Trying to quell her panic, she retrieved it and extended her arm toward the back seat.

“Take it, Kayla. Then remove the batteries from both of your phones. While she does that, Cate, start the car.”

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere safe.”

“For you . . . or for us?”

“You’re quick on the uptake. I like that.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“No, I didn’t. Leave the mall and turn left. Let’s go.”

She glanced in the rearview mirror.

Kayla met her gaze.

The girl’s eyes were filled with fear, shock—and apology.

“I’m sorry, Cate.” Her voice broke.

“This isn’t your fault.” She put the car in gear. “And I’m glad you don’t have to deal with this alone.”

“You were right, Kayla—she’s a true friend. I suppose it’s fitting you go through this experience together.” The man leaned back. “Yes. I do believe this was meant to be. You can rely on each other.”

“For what?” Cate flipped on the blinker, her fingers none too steady.

“For what’s to come.”

“Which is?”

“You’ll see.”

That’s what she was afraid of.

“Why are you doing this?”

Silence.

She checked the rearview mirror again.

Wilson was looking back and forth between her and Kayla—his lips pressed together.

He was done talking.

Fine.

She had thinking and planning to do, and that would require every minute of the drive that was taking them who knew where.

At least he didn’t know she was fully briefed on the drug investigation and was privy to everything happening behind the scenes with law enforcement on this critical day.

All he knew was that Kayla had overheard a confusing conversation—and pulled her friend into her attempts to resolve it.

The question was, what was Wilson’s role in the ring?

If Jackson was the number two man, where was the minister in the hierarchy?

Unless . . .

Sweet mercy!

Was it possible he was the leader?

It seemed crazy—yet he had the perfect cover to run a drug ring. Who would ever suspect someone with his reputation and credentials?

The question was why.

“Toss the first battery onto the road, Kayla.”

At the man’s instruction, her roommate lowered her window and threw one out.

A block later, he repeated the instruction, keeping the gun aimed at Kayla. “Now let’s sit back and enjoy our drive to the country.”

They were leaving the city?

Cate looked at Kayla again in the rearview mirror.

The girl’s eyes were wide and terror-filled.

She could relate.

Whatever the man had in store for them wasn’t going to be pleasant.

She knew something he didn’t, however.

He wasn’t dealing with two naïve teenagers.