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The SUV came to a stop and I blinked past the fears.
“Okay.” Gaige unbuckled. “Let’s do this. Men, keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.”
The walk into the hospital was a blur as my thoughts were consumed by Zain and trying to stay alert. What in the hell was I supposed to do? Take him under my wing? Protect him, all the while plotting out his family’s demise? Kill him, myself? I almost groaned out loud. I couldn’t do that to Lily. Fuck, she loved him. How had I missed all of this these last three years?
The elevator dinged and I stayed quiet as Gaige talked his way in. I could see their hesitation, but one flash of the badge and they allowed us through. As we approached the room, a man was standing outside. His watchful eyes were narrowed and he stepped in our path as Gaige took the front.
“Agent Sullivan to see Mr. Cook. You need to step out of the way.”
“Zain isn’t seeing anyone.” The Arabic accent was thick as he stood his ground.
Gaige shot me a glance. “I’m sorry, are you family?”
“Cousin,” he said, proudly.
“Ah, well, move before I arrest you for tampering with an investigation.”
Barely existent words broke through and I narrowed my eyes, listening.
“Give me your word,” Zain ground out. “You swear you didn’t have anything to do with it?”
A phrase in Arabic sounded. I didn’t have to speak the language to assume it was some sort of curse.
“Would I lie to you about something like that? I know nothing of a girl. If you were told she was taken, it wasn’t by me.”
The young man shifted and stayed grounded for a few seconds before reaching back and knocking hard. Gaige pushed past and slung open the door. Mr. Amari stood from the chair as we all walked inside. Zain looked at us nervously, but it wasn’t from fear, more like anticipation.
“We’re going to have to ask you to leave us for a few minutes. We have more questions for your son.”
He stood, putting himself between us and Gaige. “May I see your badge?”
Gaige flashed it and moved in closer so he could see. I held my breath, waiting for him to ask for ours. “This shouldn’t take long. We’re wrapping things up and should be gone shortly,” Gaige continued.
The lack of threat had the man’s stiff shoulder’s relaxing. I could tell he was slightly distracted. His eyes kept darting to the door, as if he either wanted to leave or was waiting for someone. “I’ll be outside,” he mumbled.
A nod was all Gaige gave as he stepped even closer to the bed. The moment the door shut, I walked over.
“Have you found Lily?” he rushed out.
I swallowed hard, feeling the anger surge. “No, but she called.”
Zain pushed to sit, wincing a little. “What did she say? Is she alright?”
My head shook. “I’m not sure. She killed two of the men who had her. I listened while at least two more showed up. She was fighting with one, but then the phone went dead.
“Fuck,” he said, catching his breath. “No. Fuck.” The growl was followed by him throwing back the covers. “I’m out of here. I have to find her.” He pulled out the IV, using the blanket to apply pressure.
“She had a message for you.”
His distinct eyes shot to mine and he stilled. “What did she say?”
While I studied him, I couldn’t denying how much raw pain he held. I could see it. Feel it. I looked over to Brace. “We may not have been able to track her, but we did record the conversation. I think you should hear for yourself.”
I nodded at Brace, who took out a recorder and hit play.
“I’m alive,” she said, rushed.
Zain leaned in closer to the recorder as he listened. Every expression on his face, I caught. To deny what I knew would be a mistake, but letting this go was harder than I thought. His brow furrowed and something flashed behind his eyes at Lily being attacked. As I stared deep within his glare, I knew there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. Mostly…kill. That’s what worried me the most. This man was dangerous.
