“This is the chop shop he runs,” Christian tells us, turning in his seat to pass out binoculars.
“I thought Benito ran their auto business,” Will says.
“He did until junior took over a few months ago.” He looks at Will, raising a brow. “I’m willing to bet my C-Type that’s who’s cutting into your business.”
“Not my business,” Will grumbles.
“You know, it doesn’t become more true the more you say it, right?”
“Can we get to the plan?” I ask, trying not to sound like I’m losing it, but I am. My patience ran out hours ago, and allowing them to dictate our next move isn’t sitting well. I’m aware they’re the experts, but it doesn’t help calm my mind at all.
“I hacked into the city’s street cams and the few security feeds available.” He nods toward the building. “Got into their security system, too. They only have eyes on the outside and the front of the building. I have no idea how many are in there or where he is keeping her. The building isn’t that big, though. City blueprints showed a front office, the garage, and a small apartment area over all of it. The people around here are very much the don’t ask, don’t tell variety. They won’t be an issue. But we have no idea who might be lingering around, so Henry is going to that building over there, and he’s going to watch that side. I’m going over there.” He points to another building on the opposite side. “You and Will are going through the roof to the apartment, and you’ll work your way down.”
He’s barely finished explaining when I sling the door open, ready to go. Henry jumps from the driver’s seat, catching me by the arm before I’ve made it too many steps. “Slow down, Jagger. Security system, remember? It has to be disabled before you just rush the place.”
Will is out next, standing next to me with heat in his eyes. “You haven’t even heard how we are getting to the roof. You need to get yourself in check before you get yourself and Poppy killed.”
I scrub my hands over my face, counting slowly in my head. “Fine,” I grind out.
Henry pushes me to the back of the SUV. He waves his foot, and the gate lifts. Will stands there, waiting for us while Henry grabs a long case, flipping the lid open. He checks that everything he wants is there, then closes it and lifts the strap over his head.
“What’s with the long range?” I ask.
“With any luck, there might be a window or something I can see through. It’s only around twelve hundred meters, so if there’s trouble, I’ll be able to intervene.” After grabbing a few more things, he turns to me, handing me a Sig Sauer P220. “Do you know how to use it?”
I pull the slide back, locking it in place, then check the magazine and chamber. Seeing it fully loaded, I press the cartridge back into the grip, then pull the slide back quickly to load a round. Our eyes meet when I’m done. His cheek twitches. “A yes would’ve worked, ya know?” He slaps something into my chest. “Do you know how to use these too, asshole?”
“Not rocket science,” I grunt, taking the small earpiece and inserting it. Henry tosses Will a pair, and he does the same.
“Get to the roof,” Will tells him. “I would imagine that Christian is almost done.”
Henry nods and slinks off, sticking to the shadows as he goes toward the fire escape of the old building, while Will grabs a bag, shoving a few items inside.
Christian finally exits the car, jerking his head toward the garage. “I’ve disarmed the system.” He tucks an earpiece in. “Once you get to the fence, wait for the all clear.”
We follow Christian, keeping to the shadows like Henry did, not that it matters. No one is paying attention to us. The few that do see us slinking through the darkness turn the other direction as if they don’t.
“There’s no one on this side,” Henry’s voice comes through. Seconds later, Christian follows.
Bolt cutters appear from Will’s bag when we get to the fence. The snap of metal is sharp, but not noticeable thanks to the sound of traffic and sirens. Once enough has been cut, he gestures me forward. Inside the fence, there are more cars than we could see from the outside, giving us plenty of cover should someone appear.
We reach the back of the building where a dumpster sits against the metal. Will waves a hand, imitating we should climb on top. There’s still more than six feet to the roof’s edge. “I’ll boost you,” he whispers. “Then you hoist me up.”
I plant my foot into his laced fingers. Using the added momentum, I quickly grab the edge and lift myself over. Metal creaks beneath as I spin to offer him my hand, and I pray no one heard. Once he’s lifted, we attempt to be as light-footed as possible as we approach the skylight.
“I’ve got eyes inside the building,” Henry tells us. “They’re in the mechanic shop. Two in the far right corner, sitting at a table. I can’t see Poppy, though.”
“I can,” Christian says as we lift the skylight and slowly lower ourselves down. The room we enter is empty, giving us a second to stop and listen. “I can only see her back, but it looks like…” he trails off, and panic bubbles in my stomach.
“Looks like?” I hiss.
“A body.”
“Dammit.”
“That’s why Phoebe didn’t understand why they asked for something else,” Will suggests.
“They’re not trying to pay a debt. They are either following different orders or…” Christian trails off.
