged in there, probably terrified and alone, while I’m out here, powerless to help her.
