"So-tae told me Emma and June-chan have gone missing," Gantzuke said into the radio. "A scavenger from their group saw them talking to some guy near a van from Babie Pharmaceuticals—the same company Babinew runs."
"Damn it. Limo just told me what Babinew does for fun," he added grimly.
"The same scavenger said that van drove off toward the Jim & Tomson farm," So-tae's voice came through, tight with worry.
"Can you meet me at the Petronas gas station on Route 22? We'll hit that place together."
Gantzuke paused, thinking. If the farm really held cancer medication, then helping So-tae and retrieving the drugs was more than justified.
"I'm on my way."
"See you there." Click—the line went dead.
"Issy, how far is the Petronas station on Route 22?"
"Normally an hour," she replied, already grabbing her keys. "But if the road's clear, I'll get us there in twenty."
"Where are you going, Gantzuke?" Mari came up and grabbed his arm.
"I'm going to help a friend—and maybe, just maybe, bring back the medicine Limo needs."
"Can me and Meenda come too?"
"It's better if you both stay," Gantzuke said gently, resting a hand on her head as she leaned in and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Someone needs to look after Limo and Dr. Sophia. So-tae's group will have backup—we'll be fine."
"Don't worry, Mari," Molly said, zipping up the drone case now that it was fully charged. "I'll make sure he stays safe."
"Be careful, Tiger," Limo said, his voice firm, his eyes sharp. "I'm pretty sure Babinew didn't turn that place into just a warehouse."
"I will. I promise."
Gantzuke checked his watch. The hands pointed to 10:23 PM. It was late, but there was no time to wait for sunrise. Those two girls might not make it through the night. He lowered his wrist and walked over to grab the Barrett M82A1, slinging it over his shoulder.
"Let's move," Issy's voice was calm but urgent. Gantzuke and Molly both nodded.
The three of them stepped through the door into the night, the cold wind howling like the cry of some invisible beast. It sent a chill down Limo's spine. He should've dealt with Babinew long ago—back when he first began to suspect the man of abducting people. But he'd left it to the police, thinking it wasn't his place.
Now, all he could do was hope—and trust this strange, unlikely alliance between Gantzuke and the quiet, determined So-tae.
Good luck, Tiger, Limo thought as he watched the trio climb into the vehicle and drive off into the shadows.