Dare to Fall

Chapter LIX

Cayden

I was able to track Hailey, and now I had to make a plan. Noah was my first call; I hoped he'd be on board. He had always been my anchor. Caleb, James, and Logan also offered to help, and I knew I needed all the support I could get to catch Trevor and rescue Hailey and her mom.

Amelia was alone in the hospital with her parents, who were staying the night with her. I wished I could be there to support them, but I had to focus on Hailey. Time was slipping away, and every second felt like an eternity as I drove, following the GPS that guided me to Hailey's last known location. But as I continued down the road, her phone's signal moved farther and farther away. I pressed the gas, desperate to close the distance.

My phone rang, vibrating against the seat. I stole a quick glance at the caller ID. It was Noah. I needed to take the call but couldn't risk looking away from the road. I grabbed the phone, putting it on speaker.

"Hello?" I said, trying to keep my tone steady. "Noah? What's up?"

"It's the gang," he said, his voice tense.

"What gang?" I frowned, confusion clouding my mind.

"Our old gang—the one Nolan's a part of," Noah replied.

"What's going on with them?" I asked, heart racing.

"They're helping Trevor to kill Hailey and her mom," Noah said, his words hanging heavy in the air. "And James isn't coming with us. We haven't seen him since yesterday, and no one has heard from him."

"Forget about him," I snapped, increasing my speed. I didn't care if the speed cameras were flashing—I needed to save Hailey and her mom. I couldn't let Trevor, Nolan, or the old gang lay a hand on them.

"Cayden?" Noah's voice cut through my thoughts.

I quickly grabbed my phone again and turned on my location for Noah to track. "I turned on my location. Grab the guys and start driving. When you arrive at the location, find a spot to hide until I give the signal."

"Alright. Got you, bro. Drive safe!" Noah said before hanging up.

***

I arrived at the location, and a wave of recognition hit me. This was the same abandoned place where my old gang used to meet—a ghost of my past. We'd plotted there before carrying out Nolan's orders.

I parked the car, pulling out my phone and silencing it. The building loomed in front of me, a haunting reminder of what I used to be. I scanned the area, looking for any signs of life. Once I confirmed it was clear, I approached the entrance, keeping my senses sharp.

As I neared the doorway, I spotted a huge, bald guy walking toward me. I quickly looked around, searching for something to distract him. I picked up a loose rock and hurled it toward the opposite side of the building. He took the bait, running off to investigate the sound. I seized the moment and slipped into the building.

Once inside, I moved cautiously, listening intently. The atmosphere felt heavy, thick with dust and the scent of decay. I heard distant voices and followed them, heart pounding in my chest.

"Let's play a little game of death," a voice said, and my blood ran cold. I pressed my back against the wall and peered around the corner. There they were: Hailey, bound to a chair, her mom tied up across from her, with Trevor standing over them, gun in hand.

"Whoever doesn't answer truthfully, the higher chances of you getting killed," Trevor taunted, a sadistic grin plastered on his face. My stomach churned at the sight of Hailey in that position. I couldn't let this continue; I had to act.