Page 14 of Deadly Scandals

Grant

Joaquín and Mia sped away from the complex as we pulled in from across the street. I had the target, the tall guy who’d walked Mia out of the complex. I prayed the second that we drove into Marin that Joaquín was taking Mia to meet Julián, and for once, luck was on my side.

My son was somewhere in that building, and I wasn’t leaving without him.

Ashley grabbed my arm. “No, Grant. Let’s wait. I’ll call the FBI. Once we get a warrant—”

Mitch’s head whipped around. “Warrant? Who the fuck do you think you are?” he yelled at her.

She spat at him, “I’m NCIS Special Agent Ashley Pierce.”

Mitch’s eyes bugged. “Holy shit.”

“It’s true, man.” I narrowed my eyes at Ashley. “But fuck you, Ashley. My son is being held hostage by some thugs. I’m not waiting for the feds. You want to arrest me? Go right ahead. I’ll be back in three minutes with my kid. Be prepared to drive or get the fuck out of the vehicle if you don’t want to be involved. Mitch, let’s roll.”

Mitch parked, and he and I exited the vehicle. Ashley stayed behind, which was fine by me.

The guy was walking up the stairs, and Mitch and I followed him.

When the man approached a door, Mitch slammed his ass to the ground, kicked him once in the ribs and then once in the jaw, knocking him out cold. I busted open the door, my gun surveying the space.

A lady screamed, but I wasn’t here for her. I scanned the room—and saw my little boy, dressed as a superhero, standing in the corner screaming.

I scooped him into my arms and was out the door as quickly as I’d entered.

Mitch and I dashed down the stairs, piled into the truck, and Ashley stepped on the gas.

I secured my weapon and hugged my screaming son. “Hey, hey buddy. I’m your daddy. It’s okay. I’m a good guy.”

I didn’t have a clue if he understood me. He continued to wail, but Mitch and I attempted to calm him down. After a few minutes, my son wrapped his arms around my neck, and I held him tighter than I’d ever held anyone.

Ashley drove straight to the police station and didn’t bother finding a parking spot before cutting the engine.

By this time, Julián’s screams had turned into sobs. Yet when Ashley tried to take him from my arms, he clung tighter.

“There, there, it’s okay. You’re going to be fine. We’ve been looking for you.” She turned to me. “I need to take him inside and call the FBI, my office, and Child Protective Services.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “You go find your wife. I hope you’re right about her…but if not, do what you have to do.”

I stared at my little boy. “I’m your daddy. I love you. I’m not sure if you understand me, but I need you to be brave like a superhero until I come back. Can you do that for me?”

He nodded as his tears continued to track down his face.

“This is Ashley. She’s going to take care of you. I’m going to get your mommy.” I gave him a final kiss and hugged him.

And with that, she carried my son into the police station. I didn’t want to let him out of my sight, but I didn’t have a choice. I needed to go save my wife.

Mitch stared at his phone. “Any idea where he would take her? The tracking shows up somewhere near Mill Valley?”

I smiled. I was this close to ending this nightmare, once and for all. “Mt. Tam. Let’s roll.”