Ivan looked determined. "We will get Callistus back."
The next day, just before dawn, Mia got up and headed back to the warehouse with her friend.
"Today's the meeting," he whispered as they approached. "Once the sun rises, this place will be in full lockdown—"
"Captain, you're here early," someone called out, opening the door.
Mia quickly slipped to the side, hiding as her friend walked in. She could see Callistus still lying on the floor, untouched.
"Just doing my rounds," the captain lied smoothly. "What about you all?"
"Ryan told us to guard him. The Chases are coming soon," his teammate replied, eyeing him suspiciously. "But I don't remember Ryan saying anything about you patrolling here. Especially since you used to work for the Chases, can't believe they chose you to be something important, Captain."
"What? Jealous?" he sneered, stepping closer to his teammate. "Too bad it's my spot, Liam."
He stepped back out, signalling Mia to leave. She didn't move, too scared they would both be caught. Just as he tried to close the door, Liam pulled out a gun with a click.
"Up for some early morning fun?" the captain asked, unfazed. "Should've stayed in bed." He quickly snatched the gun from Liam's hand and pointed it back at him. "I'm the captain for a reason."
Mia moved further back, trying to stay hidden while she texted Star and the others about the situation. The meeting was in two hours. She just hoped nothing bad would happen to any of her friends.
But the men behind Liam pulled out their own guns, aiming at the captain. He lowered his gun, but before he could react, they fired.
The captain slammed the metal door shut, a few bullets tearing through the door.
"Go!" he shouted at Mia.
Mia didn't run far, quickly pulling out her gun and firing back a few shots before diving into the car.
"What is wrong with those teammates?" she shouted as bullets flew through the air, smashing her car windows. "Shit!"
She tried to start the car, but nothing happened—the wires had been cut. Glass shattered around her, cutting her skin. She fired a few more shots, but the gunfire only intensified.
"Step out of the car!" shouted a familiar voice—the captain. "Get out now!"
Mia stepped out, breathing heavily. She dropped everything she had before being shoved into the warehouse next to Callistus.
The captain pushed her, then leaned in and whispered, "They won't harm you. Try to get your friend out while I distract them."
"Are you kidding? He's too weak to move," Mia whispered back.
The captain pretended to throw her to the ground. Mia moved over to Callistus, shaking him awake.
"Ivan's on the way. Stay alive," she said. "Can you walk?"
Callistus shook his head, making Mia even more anxious. Nearby, the captain gathered the men, talking loudly to distract them.
Mia stood up, trying to pull Callistus with her, but he couldn't stand.
"They'll be here soon," Callistus whispered. "Just go!"
Mia slipped toward the back, taking advantage of the captain's distraction until she reached the door. Just as she thought she was clear, she heard a click behind her.
"Where do you think you're going, miss?" a voice sneered.
—
"Any news?" Shantel asked from the car.
"No, Mia's not responding," Myiesha replied. "She never takes this long to reply. How about you?"
"Nothing," everyone else answered.
They finally set off, four cars in total. The first car held Ivan, Star, and the other high-ranking members. The second car carried Shantel, Qaseh, and a few more. The third and fourth cars held the authorities.
"She'll be fine," Star assured them. "She always does something stupid but somehow finishes the job."
Ivan sat quietly, his face tense. Danish glanced over at him. "Don't worry, everything will turn out okay. There's nothing to fear."
"I'm just worried about those two idiots," Ivan muttered. "They're always getting into trouble."
"At least they've learned to defend themselves," Pavanya added.
"They're safe. Mia sent those messages just a few minutes ago," Isabell reminded them.
Ivan nodded, holding onto that hope.
—
"Captain," one of the guards called from the back door. "Looks like someone tried to run." He had his rifle pointed directly at Mia.
"Good job, my brother," the captain responded with a chuckle. "Looks like the pretty girl wants to make a break for it." He laughed, and the others joined in.
Mia sat back down next to Callistus, who was grinning at her.
"Oh, shut up."
"How can I not laugh when you just got caught?" Callistus wheezed. "Lucky for you, my wounds aren't that bad—just bruises and some scratches."
"My car's dead," Mia replied. "They shot it up—"
Mia was cut off by a blow to the back of her head with a rifle. "Shut up already!" a woman shouted at Mia. "Or do I have to make you quiet?" She raised her rifle again, but the captain grabbed it before she could do more.
"Easy now," the captain warned. "Boss said no harm comes to them, Anne. If we break that rule, we're all dead."
Anne yanked the rifle back from his grip. "You could've just said you had a soft spot for them instead of making excuses."
Ryan clapped his hands, amused by the captain's use of the plural. "The more, the merrier," he always liked to say.
He looked down at Mia and Callistus on the ground with a grin. "Well done, Captain," he congratulated. "The Chases will be here soon, but having two catches might be overkill."
"How about we keep one?" Ryan suggested with a playful tone. "Why don't you choose, Captain?"
The captain remained calm. "Sir, the Chases will offer their wealth in exchange for both of them. If we don't deliver the full package, they won't negotiate."
"But if they had to give just one to us, who would you pick?" Ryan pressed, glancing at Valentina, who stood nearby, watching silently.
The captain hesitated, then finally said, "The girl."
Without warning, Ryan pulled out his pistol and aimed it at Mia. Valentina's eyes widened, clearly taken aback.
"Say bye-bye—" Ryan began, but a guard interrupted him.
"The Chases are here!" the guard shouted from outside.
Ryan's grin widened. "Saved by the bell," he muttered. "Beat them up," he ordered, gesturing at his men to move forward.