“We’re about to have company,” Dare said. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a nondescript sedan eased down the ramp and into the level where they were. Raindrops had pebbled on the car’s surface, evidence that the storm was starting, which should’ve been perfect. Maverick bit out a curse and wondered what the hell was coming at them now.
The car parked nearby, and a single man got out. Maverick peered into the car, but didn’t see anyone else.
“Chen,” Dare said as the man approached. Navy pants, white button-down, short brown hair, the guy’s looks were total Middle America.
“Who?” Maverick asked, heaving an impatient breath. “Dude, we don’t have time for this.”
“Well, you’ll be making it, Mr. Rylan,” the man said, his voice even, neutral, dispassionate.
Maverick’s eyes narrowed. “Do I know you?”
“No,” Dare said on a sigh. “But he knows us. Don’t you, Mr. Chen?”
“Indeed. Dare, good to see you again.” Chen gave a nod.
“Somebody want to explain what the fuck’s going on right now?” Phoenix said.
“Meet the Hard Ink team’s contact,” Dare said, looking over his shoulder at the gathered Ravens. “I met him at the end of their investigation.”
This guy was from the CIA? Well, fuck. This was going to be a pain in the ass, no doubt.
“So, what, did Nick tell you where to find us? Or did you strong-arm that information out of him?” Phoenix asked. Maverick nodded, his gut not yet sure who to be pissed at in all this. Thunder rumbled loud enough for the sound to reach them.
“Nick passed on your message about getting my men out, but we’ve been watching you since the assault on your place last week. Figured it was only a matter of time before you responded.” Chen laced his hands in front of him. The guy didn’t look like he could hurt a flea, but Maverick had a strange feeling that was a façade. He wanted to be underestimated, to be thought little of, and maybe not to be thought of at all.
“And you’re here now, why exactly?” Maverick asked, planting his hands on his hips.
“To ask you to stand down.”
All hell broke loose behind him, and Maverick understood the rage and aggression washing off the other men. He felt it, too.
Chen held up a hand. “Not for good. Temporarily. Hopefully just a few hours.”
Dare crossed his arms, his face set in a deep scowl. “Explain why we should even consider waiting.”
Maverick nearly growled in frustration. “D—”
“Hold on, Maverick.” Dare put a hand to his chest. “We should at least hear him out.”
“Thank you,” Chen said. “You’re going to want to hear this since your intel is already outdated.”
Fucking hell. Mav traded an agitated glance with Dare.
“Welcome to tits up,” Phoenix bit out.
Chen ignored the comment. “The Iron Cross has moved the location of their deal to their headquarters. Everyone will be converging there within the next fifteen to thirty. We’re not sure what’s behind the switch because communication with our agents is limited. If you go charging in now, you risk an all-out gang war and we lose our shot at acquiring the intelligence our investigation needs. An investigation that would be near to your heart, Dare, I should think.”
“Meaning?” Dare asked. A crack of thunder split the awkward silence.
“The Iron Cross hasn’t just picked up the Church Gang’s heroin activities. They’re reviving their human trafficking trade, too. Tonight’s deal is their first sale and our shot at blowing this ring apart. And we have good reason to believe we have what we need to do just that. You strike now, and we lose intel on the players involved and the chance to rescue those women.”
“Fuck,” Maverick bit out. That tugged just as hard as his conscience as it likely did at Dare’s. Especially given that the now-destroyed Church Gang had kidnapped Haven and her best friend, Cora. Anything might’ve happened to those two, women who’d become an important part of the Ravens’ community, if the Hard Ink team hadn’t stumbled upon them during their investigation weeks ago. So this hit too close to home.
“Exactly,” Chen said.
“Where are the women now?” Dare asked.
“Presumably in transport but we don’t know from where,” Chen said. “So here’s what I propose. Wait until I get the signal from my men that they’re clear and have the women, intelligence, and evidence we need. When the club empties out later tonight, you do your thing.”
Maverick’s mind chewed on this new plan, not bothering to wonder how this guy knew their intentions. He was clearly one step ahead of them. Waiting sucked, but if it ensured their own safety and helping a group of innocents, what choice did they have? Though something about this bugged him . . . “Why are you willing to allow us to do anything here?”
Chen turned that too-observant gaze on Mav. “Shared liability. The more someone else does to take them out, the less my shop has to do.”