“The person you are trying to reach cannot accept calls at this time.”

The voice was cool, friendly…detached. It had also repeated those same grating words to Rito more than twenty times over the last half an hour.

“Damn,” Rito snarled, slamming the phone down on the passenger seat and reaching for the key in the ignition.

Milli’s house was locked and she wasn’t answering her phone. Rito didn’t even know how to contact Madam Ivanovna. And even if she could, what would she tell her? Your daughter sent me the picture of a cat, so I think she might be in mortal danger? She could barely say it in her own head without feeling stupid.

Her phone buzzed and she snatched it up, hoping against hope for Milli’s name to flash up on the screen.

It was Rinisa. Rito growled in frustration, banging a hand against the steering wheel.

“What do you want?”

“That’s not a very nice way to talk to your friends now, is it?” Rinisa’s saccharine voice cooed from the other end of the line.

“We’re not friends. And I’d rather not be talking to you at all.”

“You wouldn’t have to, if you weren’t so tardy about giving me the drugs you stole. I’ve been far too patient with you, Miss Shian. My patience is running out, and if you don’t return to me what’s mine…”

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“You want the Amven samples? Fine. No time like the present, is there? Where do you want to meet?”

A moment of silence, then Rinisa laughed. “Well, that was easier than expected. You’re bucking the Shian trend of unnecessary, self-destructive stubbornness, I see. I’ll text you an address, how’s that?”

“I’ll be there in an hour.”

Rito disconnected the call. A second later, her phone pinged with the arrival of a new message.

She dialed Laihan’s number.

When he picked up, Laihan sounded tired but genuinely pleased to hear from her. She asked about Afreen and the children, about the work they were doing in Weritlan. Thankfully, Rinisa had left them alone after Rito agreed to steal the Amven samples from Jehan. Despite everything, she found herself smiling with relief.

“Listen, Lai. I wouldn’t ask if I had a choice, but...I need you to do me a favor.”

“Anything for you, my dear.”

She sighed. “I’m so sorry to keep dropping these things on you out of nowhere but…a girl’s life is in danger.”

She could hear Laihan suck in a sharp breath, but he said nothing. She closed her eyes and continued. “Can…can you track a phone for me? In Manganic.”

“You’re in Maralana? Oh, of course. The New Year’s gala. How could I forget?”

“Well?”

“Sure. Shouldn’t be a problem. What is this about?”

“I-I’ll tell you when I get back. And Lai? I’m sending you an address. Can you tell me if this phone was anywhere near that place in the last hour or so?”

“Piece of cake. Just give me twenty minutes, okay?”

Rito nodded, then realized that he couldn’t see her. “Thanks Lai. You’re the best.” She swallowed around the lump in her throat.

Laihan chuckled. “I know. Just…” His voice turned serious, losing some of its humor. “Just promise me you’ll be safe, yeah?”