Andre's phone buzzed against the table. Joy's name on the screen made his chest constrict. He snatched it up, needing confirmation that she was safe.
Had empty nuc boxes in the barn - getting survivors settled before they disperse. Going to my parents' house when I'm done. I'm okay.
Of course she was rescuing the survivors. Of course she was thinking of her bees even through devastation, even with bandaged hands. That was Joy.
He typed back:Be there as soon as I can.
"Partial plate," Tyler said, pointing to the corner of the screen where a vehicle's edge was barely visible. "Let me enhance this."
His fingers danced across the keyboard, running enhancement algorithms. The image sharpened marginally, revealing three characters: XRT.
"Running DMV search now," Tyler said, accessing the law enforcement database. "This'll take a minute."
Detective Gabriel Reynolds entered the conference room with the controlled energy of someone ready for action. Heath brought him up to speed while Tyler's DMV search ran. Andre found himself pacing, unable to stand still. Seven steps tothe wall. Seven steps back. His bear pushed against his skin, demanding movement.
"Got it," Tyler announced. "XRT-429. Registered to Mountain Services LLC. Business address is a warehouse on the outskirts of town." He typed again. "Running a records search now."
"Let me check property records for that warehouse." Digital breadcrumbs led from one database to another. Property tax records. Utility accounts. Each query pulled him deeper into a web of shell companies.
"The warehouse should be vacant," he said. "But utilities are being paid. Water, electric, even internet. Minimal usage but consistent."
"Who's paying?" Gabriel asked, leaning over Tyler’s shoulder.
"Property taxes are current, paid by High Timber Holdings."
The name hit Andre like a physical blow. High Timber Holdings. At the community meeting, multiple ranchers had mentioned receiving letters from them about timber rights.
"They're all connected," Andre said with sudden certainty. Mountain Pure LLC wanting water access. Apex Development Partners approaching about mineral rights. "All these shell companies targeting Fate Mountain properties. This is coordinated."
Heath straightened, decision crystallizing in his expression. "We need to search that warehouse. Now."
What followed was controlled chaos. Heath made rapid phone calls while Gabriel coordinated with dispatch. Judge Morrison had heard about Joy's bees. Her electronic signature appeared on the warrant within minutes.
"Listen up," Heath addressed the assembled team twenty minutes later. The conference room had filled with officers—Valeria Reynolds checking her weapon, Gunnar Ironwood cracking his knuckles in anticipation, Rafe Stone bouncing on his toes with barely contained energy, Magnus Blackthorne steady as granite beside the door.
"This is a soft entry unless we meet resistance," Heath continued. "We go in fast but controlled. Secure any personnel first, evidence second. Tyler will maintain radio contact from here."
Heath caught Andre's eye. "No heroics. I know she's your mate. But we do this by the book. Clean. Legal."
Andre nodded, though his bear disagreed violently. They needed convictions, not just vengeance.
The convoy rolled out as afternoon sun slanted low across Fate Mountain. Andre rode with Gabriel. His tactical vest felt heavier than usual.
"Joy's tough," Gabriel said quietly. "She'll get through this."
Andre didn't respond. He was too busy replaying the security footage in his mind. The calculated way they'd destroyed everything. The professional precision that spoke of practice, planning, purpose.
The warehouse squatted in an abandoned lot on the outskirts of town, all rust and broken promises. Everything about it screamed it was unoccupied—except for the fresh tire tracks in the dirt. Multiple vehicles, recent.
They positioned for entry. Heath coordinated from the command vehicle while the entry team stacked up at the door.
"On my count," Gabriel said. He stood point, with Andre behind him, then Valeria, Gunnar, Rafe, and Magnus.
"Three... two... one... Execute!"
They went in hard and fast. "Police! Search warrant!" The words echoed in the vast space.
Empty.
