We’re going around and around in circles.
A few minutes later, Dakota jogged toward him. “Hannah’s baby was sold to a Maya and Craig Fields.”
“Who the hell promised them her baby?”
“Uncle Charlie. Monty said he runs a private adoption agency called The Institute.”
“How’d you get him to tell you that?”
“I saidplease.” Dakota chuffed out a laugh as his phone buzzed. “One of my guys has been calling me. I need my computer, so I’ll be in my office.” As he answered, he took off down the hallway and vanished around the corner.
Sin pulled his phone from his pocket and Googled “The Institute” but found nothing.We’ve got to track down the Fields’.He called Sanchez. “I need you to—”
Monty stumbled around the corner and fell onto the floor. His hand and shirt were blood soaked, his right eye swollen shut. He raised his arm and pointed a gun at Sin. “Where are your bitches now, asshole?”
BANG!
A bullet whizzed by Sin. Unarmed and without backup, he was defenseless.
“I’m gonna fucking kill you, Sinclair Develin! This time, you’re a dead man.”
BANG!
The second bullet grazed Sin’s thigh. Wincing, he grabbed his leg, pain searing through him. Monty crawled toward Sin, trailing blood and squinting through his one good eye.
Evangeline ran around the corner, her Glock in her outstretched arms. “Drop your weapon!”
“Go to hell, bitch.” Monty aimed his gun at her.
BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG!
His arm dropped. Monty lay motionless, blood pooling on the floor beneath him. She ran over and kicked his weapon away, then hurried over to Sin.
Dakota flew around the corner. “Jesus, no!”
“Mine’s a flesh wound,” Sin hollered. “Find Jacoby.”
As Dakota bolted down the hall, Evangeline tore off Sin’s shirt and pressed it against his wound. “I cannot fucking believe this.” She glanced at Monty. “Did I kill him?”
Sin eyed his nemesis. “Looks that way.”
Dakota came running back toward them. “Jacoby’s been shot. I need your help or we’re gonna lose him.”
25
The Institute
Evangeline had spent the last hour scouring the Internet. Determined to find The Institute, she kept working, but her searches had yielded zero results. “If I can’t find it, I can’t hack into it,” she bemoaned to Sin.
As Dr. Joyce entered the black site’s kitchen, she pulled off her surgical mask. “Jacoby’s surgery went well and he’s resting comfortably.” She removed her head cap and threaded her fingers through her hair. “Does he have family and have they been called?”
“Someone from my team is bringing his wife here,” Sin said. “Can I see him?”
“Let’s take a look at your leg first. I understand a bullet grazed your thigh.”
“I’m good.”
“I’m the one with the medical degree, so I’m the boss.” She beckoned him with her index finger before walking out of the room.