Page 134 of Corrupt Game
“As ya can see, we have been workin’ on findin’ their weak spot for a while now. It’s not like we could just waltz in and ask for your lady back. We’ve lost a few others that could have been saved if we’d had access to their underground areas.” Lucas pointed to the terrain surrounding what looked like an old castle. “There aren’t any blueprints because they’ve added on to the original building. It’s not like they’re super into doing things by the book.”
I stepped closer to get a better look at everything. “They can see anyone coming for miles around. Any trees or forested areas have been cleared out. There is no way to sneak up on them.” I paced, getting desperate. “It’s been twenty-four hours, and Collette isn’t going to have much time with the monster torturing her.”
“We understand that, but there is only so much we can do without puttin’ our own people in harm’s way. We’d like to help as much as we can, yet the Kellys are ruthless.” Lucas apologized.
I kept my rage and fear off my face..
“There have been feelers put out among our contacts, and we are tryin’ our best to find him. If they took her to the Kelly’s cages, then the outlook isn’t great.”
“They called us.” I pointed out. “Well, they let her talk to me. After telling me to leave town, they’re supposed to contact us with their ransom demand.”
“Ha, well, that’s a new one. Phone calls with ransoms aren’t normally done. They’ll probably let her out when she’s on the brink of death.” Lucas shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it don’t look good.”
“She’s there with Sergi Ivanov.” My tone couldn’t get any flatter
Lucas sighed and rubbed his hand over his face.
“What’s the plan of action?” I looked between the two men. “She can’t stay there and you’re saying there’s no way to rescue her, and just sitting here is not an option.”
“No, we are goin’ into town to meet one of our contacts that has the inside scoop on what’s goin’ on at the Kelly residence. If Collette is there, then we can come up with a plan to make things happen. We don’t want to go in guns blazin’ and find out she was in some cottage on the coast,” Lucas spoke carefully.
“All right. So on the assumption that she’s at the main residence, how are we going to be able to get her out? It’s not like there are a lot of resources.”
“There might be a way to have the people at Interpol be alerted that an American is being held against his will. This will be used only as a last resort because that will have a lot of ramifications that go with it.” Lucas warned. “The Kellys have their own network and will move Collette before the police can do anything. They won’t take something like that lying down, and they’ll be out for blood later on.”
“Which is why we don’t want to do that unless we can’t get to him in any other way.” Rossi agreed. “No point in starting a feud that will cost a lot of lives. Covert is better.”
“Can we split up and do some recon to find out what the area looks like?” I didn’t want wait. “I could go do that while you guys are meeting your informant.”
If we split up, it would make things easier and a little faster, but Rossi wouldn’t hear of it. He was shaking his head before I could even finish what I was saying.
“Well, someone knows we’ve come to Ireland. The sooner we can find out where he is, the sooner we can get out of here. I’m not saying let’s go on a joyride or anything. We would have to stay off the main roads, but it’s not like they know for sure what we’re driving. Unless you have someone here in your organization that would be giving them information about us.” I raised an eyebrow in Lucas’ direction.
Not that I wanted to accuse him of something, but if he had a contact in the Kelly organization, then it was only reasonable that the Kellys would have one in the McGintys’ organization.
“That’s why I’m the only person that is goin’ to know exactly what is goin’ on with the two of you. Others might have an idea, but I don’t want the Kellys to get wind of your presence in thee country.” Lucas reassured me. “Them findin’ out you are here and with us, would really stir the pot and blood would start spillin’.”
He glanced at his watch.
“Time for us to go. You really need to stay here. Once we’ve made contact, then we can see about stakin’ out the Kelly’s operation, but until then we don’t need you dead or kidnapped either.”
I grunted in answer.
“You can hang out here until we get back.” Lucas showed me the large living room that looked to be very comfortable. “Sara will make sure that you have anythin’ that you need. She’s nice and can help if you have questions about life in Ireland.”
I nodded with a fake smile pasted on. At least he couldn’t see my thoughts because I wanted to strangle both men.
This wasn’t the plan. I couldn’t just sit here like a damsel in distress, but there wasn’t anything for me to do, either. It would be idiotic of me to leave and traipse around Ireland alone with a target plastered on my back.
The other two had barely left when my new burner phone rang.
“Is this Ian Holdt?”
“Yes, who is this?” I glanced at the phone with suspicion.
“I’m the one you’re looking for. We need to talk. Just you.” The voice whispered. “I’ll have some answers for you.”
“First, how did you get this number? Second, how do I know this isn’t a trap?” I snapped.