Nobody speaks for one second.
Then Shady’s voice fills the warehouse.
Low.
Calm.
Terrifying.
“You touched her.”
My whole body locks.
He sounds too controlled.
That is worse than shouting.
Toro smiles and looks right at me. “Road captain.”
“You got one chance to tell me where she is.”
“Only one?”
“After that, I start taking from you.”
Boca frowns like he doesn’t understand.
Toro does.
His smile thins.
My pulse hammers so hard it hurts.
Toro steps closer to me, holding the phone out like a gift.
“She’s listening.”
Silence.
Then softer, not gentle, but meant only for me.
“Lady.”
My lips part.
I know better than to answer.
I answer anyway.
“Shady.”
Boca curses and moves toward me, but Toro lifts a hand to stop him.
On the phone, Shady exhales.
Not relief.
Recognition.