Chapter 24

**The Final Choice** 

It is pointless to panic. Fear diverts attention. As I sat in the darkened motel room with my hands balled into fists and my heart thumping so violently that it felt like it may burst through my ribs, I reminded myself that. The call had just arrived. Like a snake, Dominic's voice slithered through the phone, calm and smooth as always.

"You have a choice, Emma," he had been saying. "I'll give them back to you if you voluntarily come to me. You will never see your guys again if you refuse.

My knees almost gave out under me, but I managed to keep upright by holding onto the desk's edge. I felt like screaming, crying, and letting my anger burn through me like wildfire. I chose to ignore it all and answer with the only thing I could think of.

"Where?"

He laughed. "Not just yet. You'll know when it's appropriate. What about Emma? They'll foot the bill if you invite anyone along or even consider trying something ingenious."

He hung up after that.

The silence surrounded me like a thick cloud, and I stood motionless. From the other side of the room, I could feel Jake observing me. His face was tight with concern, and I knew it without turning around.

"We’ll find them," he said as he took a step toward them. "I swear to you, Emma. You don't have to work alone on this.

I exhaled. He was unable to comprehend. He was unable to. Every second I squandered meant my sons remained under Dominic's control, and time was slipping through my fingers like sand. I had finished waiting.

"I can’t take that risk," I remarked, getting up to go. I had half-packed my luggage on the bed. After checking the magazine, I snatched up the pistol and stuffed it into the holster under my jacket.

Jake's mouth clenched. "Emma, listen to me—"

"No, you listen," I said sharply as I turned to look at him. Wouldn't you do the same if it were you? Would you not go if it were someone you loved?

He opened his mouth but remained silent. Since he was aware of my correctness.

I didn't hold out for a response. I zipped up my jacket, got an extra clip, and strapped a knife to my thigh. Jake's expression was one of annoyance as he ran a hand through his hair.

"At least let me help—"

"No. He said they would cover the cost first if I brought someone. I won't take that chance." I started toward the door, but he caught me by the arm, holding on tight but not too tightly.

He shrugged, pulled out his leather jacket, and held it out to me. "Then take this," he replied.

I paused. "Jake, I don’t—"

"The lining is strengthened. Better than your current attire. I could see the glimmer of worry in his eyes, even though his speech was rough.

With a sigh, I accepted it and put it on. It smelled warm, of leather, tobacco, and something that was definitely Jake.

When he said, "Be careful,"

I gave him a single nod before leaving, oblivious to the small tracker he had sewed into the jacket's inside lining.

An hour later, the location appeared in a text.

Close to the docks is an abandoned cargo yard. Naturally. Theatrics were always something Dominic enjoyed.

After parking a block away, I out onto the wet sidewalk. As I made my way into the darkness, my fingers coiled around my gun's grip. The night was filled with the distant crash of waves against metal and the scent of salt and rust.

With my heart pounding, I edged closer. Now I could see the warehouse, the black guys on guard barely illuminated by the flickering light above the entrance.

I let out a slow breath. This was my only chance.

I pressed against the chilly steel as I moved low to the building's side. As I peered around the bend, my pulse screamed in my ears. Two guards. Armed. But failing to pay attention.

Amateurs.

I walked quickly. Before he could utter a word, my blade slipped between the first's ribs. I was quicker than the second, who turned with wide eyes. He slumped to the ground as I rammed my gun's butt into his temple.

I moved onward, stepping over them.

Crates were piled high along the walls of the poorly illuminated warehouse. Above me, I heard the footsteps of someone pacing the catwalk. Then I caught sight of him.

Dominic.

He held a cigarette in one hand and a phone in the other as he stood close to the middle of the room. And next to him.

I gasped.

In front of them, two tiny creatures are huddled together with their hands bound. My boys.

I felt a surge of anger and relief. They were living. But afraid.

I made myself maintain my composure. This required some cunning on my part.

I stepped forward with my rifle up. "Let them go."