Police officers milled about the park like herds of sheep, snooping around every crevice of the playground and trees. An officer led Casey and Lani over to a picnic table to give their statements, providing as much information as they possibly could.

Casey's face pulsed with pain, but he refused medical treatment. There was no time to focus on such trivial bruises. He needed to get out there and search for Wyatt himself. An inkling told him that the guys who kidnapped him would probably return to New Syracuse.

"Wyatt's not here anymore," Casey snapped. "You're wasting your time searching around here."

"We're trying to get the whole story here, then we'll go from there." The detective combed a hand through his salt and pepper hair, going back over tedious questions they'd already answered. "How many of these gang members were there?"

"Jesus Christ," Casey grouched. "There were two attacking me and two who grabbed Wyatt. That's four. Do I need to spell it out for you?"

Lani gently touched his shoulder. "I just made a post on Facebook and shared it on my other social media as well for people to keep watch for Wyatt. Audrey's done the same thing. Her follower base is much larger than mine. More people should be getting eyes on it."

"Thanks."

"Now, you need to issue a BOLO out of that vehicle I gave you the description of," Lani told the officer. "Be sure to include areas around Crittendale and New Syracuse, just in case they decide to lay low elsewhere."

"Mam, you have to understand-"

Lani raised her hand, as if to silence the older man. "Our mom worked for the New Syracuse Police Department and these guys killed her. Shot her in the head and dumped her body in our bakery's dumpster. You need to realize who you're messing with here."

The officer frowned. "Okay, we'll do what we can. I'll get someone on that BOLO."

"Thank you," Lani said.

The world around Casey faded as he tried to keep his sore eyes open. A glimpse on his phone showed him just how badly they'd injured him.

As the detective gestured for another colleague to stay with them, all Casey could replay in his mind were his little boy's pitiful screams. Casey had been so far away from him, yet so damn close. If only he'd had the strength to run faster and catch up to them. If only they'd been more careful.

"What do we do now?" Casey asked. "Is there some kind of ransom we can pay? Like they did with Mom?"

"Now, we don't let civilians pay ransom demands," the new officer said.

"I don't give a shit what you allow. I'll give them every damn penny to my name if I can get Wyatt back," Casey told him.

"Casey, they're doing what they can," Lani gently explained. "Is there anything else we can do to help with your investigation? Our dad's on his way here now since he just got my messages. Would it be okay if we searched around ourselves? I know the car. If we find it, we can inform your officers."

"It would be dangerous to let y'all do that on your own. Don't worry though, we've got officers out on the streets searching for the vehicle you gave us the description of," the officer replied.

"Then what are we supposed to do?" Casey's restless leg bounced, arms trembling as he crossed them over his chest.

"Have you been looked over by a medic yet?"

"No, I don't need that. What I need is for you to find Wyatt. If not, let us leave and we'll do it ourselves." Venom lurked in his harsh tone as he glowered at the officer. Casey only cared about finding Wyatt. Not what those officers wanted them to do, sit around on their asses.

Soon enough, Mr. Lockhart arrived at the park, escorted by a dark-haired detective and his K9 dog. Upon closer inspection, he reminded Casey of another detective in their hometown.

Words escaped Casey as his father pulled him in a tight embrace. Tears pricked at his eyes before the flood dams poured open. He kept his face buried against his father's chest, sniffling against his overcoat.

"They're gonna kill him like they did mom," Casey whimpered.

"Don't say shit like that." Mr. Lockhart wrapped his arms around him tighter. "We'll bring Wyatt home safely. We won't make the same mistake I did with your mom."

"What if..?" Casey choked on his words. "What do I do?"

"We're gonna work with the police here. You've given them all the information you can so far, right?" Mr. Lockhart asked as he eased away from Casey, letting his son wipe the tears from his reddened cheeks.

"Yeah, Lani even got their plates," Casey replied.

"That's good." Mr. Lockhart nodded. "It's a start."

Nothing consoled Casey. Not even his dad's promises that they'd find Wyatt soon and bring him home. Answering questions for the detectives seemed useless. Casey wanted to be out there searching for his son. Those cops had no idea just who they were dealing with.

While Lani had sent out posts about Wyatt's abduction on social media, Casey had frantically been messaging August and pleading with him to drive to Crittendale County. He'd yet to respond, which only raised his anxiety. Why the hell wasn't he answering?

Soon enough, the detectives let Casey and his family go, warning them to contact the police if they spot the vehicle that took Wyatt. Casey could barely process everything that had happened.

"Let's drive around," Lani suggested. "I know the detectives said they got their own people, but it can't hurt for us to drive around."

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Come on, Casey."

Every step to his car made Casey feel like he'd stumble over his feet. His whole body ached, yet it was his heart that hurt the most. His sweet boy was out there, god knows where, with those reprehensible gang members.

Lani cruised around Crittendale County, even venturing out towards the countryside in hopes of spotting the vehicle that took Wyatt. Casey's gaze remained fixed to the windshield, struggling to focus his rheumy eyes on the land that stretched out before them. Music drifted softly from the speakers, but Casey couldn't even concentrate on the lyrics.

"Maybe we ought to try New Syracuse," Lani suggested as they came upon a sign, indicating the next town was only a mile away. "It's likely they'd take him back home, right?"

"Yeah, maybe." Casey nodded.

"You're keeping check on those social media pages of mine, yeah?" Lani asked him. "Someone might see the vehicle or Wyatt somewhere. I'm hoping that post reaches as many people as possible. There's no way they can avoid that main highway, so someone will have to see them."

"If they actually pay any attention." Casey rested his head against the window, blinking back the tears. A burning sensation welled in his throat as bit back more sobs, chewing on the inside of his lip.

"We're gonna find him," Mr. Lockhart assured him from the backseat. "They can't have gotten too far."

Finally, he received a call from August. Relief flooded through Casey when he hit answer, expecting to hear his familiar voice only to be greeted with what he could only describe as demonic with the modified, scratchy tone.

"If you want to see your boyfriend and son again, you'll follow these instructions."

Trembling, Casey could barely hit the speaker button so his father and Lani would hear their demands. The man's words barely registered through his mind. Casey shrunk back in his seat, one hand gripping tightly to his phone while the other clasped around his safety belt.

How did they get to August? Why couldn't he defend himself against them? Casey never imagined they'd get to him. Despite what August had said about the gang never letting him leave, even when he tried escaping, he assumed they'd want him in their gang. Would they really kill him?

Lani pulled off to the side of the road. Amid their car, silence embraced Casey like the chill of death. They put him in the same position as his father had been. Threatening his boyfriend and son. Forcing him to give in to demands or let them die. Casey always wondered why his dad didn't turn everything over to the police, but now, he understood.

The desire to protect his family dominated all reason. No matter what Casey strategized, only one absurd idea came to mind. It would cost him everything. It might blow up in his face like a cannon of confetti.

"Leave five thousand dollars..." The voice dissolved over Casey's pounding heartbeat. "If you do this, then we'll let them go."

Casey wanted to scream bullshit, but silence held him hostage. That demonic voice echoed in his head as he tried to figure out another plan. They didn't have that kind of money just lying around, nor did they want to waste the rest of their family's income on those wretched gangsters. Not when he knew they wouldn't keep their promise.

They'd kill Wyatt and August after receiving the cash.

Even after the call ended, Casey's heart pounded against his chest. It was like living in a nightmare. The worst had happened. They kidnapped his son and August... Another ransom demand had been made, with much higher stakes.

Lani pulled back onto the main road and headed toward New Syracuse, all while her and their dad brainstormed their plans to turn everything over to the police. Casey's jaw ticked, yet he couldn't bring himself to add anything to the conversation. Nothing the police did would save them.

It didn't matter if they followed the rules. It didn't matter if they handed over the random they wanted. Those gang members would kill his loved ones.

Endless rows of cornfield bypassed Casey's window in a blur. His grip on his phone tightened as he stared straight ahead, preparing to sacrifice everything so long as it meant bringing those he cared about home.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the police station in New Syracuse. Casey squirmed in his seat when Lani parked. He knew his family would be upset with him, but his father would understand. Sometimes you have to do reckless things for those you love.

"Casey? You coming?" Lani asked, cracking her door ajar after climbing out.

Casey shook his head. "I can't." He handed her his phone. "I just need to clear my head. I can't deal with the police anymore."

A sympathetic smile touched her lips. "Alright."

"You mind leaving the keys? It's kinda cold," Casey told her.

"Yeah, sure. We'll be right back."

Anticipation weighed heavily in his heart. Only when Lani and his father's figures disappeared into the colossal police station building did he climb over into the driver's seat and start the ignition, backing out of the space with rapid speed. He wasted no time sparing a glance back as he drove off without them. Casey only hoped they'd forgive him later for abandoning them.

At least they'd be safe in a roomful of cops. Not even the most wicked gang member would dare show up and try to kill them there.

Casey focused on the road ahead of him, not even bothering to stay within the speed limit. There was no more time to waste. Nearly two hours had already passed and Casey knew those gang members could be anywhere by now. He needed backup. He needed someone ruthless to help him get them back.

Dread weighed heavily in his heart as he pulled up to the Wallflower diner and parked. With a sharp intake of breath, Casey braced himself and made his way to the entrance of the restaurant. His heart soared up into his throat when an aroma of bacon and coffee embraced him.

A waitress yanked him from his thoughts as he stood there, pondering over how he should ask for help. What if Emmett no longer had that offer of protection? While Casey didn't trust that man, he knew his only chance at ever living a life free from the Black Vipers would be causing a rift between the two gangs.

"Only one today, sir?" The lady asked, staring as she awaited an answer.

Casey cleared his voice. "Uh, can I speak to an employee? His name's Emmett. He wanted me to meet him here."

That was a blatant lie, but Casey hoped it worked. If Emmett didn't happen to be there, he was royally screwed too. What would he tell Lani and his father if he came back without doing a darn thing?

Blond hair drew his attention as Emmett came out the kitchen door, carrying plates in both his hands. He wore their standard uniform; a lime green button up. Without bothering to explain further to the waitress, Casey marched over to the man as he served his guests. He at least waited until they got their food before Casey grabbed him by the arm.

"The hell?" Emmett wrenched his arm back, bristling as he faced Casey. A mix of emotions swirled in the gangster's eyes as his scowl faded and brow raised an arch.

"I need your help," Casey explained. "Please."

Emmett nodded. "Come on. Follow me."

With hesitant steps, Casey trailed close behind Emmett as he led them through a door marked employees only. It was a simple break room for their works, devoid of anyone at the moment. As Emmett walked further into the room, he revealed another door in the back corner that he unlocked with a key from his ring.

Marijuana wafted in the air, with a tinge of something floral in the air. Darkness greeted Casey before Emmett flipped a light switch on, then closed the door behind them. It startled Casey when it slammed behind them and he took in the vast space around them. The room resembled a small office, with a laptop perched on the desk and a few chairs in front of it.

Emmett went around the desk then perched himself in the swivel chair. He gestured for Casey to take a seat across from him.

"What happened?" Emmett asked.

"They've got my son." Tears welled in Casey's eyes, but he blinked them away. "My boyfriend, August, too. They called me, demanding a ransom like they did to my dad. He paid it and they still killed her. I know if we try to listen to their demands, they'll hurt my family."

"I see. I was afraid something like this might happen." Emmett propped open his drawer, dropping an ashtray in front of them as he lit himself a cigarette. "Want one?"

"No thanks."

"How did they get your boy?" Emmett questioned, lighting his cigarette with a lighter he pulled out from his pocket.

"They kidnapped him at the park in Crittendale County," Casey explained. "Before that, they'd broken into our house but the police arrived just in time."

"Ah, you must've been followed." Emmett took a long drag, then blew a puff of smoke to the air, before continuing. "Gangs don't let up when they've got their target in their sights. Seeing you all run must've been that initiative to finally grab your boy. They like it when ya get squirrely. Makes the hunt more thrilling."

"Yeah, I guess. I need your help to get them back," Casey explained. "You've got that kind of power, right?"

Emmett rolled his lit cigarette between his fingers. "It'll cost you. I can lend you as many of our men to find them, but I can't guarantee their safety. The worst case scenario might be us finding their bodies."

Casey tensed. "I won't let it come to that. Nobody's going to hurt Wyatt or August."

"What if they already have?" Emmett asked. "How long has it been since Wyatt was kidnapped? A few hours? Do you know what can happen within a few hours?"

"I don't think they're dead yet," Casey told him. "They'll wait for a bit. Expecting us to give them money."

"Sex trafficking is a lucrative business, Casey. Especially when it comes to children."

Nausea coiled in Casey's stomach. He couldn't dare let such intrusive ideas get in his head. Just the thought of anyone hurting his little boy brought such murderous rage in his heart.

"If those sick bastards even dare to touch Wyatt, I'll kill them myself."

Emmett reclined back in his chair, blowing a puff of smoke above their heads. "Your little boy doesn't deserve that shit. Can't say I care about your boyfriend, but I don't like when kids get dragged into our messes."

"Then you'll help me?" Hope ignited inside him.

"Yes, but on one condition. You must let me use your bakery to keep some of our funds," Emmett replied. "But you'll also be making more money, which you'll need. I've seen the damage they've done to Mad Batter, but I want to pay to fix it."

Casey couldn't believe what he was about to agree to. His father would be disappointed, but that was something he'd deal with later.

"Okay, that's fine. Just help me rescue them."

"I understand you're scared and in pain, but remember this. You're entering a contract with me, Casey. I expect you to own up to your end of the bargain. No matter the outcome."

Casey nodded. "I know, and I will. Please, just help me."

Emmett reached his hand across the desk for him to shake. "You have yourself a deal. I'll get my men out on the streets immediately. Meanwhile, you and I are going on a ride."

Bounded by a deal with the devil, Casey wondered if he'd made the right decision. No matter how much his fear anchored him down and wished he'd stayed back at the police station, he knew he needed to be proactive this time. Casey wouldn't let those bastards hurt any more of his loved ones. No matter the cost.