Natalie drove Julian straight to Nantown Road, her hands steady on the wheel despite the tense atmosphere in the car.
On the way, Julian pulled out his phone and called Mike. The moment the call connected, he skipped any pleasantries and got straight to the point. "Mike, I've run into some trouble and need your help."
Julian was certain that whoever was behind this had already set a trap for him. Asking Mike for backup was a precaution he couldn't afford to skip.
Mike's voice came through the line, steady but tinged with concern. "What happened?"
"My mom's been kidnapped," Julian said grimly.
"What?" Mike's shock was evident, and his tone grew sharper. "Where is she?"
"In the abandoned building on Nantown Road," Julian explained urgently. "The kidnappers told me to get there within f
