Chapter 218 - Foster

"Talia," Nik said. "Can you hear me?"

"TALIA!" Willow screamed.

"She's gone. The line is dark. And we can't risk calling them. That could give away their position."

"That's assuming they cut the call themselves," Striker said. "If they've been found out..." he let his voice trail off.

I wanted to punch him in the face. But I knew he was right. "Nik, get us hooked up with Arkady's handler's supervisor. Now." Anger, fear, and horror dug into my guts. Wrenched and whipped them around. And, as if that weren't enough, it felt like urgency was an acid that drenched everything.

"Dialing him in," she said quickly. "Who's taking lead?"

"I am," I said immediately.

"This is Amber Hershel. How can I help you?"

I stayed silent. Obviously, this wasn't the person we were hoping to talk to.

"Hey Amber. I need to speak to Raymond again, please," Nik said.

"Of course, Ms. Pelaez. Could you verify your access code, please?"

Nik rattled off the string of letters and numbers so