Nick's POV
The additional helicopters I rented were late. Every ticking second scraped against my nerves like sandpaper. I couldn't stop pacing inside Reagan's office, my hands clenched into fists, my chest heavy with dread.
"What the hell is taking so long?!" I snapped, slamming my hand on the edge of the desk. "I already paid in full! They should've been here twenty minutes ago!"
My voice echoed in the room, but the only response I got was the sharp click of Vicky's heels. She walked toward me, calm but visibly exhausted, and handed me an energy drink.
"They're on their way, Nick. Stop pacing before you burn a hole through the damn floor," she said, her tone firm. "Sit down, breathe, and conserve your energy. You'll need it in searching for her."
I twisted the cap open, but didn't drink. My jaw locked. "They're so fucking slow when they already know this is an emergency, when they know her life is at stake." My voice cracked at the end.
