Austin’s POV

I was left with two trucks and a motorcyclist ten minutes later. Alan should be at the house soon. I should get a call from him. When I pulled out my phone to call 911, I got some unexpected news.

“Nine one one, what’s your emergency?” The operator man asked. I checked my mirrors nervously.

“Um, I have three cars that have been following me for the past half hour. I’m a little nervous since they seem to be cars I’ve seen before…” I trailed off. The cars had looked a little familiar…

“Sir, what’s your name?”

“Austin Carlile.” I responded carefully, feeling my pulse pick up. I turned around a restaurant and tried to double back onto the highway. One of the tucks cut me off. They kept me going in a little loop.

They were trying to wear me out.

I grimaced.

“Sir, we’ve already sent cars out for your car. We’ve received another emergency call about your car being chased.” The man explained quickly. I almost slammed on the brakes.

Who could’ve done that?

“Could you explain who did that?” I asked him. The operator paused a moment.

“A man dialed in, saying that he had word of a gang trying to chase you down. One motorcyclist has already been detained and has admitted to chasing you down. Sir, please stay in your car and don’t stop moving.” The operator told me clearly.

“Already done.”

“We have visuals on you sir. Cars will be approaching. We’re going to detain the suspects. I want you to pull into the Italian restaurant on fourth street.” The operator commanded.

“Got it.” I responded right as sirens turned on. The cars trailing me seemed to balk. There was a loud hiss as people started to yell and a car tire was popped. Checking my mirror quickly, I saw K9 units jump out as someone put traffic stop strips to pop the tires of the cars. Tons of officers were instantly breaking into the cars, taking out the men.

I remembered them.

I remembered them all.

It was Storm, Zero, Eagle, the old gang. So that’s who it was.

“Um, sir?” I asked on the phone as I started to pull into the parking lot. I was shaking and had to put my hand son the steering wheel.

“Yes, Mr. Carlile?”

“Who was that man who called it?”

“His name was Ryker. He had a girl in the back. She was holding….a slingshot, I think one of my officers said?” The man trailed off in disbelief. There was more clicks on the end.

“THAT’S MY DAUGHTER!” I yelled in it.

“Sir, calm down! The man also gave us info that a woman was taken captive. Please, do you know this Ryker? We’re concerned on rescuing the woman, but do you need us to search and rescue this child as well?” The man asked quickly. I thought for a moment.

Rae. She was taken.

I knew it had to be Hex.

He was the only one not there.

But Ryker? Rae mentioned him…She said that he had….changed. He wasn’t the old Stryke. He was a new man.

“Sir?” The operator asked. I shook my head.

“That woman is my wife. Please, just rescue her. Ryker is a friend.” I responded softly. The man told me some things, saying an officer was coming to get me and take me to the station to get more information on the gang.

“Mr. Carlile, is there anything else you can tell us about Ryker, your daughter, wife, or the man holding her?” The operator asked. Taking one shaky breath, I heard a car roll up. The sirens were blaring, but I spoke loud enough, angrily enough to be heard over it.

“Hex is his name. Blonde hair, grey eyes.”

“Is that all?”

“Just make sure that he’s dead.”

Notes