4. I'm going in.

Jason's POV

“What the heck was that?” Ryland confronts me as soon as he walks in the room.

"What was what?

“You know what I’m talking about,” He stands in front of me with his arms crossed, “Why was Chris on the ground? That was supposed to be you!"

“Listen Ry,” I sigh, “Chris is a big boy now he can handle himself. He did fine out there, why are you complaining?”

“Yeah, I didn’t even get hit!” Chris tries to defend himself.

“But you could have been.”

“Well he’s not.” I pat him on the back and lead him to the couch, “Just relax dude.”

“Fine, but next time don’t switch places at the last minute.” Ryland mumbles as he leans back as we wait for Chad to come back. We have been waiting for an hour now, and he still isn't here. Where could he be?

"Where the hell is he?" Chris mumbles impatiently.

"Are you sure you saw Chad leave with him in the car?" I ask Ryland.

"I swear I saw them get in the car."

"Them?" I ask.

"Yeah, that girl and Charles got in the back seat." He nods.

"Oh yeah, that girl was waiting for him inside the bar. Chloe." Chris remembers.

"Why was she waiting for him?"

"I think she's a regular escort." He shrugs

"Just that?" I push. Chris’ fidgeting tells us that he is hiding something. "What else?"

"He got called away, something about Mandy." he hesitates on saying the next part, "She called someone and threatened them if they didn't stop calling Charles away."

"She's getting paid to strip in front of him, why would she care if he talked about Mandy?" Ryan questioned.

"I don't know, but she seemed to be two-faced," He shrugs, "When he was around she acts like the usual side bitch. But when he left, she looked like a freaking boss."

"A boss?" What the heck does that mean?

"She looked so tough and scary..." he trails off.

"Like she was going to kill him." I finish saying everyone’s thoughts. Great. Just great.

"I doubt she can do anything though." Chris forces a smile.

Ring. Ring.

That's Chad calling. Maybe he just got lost, that's all.

"Chad! You scared the heck out of me." I shake my head, "Where are you, man?"

"Well, Jason, he can't tell you that right now. He's currently unconscious and won't be able to talk for hours.

"What do you want?" I ask through gritted teeth. It's the bitch who was with Charles. I know it.

"Nothing, I just need to have a quick chat before I hand him over."

"Where?"

"I'll give you the address tomorrow. He will be awake by then."

"You little bitch," I mumble.

"Yes, I know. If you're trying to hurt my feelings, you're doing a bad job." I hear her chuckle. "Oh and maybe I'll give you Charles too," she says before hanging up.

"What happened?" Ry is by my side in a second. "Where is Chad?"

"That bitch has him." I roll up my fingers into a fist. "She said she'll hand him over tomorrow like that's gonna happen." I chuckle.

"Give me the phone." I toss the phone to Chris who begins to trace the number on his laptop.

I sit down on the couch and sigh heavily, leaning back and closing my eyes. What am I going to do? Chad is one of my best friends. I don't think I can handle the thought of something happening to him because of me.

If only we knew there would be a girl there, maybe we'd be more prepared. Chad would be back and Charles would be tied back in the chair.

"Alright, boys, let get started-" Scotty walks in the room with confusion written all over his face, "Where is he? And Chad, what happened?" he asks me.

"There was a problem." I nervously answered.

"What kind of problem? Don't tell me Chad turned against you guys." he begins to raise his voice, "This is your fault. I knew you couldn't trust him."

"He didn't do anything!" I defend, "It's my fault that he isn't here, I didn't know the person Charles was meeting with was a girl."

"You're saying a girl outsmarted you?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know, but I know the girl has both Chad and Charles." I look back at Chris.

"And we know where they are." he stands up with the laptop to show us, "This idiot picked the easiest place." he grins.

"It's a girl. What do you expect?" Scotty laughs.

"Good job, man." Ry pats his back.

I smile evilly and give Chris a pat on the back, "Boys, we have ourselves a bitch to catch."

---

I sit on a bench with my legs crossed and a huge newspaper covering my face. I had to change so I'm now wearing a black suit.

"I hacked into the system, I have eyes on the room," Chris says through the radio.

I casually fix my earpiece and pretend to be reading the newspaper out loud. "What room?"

"Three-hundred-thirty-six on the third floor," he answers immediately.

"I'm going in," Ry informs a few seconds later. I put my shades on and stand up, leaving the newspaper on the bench.

"Let's do this." I walk across the street and make my way to the hotel, quickly taking a glance around to check if anyone is following us. All good.

"Let me get that for you, sir," Ry jogs to get the door. He is dressed like a tourist with the Hawaiian shirt and camera around his neck and that stupid hat he is wearing.

I give him a thankful nod, "Thank you." he nods back and I enter. I casually put my hand in my pocket and casually walk to the elevator. I press the button and as I wait, I look over at the distraction Ry has created.

"What do you mean you can't!?" He yells at the very calm receptionist.

"I'm sorry, sir, you need to calm down or you will have to leave," she responds.

"Leave!? I paid for a week and you're telling me I never paid!?" he shrieks in disbelief. "Money was pulled out of my account and you guys are the only people who could have taken it."

Ding.

The elevator opens and I casually, but quickly, enter and make sure no one else enters. I rush to the third floor and wait for Chris to give me the directions.

"It's on your right." I turn to my right and walk past every door, checking for the number. "You have five minutes.." I found the room, "Starting now." I knock on the door waiting for a response. Nothing.

Lean against the door, I put my hand on the knob, ready to enter. "I'm going in," I say before pushing the door open...