He knew she was right. “They don’t need me. You’re my priority.”

“You have no idea how much that means to me but this is important too.”

“She’s right,” Jericho announced.

“Fine.” Smiley rubbed her back. “I’ll return soon.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

He lowered his head and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll hurry.”

Chapter Nineteen

Security was a hive of activity when Smiley and Jericho arrived. The human task force was assembled and entered ahead of them. There was also a familiar vehicle parked nearby, a transport van from Fuller Prison. Smiley frowned.

“They brought a few of the prisoners here. Darkness and I want a shot at them,” Jericho informed him.

“We need Gregory Woods and the male who works for him, the one who Tasered my Vanni.”

“We’ll get them,” Jericho assured him. He jerked open the door and they entered the building. Loud voices led them to the main operations center. It was standing room only.

Justice climbed up on a chair and snarled, commanding silence and everyone’s attention. He paused until he had everyone’s attention before he spoke.

“We leaked the video of the bartender to the press. It hit every broadcast about twenty minutes ago. We need everyone here because shit is hitting the fan faster than we believed it would.”

Smiley clenched his fists. He didn’t like hearing that. He preferred operations that ran smoothly. Justice seemed angry and frustrated, never a good sign.

“Trey Roberts!”

A male standing in the corner responded, “Here.”

Justice pinned him with a stare. “You are in charge of the two teams tracking Gregory and Carl Woods. Report.”

“Gregory is freaking out. He screwed up by using one of the phones we cloned instead of a new disposable one to call our pilot. He ordered him to prepare the plane and to be on standby. He also called his attorney. He’s going to make a run for it.”

“His son?”

Trey nodded. “Carl Woods is packing right now. He’s at his home. We’ll grab them after they land. You wanted records of him flying away from the airport for the authorities. Our pilot will fly low under the radar to make tracking the small plane difficult. We cleared a remote road near Reservation for him to land. Crews are still there in preparation of giving him some light if it happens after dark. The pilot is planning on telling his passengers they are having engine trouble and need to make an emergency landing. New Species will be waiting to take them into custody.”

“Good.” Justice turned, pointing at Tim. “Report.”

“We have small teams at each residence and at the church with a few of your canine males to help them execute a search. They are on standby to toss each location. Say the word and they go in.”

Justice nodded. “I think Gregory will want to travel with the drug so we’ll wait until they are in custody. I don’t want to invade human places unless we need to. It could draw too much attention. We want to appear as if we had nothing to do with their disappearance, if possible.” Justice swept his gaze around the room. “We’re on high alert. Is that clear? The church may stage a distraction to keep us busy. We have no idea of their exact numbers since he televises his show. Keep in close contact with your teams. Move out!”

The room cleared of all nonessential officers. Justice jumped down and approached Darkness. He stopped in front of him.

“We have four prisoners from Fuller. I want to know everything they know about this drug and how much of it was sold. I want verification of the numbers we were told. I hate surprises. Make certain there was only one purchaser. We need to make sure we go after every dose.”

Darkness nodded. “Whatever it takes.”

Justice turned toward Jericho and Smiley. “Thank you for coming. Help Darkness. Don’t kill them but I want answers. Medical is on standby if they are needed.”

“Understood.” Jericho cracked his knuckles. “Intimidate first then break bones if that doesn’t work.”

“Whatever it takes,” Justice repeated Darkness’ words. “I’ll be here. We’re keeping in constant contact with Reservation. They are on high alert too. Gregory Woods has a lot of supporters. They aren’t going to be happy that their leader is about to flee the country. They’ll blame us.” A cold smile curved his lips. “They would be correct, for once.” He spun away, moving toward the males and females monitoring the cameras.

Jericho jerked his head, motioning for them to move out, and Smiley followed Darkness. They entered the back part of the building where the interrogation rooms were. A male was assigned to each door. The mood was forbidding. Darkness turned. “I’ll take room one. You two team up for room two.”

“I can handle a prisoner myself.” Smiley held Darkness’ gaze. “I won’t lose my temper.”

The male frowned. “You’re not known for being overly aggressive, Smiley, but under the circumstances you might be. I’d rather not have to patch them up and keep them in the basement until they are cleared for return to Fuller. Intimidation is far better than violence.”

“I can be intimidating.” He allowed his anger to show. “I won’t lose control and damage anyone.”

Darkness blew out a breath. “Take room three but I’ll be in to monitor you shortly. I’ll scare the shit out of this one and give him a little time to think I’m about to kill him.”