17 COREY
I slide the key into the lock, the metal cool against my fingers as Julian and Tobias flank me. The night air carries the lingering tension from earlier, when everything went sideways.
"That was some wild shit tonight," Julian says, running a hand through his hair. "Haven't had to break up that many fights since-"
"Since that hedge fund manager lost fifty grand on Gentry,"
Tobias finishes.
"Something's got them spooked." I pocket the keys, my jaw tight.
"And that ceiling's gonna cost me."
"Better the ceiling than someone's head," Julian says.
I tap my concealed holster. “We need to figure out what's got everyone so jumpy before-"
My phone buzzes in my pocket. Rhea's name lights up the screen, making my stomach drop. Something's wrong.
"Hey, what's-"
"Corey, someone left- they left this note and-" Rhea's voice cracks through the phone, her breath coming in sharp gasps.
"Wait. Slow down. Take a breath." I motion to Julian and Tobias, already moving toward my car. "What note?"
"On my windshield. It said- it said welcome to the dark side, or some shit. I can't rememember. Then this car, they were following me and-" Another shaky breath. "They ran me off the road. I hit something, got a flat. They were wearing masks, Corey."
My fingers tighten on the phone. "Where are you?"
"Off Miller Road, past the old factory. I can change my own flat but I'm afraid they..."
"Listen to me carefully." I slide behind the wheel of my car, motioning Julian to the passenger seat, and Tobias to hop on his bike. "Stay in your car. Lock the doors. Don't open them for anyone but us. We're coming to get you."
"What if they-"
"They won't. Keep me on the line." I start the engine, tires squealing as we peel out. "Talk to me, Rhea. What kind of car was it?"
"Dark. Maybe black. Halo lights. I couldn't see the plates."
"How many were in it?"
"Two, I think. Everything happened so fast."
"You're doing great." I take a hard left, the engine roaring. "We're eight minutes out. Just keep talking."
"I should've told you about the note right away." Her voice wavers. "I didn't think- I mean, who would actually-"
"This isn't your fault." I catch Julian's eye as he checks his piece.