He put the call on speaker.

Gideon’s voice filled the dark room.

“You should have stayed in your lane, Ryker,” Gideon said.

Ryker’s grip on the phone was tight, his knuckles white in the flashing blue light.

“You put my sister’s kids in danger, Gideon,” Ryker said. His voice was a low, dangerous rumble.

“I secured the future of the Steel family,” Gideon replied. “And right now, you are a wanted kidnapper. The state police are at your gate. Your money is useless.”

“The local authorities are on your payroll,” I said, stepping closer to the phone. “This is an illegal abuse of power, Gideon. The custody paperwork is clear.”

Gideon laughed. The sound was dry and hollow through the speaker.

“Who is going to listen to a suspended lawyer with frozen assets, Tessa?” Gideon asked. “The chief of police signed the warrant himself. Hand over the children, or watch your entire life dissolve.”

Ryker ended the call without another word.

The silence in the room was heavy.

Outside, a siren gave a short, sharp yelp.