Chapter Fifteen

Lena’s words—calm and sure—sliced right through him, and nearly had him choking up his dinner. Thankfully, she was right. He still had a chance to save Tobey.

Viktor Kulakov was a master of manipulation. He knew that much from what Colton Williamson had told the team. Colton had worked for the DEA and was undercover in Kulakov’s organization for two years before being shot six times and declared legally dead. That’s how he ended up joining Task Force Phoenix.

Kulakov would use Tobey to keep Dane in line, and it would be much more effective if Tobey was left unharmed…right up until Viktor no longer needed him.

Dane wouldn’t give Kulakov a reason to use Tobey to motivate him into compliance. He would make sure Viktor thought he was working on finding Colton. But while he was doing that, he also needed to find Tobey so he could get him out of Viktor’s clutches. Before it was too late.

And with that thought, he was back to his original question of how he would do that with Lena watching him.

She put the key in the ignition, but he stopped her before she could start the engine. He let out a sigh and decided to just go for it. He didn’t have time to feign friendship, and doubted he’d be able to make it believable, anyway.

“Do you have my wallet and phone?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She pulled her giant purse from the back seat and dug through it until she found his wallet and handed it over. His ID, credit cards, and cash were all gone. He now had two condoms and a gym membership. Not helpful in his current situation.

He rolled his eyes and tucked the useless accessory in his back pocket as she handed over his cell phone.

“Who are you going to call?” she asked.

“My team. I’ll need a minute.” He reached for the door handle, wanting privacy.

“Wait.” She grabbed the phone back. “What are you going to say?”

He’d expected a flat out no, so he offered a truthful explanation. “I’m going to tell them what happened, and see what they suggest I do.” Because he still couldn’t come up with a viable plan on his own. He was too close to the situation. He needed help.

“You’re not going to go get this Robbie guy?”

“That Robbie guy is a good person. He was a decorated marine before he joined the DEA. His father and four brothers were all cops. The only reason Viktor hasn’t gone after his family is because he’s so well hidden. He’s in witness protection because he was willing to give up his old life to put Viktor behind bars.”

Dane wished Colton would have been successful in putting Viktor away.

“That Robbie guy is married to my best friend, and they have a baby. While you might be vile enough to put a child at risk, I’m not. So, no, I’m not just going to go get this Robbie guy. He’s a real person. A good person.” Dane ran his hand through his hair before adding, “Besides, I don’t know where he is.”

She handed over the phone. “Make the call in here. I know you hate my guts, but we’re in this together. Whatever we have to do to make this right, we’ll do.”

He stared at her for a long moment, not seeing anything but sincere regret. He knew better than to trust her.

“Make the call here, or don’t make it at all. It’s up to you,” she said. She might have sounded like she was in control of the situation if her voice hadn’t shaken twice as she delivered her order.

Rather than push her on it, he took the phone and made the call.