“How do you know that?”

“You really think I'd take a lady that sexy out and not feel her up just a bit?”

So, fuck me, I'm lying. I had The Commissioner slip me the spare key he found on it when we met in his office. All the paperwork had been filed to have the car moved today, giving me the easiest opening to steal it. The timing is off, but he held up his part. He gave me the key.

The fire alarm sounds sharply and I've never been more thankful to have on fake ears.

We're not gonna make a habit of this. Don't worry.

With the noise working as a perfect cover, I kick the vent screen, and drop to my feet. Swiftly I maneuver my way around the room, taking directions from Destin who leads me out a side door that leaks right to the impound lot. Relieved there's still hope on the horizon I make a move for the car that has yet to be hooked up, but am forced to trap myself back against the wall.

“Triple D! I need you!” I sharply whisper watching the tow truck man stroll away with his keys.

“Little busy,” his voice sings out of breath.

Madden growls, “What's the problem now?”

Staring at the sight in disbelief I sigh, “I'm blocked in.”

“What?!” Echoes through my ears.

Don't you scream too. I've got enough of it.

“The tow truck is blocking the exit. The only fucking exit. I need it moved.”

“Mad Man,” Drew calls to him.

“Can't make it there in time. I'm headed for my assigned location as we speak.”

The Devil is still watching and listening until I ditch this fucking hat. Soon. Very soon.

“I'm on it,” Knox volunteers.

Perplexed, my oldest brother questions, “You can hot wire a tow truck?”

“I can hot wire a lot of shit, Madden,” she assures cockily.

Now's not a good time to flirt. Just saying...And you're worried about me not being able to stay focused.

Thankfully moments later, Knox is coming around the corner, giving me my cue to get in and ready. Quickly I rush across the lot to where the gorgeous black and red Bugatti Veyron is waiting for me.

“Daddy's home,” I coo to her.

“Ugh,” Knox gags in the earpiece. “Don't talk to her like that.”

“Jealous no one talks to you like that?” Drew chuckles as I hit the alarm and slide inside the second most amazing thing I have in my entire life.

Do you really have to ask what the first is?

Stroking the wheel gently, I plead, “I need you to behave. We have a girl to save.” I start her up and the purr she gives in response let's me know she's on my side. Part of me hates having to take her to a dick like The Devil, but what's done is done.

While waiting for Knox to get the tow truck started, I start picking at the false goatee.

It's gotta go. I look like something out of a 1990s bad cop movie.

As soon as Knox starts to pull the tow truck out of the way, Destin announces, “We've got the fire department on the scene. Knox box 'em in on your left then get the fuck out of there. Ghost take a right, hit another sharp right, and haul ass. I repeat, haul ass.”

We do as we're told, pulling it off flawlessly. His directions bring me to an area I'm familiar with.

Very familiar with considering the fact I had to ditch her here before.

Pulling up alongside the private parking garage, I'm pleased to see Shelby waiting for me. Quickly I yank off the hat, use a little of the removal oil that's been in my pocket, and peal off all the added features. Once I'm done I toss them in the bag along with the button up cop shirt. She exchanges me a bullet proof vest to slip on, my signature hat, and a pair of shoes I can actually fucking drive in.

(More importantly run in. Believe me. I'm gonna be doing a lot of that.)

I don't take any more time than I need to make the exchange and peel off onto the access rode leaving her to dispose of the contents of the bag.

With The Devil no longer in direct contact with the situation, I ask, “Triple D. You on location?”

“In route,” Daniel replies quickly. “Turns out cops really do like donuts.”

Drew sighs. “Do we wanna know?”

“Probably not,” he laughs mischievously. “Is the call clear?”

“Like a diamond,” Destin responds. “Told The Devil you were headed for him.”

“Madden?” I question shifting gears as I ease onto the highway.

“Minutes from location. I'm taking east. Triple D you take west.”

“Got it,” Daniel confirms. “How we lookin' D?”

“You two are in the clear. Red and Blue on your left Ghost.”

Instantly I cut him a glance, which is when he spots me.

(Not. A. Good. Time.)

Flooring it, the engine growls fiercely launching me forward. With trust that Triple D is handling this situation, I weave around cars, his flashing lights so far in the distance I'm tempted to call it clear.

(I know better than that. I'm not a fucking idiot.)

“Drop back and slide,” Destin instructs.

Immediately I cut over three lanes and ease down my speed. Side by side with an 18 wheeler I use it to hide me as the cop speeds ahead, cars moving out of his way. Once he's ahead, I cut over behind the 18 wheeler to stay out of sight.

(Slick right?)

“He's calling for back up,” Destin announces. “Says he can't identify the model of the vehicle, but it is black and red heading west. Use the next exit and we'll take the neighbor roads to get you onto the back highways.”

I do as I'm told getting out of the heat of the situation before I can be spotted again. He leads me through the run down neighborhoods and down far roads while Drew gives us up to date information on the cops who are running around with their heads cut off because their computer systems are down at the station with no way of knowing where the car escaped too.

“On location,” Madden states. “Triple D, you're gonna need to go in cold.”

“How cold?” Daniel replies.

“Ice.”

“Fuck. I hate running,” he grumbles.

“As many hot dogs as you downed yesterday, I think you're body needs it,” Knox's voice giggles.

“Don't you have cops to be seducing?”

“Done,” she hums back. “Do you need me on location?”

“No,” Madden answers. “Get back to the shop.”

“But-”

“No fucking buts, Knox. I want you safe as fucking possible.”

The moment of honesty from him takes us by surprise.

(Never heard him concerned about her before. Sure we've all seen the subtle ways, but he's never been that vocal. He's always been determined that she can take care of herself. That she's fine. Why isn't she this time? What is it about this situation that makes him have that kind of fear? Huh. Maybe you're right. Maybe he doesn't wanna have to go through what I am.)

“Fine,” she stubbornly answers. “Triple D I'm headed home.”

“Bring her in quiet. We've got enough sirens passing by that we don't need any further attention.”

“Got it.” After a brief pause she says, “Ghost?”

“Yeah?” I answer spotting the start of The Devil's compound in the distance.

“Bring her home.”

“You're damn right I will...” A very long breath comes out of me. “Triple D, stop the scramble.”

“Don't,” Madden argues.

(Why am I not surprised?)

“Stop it.”

“No,” my brother fights. “Don't you fucking dare.”

“Madden-”

He whispers, most likely in movement towards his location to check. “You're not going to jail.”

“If Destin doesn't turn it on, I've got a back up plan for Vinnie to. Why else do you think I wanted Hayli with him?” When Madden doesn't say anything I add, “If I don't turn that on and they don't come to arrest me or The Devil, we're all dead Madden. The Devil will keep hunting and toying with us like zoo projects and The Commissioner knows who I am, so there's no where I can run or hide. Besides, I don't wanna spend my life like that. I wanna say goodbye to my girl and at least end up somewhere that maybe 40 years from now I might get to see her again.” Swallowing the tears I've worked up I repeat, “Stop the scramble.”