Darkness let it go. He trusted the male. It didn’t matter why he’d been at the NSO in the middle of the night. He was more worried about Kat. Was she alive? He saw Trey remove his phone and scan the screen, reading texts. He should have had Security send the transcripts to his phone.

“Trey? Is she alive still?”

The male looked up and nodded. “She’s drawing him maps of Homeland. He hasn’t fired the gun. They are apparently in the kitchen and she just asked Missy to make them coffee. I can’t tell this guy’s mood from reading dialogue but he isn’t threatening to shoot them again. He’s more focused on getting that money.”

Darkness could breathe easier.

“We’re almost there,” the pilot said. “I’ll do a hard touchdown. We found a park. The house is eight blocks north. I’ll get directions.”

“I’m on it,” Trey announced. “I know the area. I dated a girl who lived nearby once and know where that street is. I had them text me the exact address. I’m pulling up a map now just to make sure.”

Darkness released his belt and held on to the seat. Book sat closest to the side door and opened it. The air blew in and amplified the sound of the helicopter blades. He turned his head as the helicopter banked sharply and lowered. It went down fast, as Darren had warned. Streetlights came into view and a small building he identified as a public restroom sat in the distance. The helicopter landed with a jarring bump. He tore off his headset, barely taking time to hook it to the wall.

He was out third in line and turned to Trey. He didn’t enjoy turning control over to the human but he wasn’t sure where Kat’s home was. The streets confused him and most of the homes looked too similar. Trey motioned the helicopter to take off and pointed toward a street. He ran and Darkness followed. The sound of the helicopter faded.

They reached a street lined with homes. Trey turned left. “Damn.”

“What?” Darkness caught up to him.

“I thought there’d be more traffic. Wait. There’s a car.” He threw up a fist and they all stopped.

A small four-door sedan drove toward them and Trey rushed into the path of it and withdrew his sidearm, aiming it at the driver. He pointed to his vest with his other hand where the NSO white lettering showed. The driver slammed on the brakes.

Trey approached the driver. “I’m with the NSO,” he yelled. “You’re in no danger. Don’t panic. Put down your window.”

It was a female and Darkness could see her fear. She lowered the window and Trey leaned in. “I’m really sorry about this but we have an emergency. We need your car.”

She shook her head, still pale.

Darkness approached. He tried to appear friendly. “Human, this is an emergency. Let us have your car. You will get it back.”

“Promise.” Trey reached inside and opened the door. “Just take off your belt and scoot in the back. You can drive away once we’re out. There’s a man holding a couple of women hostage. He’ll kill them if the police show up. We’re all NSO.”

The woman stared at Darkness. He wasn’t wearing a face shield. He could see her terror. Her hands shook as she reached down and unfastened her belt. “Please don’t hurt me.”

“We just need a ride,” Darkness assured her.

She nodded. “Get in.”

“We need something bigger. All of us won’t fit,” Book assessed.

“We’ll fit,” Trey announced. “It’s just going to be cramped.”

Trey helped the woman out and got in the driver’s seat. “Darkness, passenger seat. Lady, you can sit on his lap.”

She gawked at Darkness.

“The rest of you get in the back. Three can fit across in the seat and one of you can huddle in their laps.”

“This is undignified,” Jinx growled. “But let’s do it.”

Darkness grabbed the female’s hand. It trembled in his. He hadn’t taken the time to put on gloves. “It will be fine. You’re with six well-armed males. Thank you for your assistance.”

He led her to the other side of the car and got in. The female paused but climbed on his lap. It was a tight fit but one glance in the back as four males tried to squeeze into the space designed for three humans made him grateful to be in the front.

Trey grinned, slamming the door. “See? Let’s do this.”

The back doors closed and Darkness slammed the passenger one too. He hooked an arm around the female when Trey punched the gas and executed a tight U-turn. Trey removed his phone from his vest pocket and turned on the screen. A map showed.

“Thank you…” Trey paused. “What’s your name?”

“Amber.” The female relaxed against Darkness.

“You’re helping save two lives.” Trey took a sharp turn. “If you really feel the need to report this, give us twenty minutes before you call the police. This jerk could have a scanner. If you call Homeland instead, we’ll reward you, okay?”

“Yes.” Amber gripped Darkness’ arm when Trey took another turn fast.

“Ever wanted a tour of Homeland?” Trey slowed. “It’s yours if you just don’t call the police. I promise. Tell them Trey Roberts said so. Okay, Amber?”

“Yes.” She was still pale but seemed less fearful.

“I’m sorry about the gun but we really needed a ride fast.” He pulled to the curb and put the car in park. Trey turned and grinned at the woman. “I’m Trey Roberts. That’s Darkness holding you. You’ve been fantastic. Just call Homeland. We’ll show our appreciation.”