“We’ll be fine, detective. I have your back, and you have mine. Let’s go.” We crouched down between the cargo units and slowly headed in the men’s direction.
We stopped as the cargo ship pulled up.
“Let’s go.” One of the men shouted, waving a few others along.
I grabbed the knife from my boot and stepped behind one of the burly men who stood guard. Grabbing his hair, I pulled his head back and slit his throat, sending him to the ground. The loud thump caught the other men's attention. The war started as I grabbed my other Glock from my back and headed toward them, firing both guns, while Simon took out a couple of the others. There was no sign of Elias.
“Drop your weapon. Where’s Elias?” I pressed one of my guns into the back of one of the men.
His gun slowly fell out of his hand and onto the ground as he raised his arms up.
“Fuck you, bitch. I ain’t telling you shit.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a gun pointed at Simon. Turning my other gun, I shot him before he could pull the trigger.
“Thanks.” Simon smiled.
The man before me spun around, knocking one of my guns against my forehead and tackling me to the ground. His strong hand wrapped around my neck. Both guns went flying across the concrete. I could feel the blood trickling down the side of my face where he hit me. My knee jammed into his midsection with such force that it sent him backward, his hand releasing from my throat. I scooted back, trying to stand as he lunged for my ankle. I kicked him again, this time in the face. He fell on his back, arms spread wide. Grabbing my gun, I fired two shots into his thighs. His screams echoed, and Simon ran over.
“I’ll ask you one last time,” I said, pressing my boot against the wound in his thigh. “Where is Elias?”
“Go to hell.”
Sighing, I crouched beside him, jamming my gun into his chest.
“Listen. The bullets in your leg? That was me being nice. The next one goes somewhere much less pleasant.”
“You think I’m scared of you, bitch. Elias will kill me himself if I talk.”
“Well, maybe I’ll let him be the one to kill you then. You aren’t going anywhere with bullets in both legs.” I smirked.
“Good idea.” Simon looked at me and smiled. “I think knowing Elias is coming after him is punishment enough. Let’s go see what’s in that cargo unit.”
“Paige. Simon.” We heard Parker from behind.
“Didn’t I tell you to stay in the car?” I shouted.
“I see everyone is dead. So there’s no danger.”
He followed us to the cargo unit. Simon shot off the lock and opened the doors. Nothing prepared me for what we saw inside.
“Jesus Christ,” Simon sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I’m calling this in.”
“What the fuck, Paige. They’re children.”
I swallowed hard as twenty children, boys and girls, ranging from ages eight to twelve, were huddled together, scared for their lives.
“Don’t be afraid. We’re here to help you.” I extended my hand to them.
Parker helped me get them out one by one. I could hear multiple sirens in the distance. It was my cue to leave.
“Simon, I can’t be here when the cops arrive. Parker and I are taking off.”
“Go. I got this,” he said. As I began to walk away, he called my name. “Paige.”
“Yeah?” I turned around.
“Excellent work. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”